Joshua and Us: Claiming the Inheritance God Has Given

  Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 10 -  Thursday

Joshua and Us

Joshua’s story is far more than ancient history—it is a divinely designed picture of the Christian journey. Joshua, as a type, points beyond himself to Jesus Christ, the true Captain of our salvation, and beyond Christ’s earthly ministry to His ongoing work within the church, His body. As Joshua led Israel into a promised inheritance, Jesus leads His people into the fullness of salvation and the victory of a Spirit-transformed life.

The Battles Then—and Now

The wars Israel fought under Joshua foreshadow the spiritual struggles believers face today. But they are not the same.

Israel fought physical enemies with swords, shields, and strategies. The church fights spiritual enemies—temptations, false teachings, discouragement, doubt, pride, fear, and the spiritual forces of evil. Paul reminds Timothy to “wage the good warfare” (1 Tim. 1:18) and later testifies, “I have fought the good fight” (2 Tim. 4:7). This “fight” is not with people but against spiritual powers (Eph. 6:10–12). Our weapons “are not carnal but mighty in God” for breaking down strongholds (2 Cor. 10:3–5).

Israel conquered Canaan by trusting God’s promises and acting in obedience. The church conquers by leaning on God’s Word, relying on His Spirit, and standing firm in Christ’s strength (Acts 20:32). Joshua’s warfare prepared the way for Israel’s earthly home. Our warfare prepares us for an eternal inheritance.

The Greater Fulfillment of the Joshua Pattern

The New Testament points us to a far better and lasting inheritance—one that Joshua could only hint at.

Believers receive “an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven” (1 Pet. 1:4). Christ will reward His faithful people with the “inheritance from the Lord” (Col. 3:24). The final conflict between good and evil, prefigured by Joshua’s battles, peaks when God’s people are surrounded yet protected by His presence (Rev. 20:9). And the final fulfillment comes when God dwells with us eternally in the new creation (Rev. 21:3).

Joshua gave Israel rest in the land, but Jesus leads His church into the ultimate rest—life in God’s restored kingdom.

“How Long Will You Wait?”—Joshua’s Question for Today

Joshua challenged Israel: “How long will you neglect to go and possess the land?” (Josh. 18:3). They had been given the promise, the land was before them, yet hesitation and spiritual lethargy kept them from entering fully into what God had already granted.

If Jesus, the greater Joshua, asked us this question today, it might sound like this:

“My child, how long will you wait to step into the life I have already made yours? How long will you delay embracing My victory, My freedom, My calling, and My promises?”

Sometimes we settle for spiritual survival when God is calling us into spiritual abundance. Sometimes we hold back—not because the land isn’t ready, but because we aren’t ready to trust Him fully.

Let Jesus’ question stir you to faith: the inheritance is already given; the victory is already won; the grace is already available. Step forward.

Prayer

Father, thank You for giving us Jesus, our true Joshua—the One who leads, protects, strengthens, and fights for us. Teach us to stand firm in Your strength and to engage faithfully in the spiritual battles before us. Help us not to delay entering into the fullness of the life You have promised. Give us courage to claim Your promises, confidence to trust Your Word, and hope as we journey toward our eternal inheritance. Keep us faithful until the day when You dwell with us forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The True Joshua, the Antitype: Christ, Our Eternal Rest-Giver

 Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 10 -  Wednesday

The True Joshua, the Antitype

Hebrews 3:7–4:11

The New Testament repeatedly shows that Joshua—Moses’ successor and the leader who brought Israel into the Promised Land—was more than a historical figure. He was a type, a divinely chosen preview, of Jesus Christ Himself. Moses led God’s people out of bondage, but Joshua led them into their inheritance. In this way, Joshua stands as a foreshadowing of a greater Savior, a greater Captain, and a greater Rest-Giver.

