The Undercover Adventist: 2025

Sunday, December 28, 2025

The Churches of Philippi and Colossae: Paul’s Vision for a Healthy Church

Uniting Heaven and Earth

Christ in Philippians and Colossians

Lesson 1 - Thursday

The Churches of Philippi and Colossae

When we open Paul’s letters to the churches in Philippi and Colossae, we are given more than warm greetings—we are given a vision of how Christ-centered communities are formed, described, and sustained. In Philippians 1:1–3 and Colossians 1:1–2, Paul offers a concise yet profound depiction of what the church is meant to be and how it is meant to function for the glory of God and the spread of the gospel.

Paul addresses the believers in Philippi as “all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons” (Phil. 1:1). In Colossians, he writes “to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colossae” (Col. 1:2). In both letters, the first and most important description is the same: saints in Christ. Before titles, offices, or responsibilities are mentioned, Paul grounds the identity of the church in Christ Himself. The believers are not saints because of moral perfection or spiritual achievement, but because they belong to Christ. This depiction reminds us that the church is first a spiritual body, defined by its relationship with Jesus, not by its organizational complexity or cultural influence.

The significance of this language cannot be overstated. Paul does not reserve the word saints for leaders alone; he applies it to the entire community of believers. This affirms that every member of the church shares equal standing before God. While roles may differ, worth does not. Leadership exists to serve the body, not to overshadow it. By naming the bishops and deacons in Philippi, Paul acknowledges church structure, yet he places them alongside the saints, not above them. Authority in the church is meant to be functional, not hierarchical in value.

Paul also models how a church can be effectively structured to meet needs and advance the gospel. In Philippi, the mention of bishops (overseers) and deacons suggests an organized leadership framework designed to provide spiritual oversight and practical care. This structure did not exist for control, but for service—ensuring that teaching was sound, needs were met, and the mission of the gospel continued unhindered. In Colossae, though specific offices are not named in the greeting, Paul’s emphasis on “faithful brethren” highlights a community marked by reliability, spiritual maturity, and commitment to Christ.

What stands out is how naturally structure and relationship work together in Paul’s vision of the church. Leadership is essential, but it is never disconnected from love, gratitude, and shared mission. Paul expresses thankfulness for the believers themselves, not merely for their efficiency or success. In Philippians 1:3, he writes, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” His gratitude flows from relationship, not results. This teaches us that effective churches are built not only on sound organization, but on genuine care for people.

Paul’s greetings also show us that church members are indispensable to the life and witness of the church. The spread of the gospel in Philippi and Colossae did not rest on Paul alone or even on local leaders alone. It depended on faithful believers living out their identity in Christ where they were planted. Each saint, whether leading or serving quietly, contributed to the health and mission of the church. Paul’s language affirms that every believer matters, every act of faithfulness counts, and every member plays a role in God’s redemptive work.

For us today, these passages call us to rethink how we view the church. The church is not a building, a brand, or a small group of leaders—it is a body of saints in Christ, working together in love and purpose. Structure is important, leadership is necessary, but both exist to equip and uplift the whole body. When churches honor both leaders and members as valuable servants of Christ, they become powerful instruments for meeting needs and spreading the gospel.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of the church and for calling us saints in Christ Jesus. Help us to see ourselves and one another through Your eyes, valuing every member of the body. Teach us to build churches that are rooted in Christ, guided by loving leadership, and strengthened by faithful believers. May our structures serve Your mission, and may our hearts reflect Your grace. Use us, together, to meet needs, to proclaim the gospel, and to bring glory to Your name.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Paul and Colossae: The Gospel That Changes Relationships

Uniting Heaven and Earth

Christ in Philippians and Colossians

Lesson 1 - Wednesday

Paul and Colossae: The Gospel That Changes Relationships

Colossae was not one of the great metropolitan centers of the ancient world, yet it became a place where the transforming power of the gospel was clearly displayed. Its story is closely tied to Ephesus, one of the most strategic cities in the Roman province of Asia. Acts tells us that Paul spent an extended period in Ephesus, teaching daily and reasoning persuasively about Christ. As a result, “all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:10). From Ephesus, the gospel radiated outward along trade routes and personal networks, reaching cities like Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. Colossae did not need Paul’s physical presence to be deeply shaped by his ministry; the message of Christ arrived through faithful believers who carried it home.

One of those believers was Epaphras. Scripture strongly suggests that Epaphras became a Christian through Paul’s ministry, likely during those Ephesian years. Paul later calls him a “faithful minister of Christ” and acknowledges that he labored earnestly for the believers in Colossae. Epaphras did not merely accept the gospel for himself; he became a shepherd to others, helping establish and nurture the Colossian church. This reminds us that God often uses ordinary people, faithfully taught, to do extraordinary work far beyond the original place of their conversion.

Another important figure connected to Colossae is Philemon. Though Paul writes to him personally, the letter to Philemon is deeply connected to the Colossian church. Philemon was most likely converted at Colossae and hosted a house church there. His faith was known for love and generosity, yet God placed before him a situation that tested how deeply the gospel had reshaped his values and relationships.

