The Undercover Adventist

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Faithfulness: Standing Firm

Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 8 - Sunday

Standing Firm in Faithfulness

Scripture Reading:
Numbers 13:6, 30–32; Joshua 14:6, 14

Reflection:
Caleb, from the tribe of Judah, was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the Promised Land. Alongside Joshua, he stood out as a man of unwavering faith and courage. While the other spies returned filled with fear, spreading discouragement among the Israelites, Caleb “quieted the people before Moses” and declared with confidence, “Let us go up at once and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it” (Num. 13:30).

Caleb’s place among the people of Israel was not one of leadership through position but through conviction. His faithfulness was proven when he stood firm against the tide of unbelief. Though the crowd threatened him with death (Num. 14:6–10), he refused to compromise his faith. Caleb’s courage was not rooted in self-confidence but in his trust in the promises of God. The Lord later honored him for his steadfastness, saying that Caleb “followed [Him] wholeheartedly” (Num. 32:12), and he lived to inherit the land he had once seen with eyes of faith (Josh. 14:14).

Caleb teaches us that faithfulness sometimes means standing alone. When everyone else doubts, faith calls us to hold fast to God’s Word. It takes courage to speak truth when it is unpopular, but as Caleb’s life shows, faithfulness is always rewarded by God’s presence and favor.

When we face moments where the majority’s voice contradicts our convictions, we must remember who we serve. Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Galatians 1:10 asks, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?... If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Even when we stand alone, we are never truly alone, for the Lord stands with those who are faithful (2 Tim. 4:17).

Faithfulness is not proven in comfort but in conflict. Like Caleb, we are called to hold on to what is right, to speak truth in love, and to trust that God honors those who remain steadfast in His promises.

Reflection Question:
What helps you remain faithful to your convictions when the pressure to conform feels overwhelming?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the example of Caleb, who trusted You fully even when others did not. Help me to be faithful and courageous when I face opposition or fear. Give me strength to stand firm in Your truth, and remind me that Your promises are sure even when circumstances seem uncertain. May my heart, like Caleb’s, follow You wholeheartedly every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More: Giants of Faith: Joshua and Caleb

- Sabbath School Lesson 8 - The Lessons of Faith from Joshua

Sabbath School Lesson 8: Giants of Faith - Joshua and Caleb

Lessons of Faith from Joshua

Sabbath School Lesson 8

Giants of Faith: Joshua and Caleb

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

Seeking First the Kingdom of God

Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 7 - Friday: Afterthought

Seeking First the Kingdom of God

To seek first the kingdom of God means giving God the first place in our hearts, decisions, and priorities. It means allowing His will to shape our goals and His righteousness to guide our behavior. Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). When we live by this principle, we learn to trust God’s timing and provision rather than worry about our own needs. Our focus shifts from building our own comfort to advancing His purpose in our lives and in the world around us.

Joshua’s life is a strong example of what it means to live this way. Before leading Israel into the Promised Land, Joshua continually sought God’s presence and direction. When he faced challenges—from crossing the Jordan to conquering Jericho—he waited on the Lord’s instruction before taking action (Joshua 1:7–9; 3:7–8; 6:2–5). Even after the victories, Joshua didn’t seek personal glory or comfort; instead, he stayed near the tabernacle at Shiloh, close to the place of worship (Joshua 18:1). His heart was anchored in God’s presence, not in possessions or power. Because of this, his leadership was marked by courage, wisdom, and success.

In daily life, seeking first the kingdom means beginning each day with prayer and Scripture, inviting God to lead our thoughts and choices. It may mean choosing integrity over convenience, compassion over self-interest, or faith over fear. As we learn to align our lives with His Word, we find that everything else—peace, purpose, and provision—falls into place according to His will (Proverbs 3:5–6; Philippians 4:6–7).

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that Your kingdom must come first. Help me to keep my eyes on You and not be distracted by the worries or ambitions of this world. Teach me to live with the same faith and obedience that Joshua showed, trusting Your Word and following Your lead each day. May Your kingdom grow in my heart and shine through my actions, so that others may see You in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Longing for His Presence: Gathered at His Throne

Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 7 - Thursday: Longing for His Presence

Longing for His Presence

Read Joshua 18:1–2.

When Joshua paused the allotment of the land, it was for a sacred reason: to gather the tribes before the Lord at Shiloh, where the tabernacle—the symbol of God’s presence—was set up. Before settling into their inheritance, Israel needed to draw near to God, to seek His guidance, and to be reminded that the land was not just a possession but a gift from His hand. Their success was never merely about territory; it was about relationship and worship. In calling the tribes together, Joshua demonstrated a truth still vital today: every step forward in life must begin in the presence of God.