Hebrews 3 and 4 make this point unmistakable. The writer contrasts two “rests”: the temporary rest Joshua gave Israel when they entered Canaan, and the deeper, spiritual rest Christ gives to all who believe. Hebrews 4:8 states, “For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.” In other words, Joshua’s conquest pointed forward. His work was real, but it was not final. It prepared the mind of Israel to recognize a coming Deliverer who would bring them into a rest far greater than a geographical inheritance.

Joshua could lead the people into the land, but Jesus, the true Joshua (the names are the same in Hebrew—Yehoshua), leads God’s people into salvation, victory over sin, and eternal life. Joshua conquered earthly enemies; Jesus conquered Satan, sin, death, and the grave. Joshua divided the land; Jesus gives His people the blessings of the new covenant. Joshua brought Israel into a temporary rest; Jesus brings His people into the eternal rest of God.

Hebrews 3:7–4:11 urges believers not to repeat Israel’s mistake of hardening their hearts. Instead, we are invited into a rest that is complete, sufficient, and purchased by Christ Himself. This rest is not inactivity—it is confidence, trust, and settled assurance that the victory has already been won by Another.

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What Does It Mean to “Rest” in What Christ Has Done for Us?

Resting in Christ means placing the full weight of your confidence—not on what you can do—but on what Christ has already done. It is the end of striving for acceptance and the beginning of life lived in assurance. When Hebrews speaks of God’s rest, it refers to the heart finally learning to stop carrying burdens Christ has already borne.

Rest means:

1. Trusting Christ’s finished work.
Jesus lived the perfect life we could not live and died the death we deserved. Rest comes when we accept that His righteousness is enough and His sacrifice is complete. We do not add to it; we simply believe it.

2. Living with assurance, not anxiety.
Rest is the opposite of spiritual insecurity. It is knowing that our salvation does not depend on our fluctuating feelings or unstable performance. Because Christ's work is finished, our peace can be firm.

3. Confidence in His victory over Satan.
Hebrews and the Gospels make it clear that Jesus defeated Satan through His obedience, His cross, and His resurrection. When we are in Christ, His victory becomes our victory. We do not fight to win spiritual battles—we fight from the victory He has already secured.

How can we have assurance that Jesus has defeated Satan on our behalf?
We have assurance because:

• Scripture declares it. Jesus said, “Now the ruler of this world will be cast out” (John 12:31). Hebrews says He destroyed “him who had the power of death—that is, the devil” (Heb. 2:14).

• The empty tomb proves it. Death is Satan’s weapon. Christ rose, disarming him forever.

• The Holy Spirit witnesses to it. The Spirit applies Christ’s victory to our hearts, giving us peace, boldness, and the freedom that comes from forgiveness.

• Our lives testify to it. Every temptation resisted through Christ’s strength, every sin forgiven, every fear turned to hope is evidence that Satan’s dominance is broken.

We rest because Jesus has already fought the decisive battle—and won it. Our role is to trust, to follow, and to stand firm in His triumph.

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Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are the true and greater Joshua—the One who leads us into the promised rest of salvation. Thank You for finishing the work we could never complete and for defeating Satan on our behalf. Teach us to rest in Your strength, not our own. Calm our anxious hearts and fill us with confidence in Your victory. Help us to trust fully in Your grace, walk in Your peace, and live each day in the assurance that You have already overcome the world. Lead us faithfully into Your eternal rest. In Your mighty name, Amen.

Joshua, the Type: Lessons from Moses and Joshua

 Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 10 -  Tuesday

Joshua, the Type: Lessons from Moses and Joshua

In biblical typology, Joshua serves as a type of Christ, and the parallelism between Moses and Joshua highlights God’s unfolding plan for His people. Both leaders were called through a personal encounter with God (Exod. 3:1–2; Josh. 1:1–3), demonstrating that divine commissioning is rooted in a direct relationship with the Lord. Moses sent spies into Canaan (Num. 13:1–2), and Joshua followed with his own mission (Josh. 2:1). Both were instructed to approach God on holy ground (Exod. 3:5; Josh. 5:15), emphasizing reverence and obedience.