As Christians, we do not have an earthly sanctuary containing the physical presence of God. Yet our hope is not less real—indeed, it is greater. Hebrews tells us that Jesus has entered a better sanctuary for us, “as a forerunner” (Hebrews 6:19–20). He did not enter with the blood of animals but with His own perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11–12). Because of His ministry, we have “boldness to enter the Holiest” by His blood (Hebrews 10:19–23). The longing Israel felt as they gathered around the tabernacle is the same longing God invites us to bring before Him—except we now approach through a living Savior in a heavenly sanctuary.

Joshua teaches us not to rush into our inheritance—our blessings, our plans, our work—without pausing to seek the One who gives them. Israel gathered at Shiloh; we gather at the throne of grace. Their sanctuary was made with hands; ours is eternal. They saw the cloud and the fire; we cling to the hope anchored in Christ beyond the veil.

And yet, our longing is not fully satisfied. We still journey. We still wait. But the day is coming when longing will give way to seeing, when faith will become sight, and when Christ Himself will dwell among His people. On that day, no temple will be needed, “for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Revelation 21:22). Until then, we enter His presence by faith, draw near with confidence, and fix our hearts on the hope set before us.

Final Prayer
Lord, thank You that through Christ we can draw near to Your presence with confidence and hope. Teach us to pause before You, like Israel at Shiloh, seeking Your guidance before we move ahead in life. Anchor our hearts in Jesus, our High Priest and our hope. And stir in us a longing for the day when You will dwell among us forever and no sanctuary will be needed again. Until then, keep us faithful, worshipful, and near to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written on Stones: Engraved in the Heart

Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 7 - Wednesday: Written on Stones

Written on Stones: Engraved in the Heart

Read: Joshua 8:32–35

After Israel’s victory at Ai, Joshua did something surprising. Instead of immediately pressing forward militarily, he paused to build an altar and write the law of Moses upon stones for all to see. Then he gathered the entire nation—men, women, children, and foreigners—with him—to hear the blessings and the curses of the covenant read aloud.

In the shadow of battle and conquest, God’s Word took center stage.

Why was this public act so important? Joshua understood that victory didn’t come from swords or strategy—it came from God’s faithfulness and Israel’s obedience. Writing the covenant on stones made the relationship permanent, visible, and unforgettable. Israel needed a tangible reminder that their success was rooted in God’s promises and their faithfulness to His ways.

Scripture often warns us about forgetfulness:
“Take care lest you forget the LORD…” (Deut. 6:12).
“Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth’” (Deut. 8:14).
God knew the human heart. He knew how easily prosperity can produce spiritual amnesia.

So the law was written not on parchment tucked away but on stones, a monument meant to confront daily life. Visible. Public. Unmoving.

Israel needed reminders—and so do we.

The Danger of a Busy Life

How easy do we find it, in the rush and hubbub of life, to forget the Lord and start leaning on our own strength? Very easy. We hurry through deadlines, bills, family schedules, notifications, endless responsibilities—and suddenly prayer becomes optional, Scripture reading becomes rushed, and dependence on God becomes an afterthought.

We begin to operate as though our wisdom and our effort are the true sources of success. Not intentionally—just gradually. Life’s noise pushes the sacred to the margins unless we are deliberate.

Why We Forget Most When Things Go Well

Ironically, we are most vulnerable after a victory.
When problems overwhelm us, we run to God. But when life feels steady and comfortable, we subtly shift into self-reliance. Comfort breeds complacency. Success whispers, “You’ve got this.”

That’s why God anchored His covenant in stone.
Not because He feared failure during the battles—but forgetfulness after them.

And just as Israel needed stones at Shechem, we need our own reminders today:

Scripture placed where our eyes fall each morning
Worship woven into our weekly rhythm
Prayer marking the beginning and end of our days
Community that keeps us accountable
A heart that pauses to say, “Lord, I need You today as much as I did yesterday.”

God’s law written on stone calls us to let His truth be written on our hearts (Jer. 31:33). It invites us to remember daily: our strength is not enough—but His grace always is.

Prayer

Father, thank You for being a God who never forgets Your covenant with us. Teach us to remember You in every season—both in hardship and in blessing. Guard us from pride, from self-reliance, and from the distractions that draw our hearts away. Write Your Word on our hearts as Joshua wrote it on stone. Help us to walk in obedience, dependence, and gratitude every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.