Just as Moses was commissioned by a personal encounter with God, so was Joshua. Under their leadership, Israel became known among the nations, inspiring both fear and respect. Moses led Israel through the Red Sea, and Joshua led them across the Jordan, both miracles confirming God’s power. The importance of circumcision and the Passover was reaffirmed under both leaders. Manna sustained Israel during Moses’ time and ceased during Joshua’s. Both were commanded to remove their sandals in the presence of God, and the outstretched hand of each signaled Israel’s victory. Moses gave instructions for dividing the land and establishing cities of refuge; Joshua faithfully fulfilled them. Each concluded his ministry with a farewell address, renewing the covenant with God’s people.

Moses also foretold a prophet like himself (Deut. 18:15–19), a prophecy fulfilled ultimately in Jesus Christ (John 1:21; Acts 3:22–26; Acts 7:37). While Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land physically, he points forward typologically to Christ, who leads believers into the spiritual Promised Land—eternal life and victory over sin. Joshua’s ministry shows us the importance of obedience, trust, and faithfulness, all fulfilled perfectly in Jesus.

Reflection for Today:
Jesus must be the foundation of your Christian walk. Like Israel following Moses and Joshua, our spiritual journey requires a leader we trust completely. Without Jesus, we cannot claim victory over sin, nor enter the fullness of God’s promises. Centering our lives on Him ensures every decision, every step, and every challenge aligns with God’s plan.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for sending leaders like Moses and Joshua to guide Your people, and most of all for sending Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King. Help me to trust in Him fully, follow His guidance daily, and build my life upon His finished work. May I experience victory, peace, and the fullness of Your promises through Christ alone. Amen.

Type and Antitype: Old Testament Shadows, New Testament Reality

 Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 10 -  Monday

Old Testament Types and Their Fulfillment

God often used people, events, and places in the Old Testament as types—patterns that point to greater spiritual truths fulfilled in Christ, His church, and the ultimate end of time. Three major examples are Israel, the Exodus, and the sanctuary. Each has a journey of fulfillment in three phases: Christological (in Christ), Ecclesiological (in the church), and Eschatological (in the final consummation).

This matters to Christians because biblical types show God’s consistent plan of salvation, helping us see how Christ, the church, and the end times are all part of His purpose. Understanding typology strengthens our faith, encourages obedience, and gives hope that God’s promises will be fully fulfilled.

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1. Israel

• Christological Phase (Matt. 2:15): Just as Israel was called out of Egypt, Jesus’ early life mirrored this journey. He fulfills the role of the true Israel, living in obedience to God where Israel sometimes failed.

• Ecclesiological Phase (Gal. 6:16): God’s people today—the church—continue Israel’s mission spiritually, carrying God’s covenant and reflecting His character.

• Eschatological Phase (Rev. 7:4–8, 14): In the end, God will gather His faithful from all nations, fulfilling the promise of a holy, redeemed people as He once did with Israel.

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2. The Exodus

• Christological Phase (Matt. 2:19–21): God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt; Christ delivers humanity from sin and death. Just as Israel left Egypt, Jesus leads us into freedom through His life, death, and resurrection.

• Ecclesiological Phase (2 Cor. 6:17): Believers today are called to separate from sin and the world, living holy lives as God’s people. The church continues the Exodus spiritually.

• Eschatological Phase (Rev. 18:4): Ultimately, God will rescue His people from the world’s corruption, bringing them to eternal safety, completing the Exodus once and for all.

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3. The Sanctuary

• Christological Phase (John 1:14; John 2:21; Matt. 26:61): The sanctuary pointed to Jesus. God dwelt among His people through Christ, and His sacrifice fulfills the sanctuary’s sacrificial system.

• Ecclesiological Phase (1 Cor. 3:16–17; 2 Cor. 6:16): The church is now God’s dwelling place. Just as the sanctuary was holy, God lives in His people through the Holy Spirit.

• Eschatological Phase (Rev. 3:12; Rev. 11:19; Rev. 21:3, 22): In the new creation, God will dwell with humanity fully. The ultimate sanctuary is not a building, but God with His people for eternity.

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Reflection

When you struggle to understand a passage, remember that it’s normal—Scripture can be deep and complex. Start by reading it slowly, looking at the context, and comparing it with other verses on the same topic. Using study tools like commentaries, Bible dictionaries, or trusted translations can clarify difficult points. Most importantly, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding, trusting that God will reveal His truth in His timing.

Old Testament types like Israel, the Exodus, and the sanctuary show us God’s plan across history. They teach us that God’s work in Christ, His church, and the end times is connected. What begins in the past finds ultimate fulfillment in Him, reminding us to trust His plan and live faithfully in the present.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for showing us Your plan through the stories and symbols of the Old Testament. Help us to see Christ in every type, live as Your holy people today, and look forward with hope to the day You will make all things new. Amen.

Understanding Biblical Typology through David

 Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 10 -  Sunday

Understanding Biblical Typology through David

Scripture References on Typology:

• Romans 5:14 – “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the transgression of Adam…” Here, Paul identifies Adam as a type of Christ, illustrating how a person or event in the Old Testament foreshadows greater fulfillment in the New.

• 1 Corinthians 10:1–13 – Paul reminds the Corinthians that the experiences of Israel in the wilderness were written as examples (types) for us, warning us to avoid their sins. Typology teaches moral and spiritual lessons through historical precedent.

• Hebrews 8:5 – The earthly tabernacle and priestly service are described as a copy and shadow of the heavenly reality. God used these visible patterns to reveal deeper spiritual truths.

• Hebrews 9:23 – The Old Testament sacrifices were symbolic, pointing toward the ultimate reality in Christ. Types often serve as visual or historical foreshadowing of God’s redemptive plan.

Defining Biblical Typology:
Biblical typology is the study of figures, events, or institutions in the Old Testament that prefigure or foreshadow their ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament. A type is the original pattern, while the antitype is the reality that fulfills it in Christ or God’s ultimate plan. Through typology, Scripture connects God’s redemptive story across generations.

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David as a Biblical Type

a. David in the Old Testament:

• Psalm 22:1, 14–18: David experiences deep suffering and feels abandoned by God, yet he expresses unwavering trust in Him. His life includes moments of triumph, betrayal, and anguish, making him a complex figure of human struggle.

• Lesson: David’s life shows how God’s anointed can suffer yet remain faithful, serving as a mirror for Christ’s ultimate suffering.

b. The New David (Prophetic Fulfillment):

• Jeremiah 23:5; Isaiah 9:5–6; Isaiah 11:1–5: God promises a future Davidic King who will reign in righteousness and justice. This “new David” is the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who fulfills the promises made to David, bringing peace, justice, and salvation.

• Lesson: Typology bridges history and prophecy. David’s life anticipates the spiritual and kingly role fulfilled by Christ, illustrating God’s unfolding plan.

c. The Antitypical David:

• John 19:24: At the crucifixion, Jesus experiences suffering that echoes David’s laments in the Psalms, even as His victory brings eternal redemption. Here, Jesus becomes the antitype—the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic pattern.

• Lesson: The antitypical David shows how Old Testament types gain their full meaning in Christ, teaching us about God’s consistency and faithfulness across time.

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Reflection and Application

Biblical typology invites us to see God’s hand in history and Scripture. David’s life shows the pattern of human struggle, divine promise, and ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Just as David’s experiences prefigure Christ’s life, suffering, and victory, we can trust that God’s plans in our lives are purposeful and redemptive, even when we cannot fully see them.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for revealing Your plan through the lives of Your faithful servants. Help me to see Your hand in the Scriptures and trust in the ultimate fulfillment of Your promises in Christ. May I learn from the examples of those who came before and live in a way that honors You, knowing that You are faithful to fulfill Your Word. Amen.