That situation centered on Onesimus, a runaway slave who had somehow encountered Paul and been converted to Christ. In his letter, Paul appeals to Philemon with remarkable tenderness and wisdom. In Philemon 15–16, Paul suggests that Onesimus’ separation may have served a greater purpose: that Philemon might receive him back “forever,” no longer merely as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ. Colossians 4:9 reinforces this transformation by referring to Onesimus as “a faithful and beloved brother,” placing him on equal spiritual footing with other believers.

Paul gently urges Philemon to pursue reconciliation, forgiveness, and a radically new way of relating to Onesimus. He does not command Philemon outright, though he could have; instead, he appeals to love, conscience, and the shared lordship of Christ. Paul’s approach shows that the gospel works from the inside out. It changes hearts first, then reshapes social structures through transformed relationships.

This raises an honest and difficult question for modern readers. We rightly detest slavery in any form and may wish that Paul had openly condemned the institution. How do we come to terms with what Paul says here? Part of the answer lies in recognizing the historical context. Slavery was deeply embedded in the Roman world, woven into its economy and legal system. A direct call for immediate abolition would likely have been impossible to implement and could have endangered the fragile Christian communities.

Yet Paul does something more profound and ultimately more subversive. By insisting that a slave and a master are brothers in Christ, he undermines the moral foundation of slavery itself. If Onesimus is truly Philemon’s brother, equal before the cross, then the logic of ownership collapses. Christianity planted seeds that would, over time, make slavery morally indefensible.

This long arc becomes even more striking when we consider later Christian history. During slavery in the United States, Ellen G. White specifically instructed Adventists to defy laws that required the return of escaped slaves. In doing so, she recognized that when human laws directly contradict God’s law of love and justice, believers must obey God rather than people. This reflects the same gospel principle found in Paul’s letter: human systems must yield to the higher claims of Christ’s kingdom.

Paul and Colossae remind us that the gospel does not merely change beliefs; it changes how we treat one another. It calls us to see people not through social categories, power structures, or legal definitions, but through the lens of Christ’s redeeming love. Where the gospel truly takes root, reconciliation replaces resentment, brotherhood replaces hierarchy, and love reshapes what once seemed immovable.

Prayer

Gracious Father,
Thank You for the gospel that reached places like Colossae and hearts like Epaphras, Philemon, and Onesimus. Thank You that Your love breaks down barriers and transforms relationships. Help us to see others as You see them—redeemed, valued, and beloved in Christ. Give us wisdom to live faithfully in our own time, courage to stand for justice, and hearts willing to forgive and reconcile. May the power of Your Spirit shape our lives so that the world can see the reality of Your kingdom through us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Paul in Philippi: From a Vision to a Household of Faith

Uniting Heaven and Earth

Christ in Philippians and Colossians

Lesson 1 - Tuesday

Paul in Philippi

Paul’s arrival in Philippi was not accidental. It was the result of divine direction. In Acts 16, Paul experienced a vision in the night of a man from Macedonia pleading, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Though Paul had plans of his own, this vision redirected his path. Scripture tells us that he and his companions concluded that God had called them to preach the gospel there. The Holy Spirit was not merely opening doors; He was steering Paul toward a place where the message of Christ would take deep root.

Philippi was an ideal city for the spread of the gospel. As a Roman colony, it was politically important, culturally diverse, and strategically located along a major trade route. Ideas traveled quickly through Philippi, and so did influence. A church established there would not remain isolated. What happened in Philippi could reach far beyond its borders, into the wider Roman world. God often chooses such crossroads for His work—not because they are comfortable, but because they are effective.

When Paul and his companions arrived, they found no synagogue. Instead, they went outside the city gate to a place of prayer by the river. There, they met Lydia, a seller of purple cloth. Purple dye was costly, which suggests Lydia was a woman of means and influence. As Paul spoke, Scripture tells us that “the Lord opened her heart” to respond to the message. This detail matters. Lydia’s conversion was not the result of clever argument or emotional pressure, but the quiet, powerful work of the Holy Spirit. She and her entire household were baptized, becoming among the first Christians in Europe.

Lydia’s story does not end with her baptism. She insisted that Paul and his companions stay in her home. Her hospitality reveals a transformed heart, one eager to support the mission of Christ. Many scholars believe Lydia may have become a key financial supporter of the early church in Philippi. If so, her obedience extended beyond belief into stewardship. God used her resources, her home, and her faith to strengthen a church that would later be known for its generosity and loyalty to Paul.

Yet the Philippian story is not only one of open hearts and new believers. It is also a story of suffering. Paul’s ministry in Philippi led to imprisonment, public beating, and humiliation. This is where Acts 9:16 helps us understand Paul more clearly. When the Lord spoke about Paul’s calling, He said, “I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” Suffering was not a detour from Paul’s mission; it was part of it.

This truth reframes how we read Paul’s life. His trials were not signs of failure or divine displeasure. They were evidence that he was walking directly in God’s will. Paul endured hardship because he understood that God’s power is often displayed most clearly through weakness. The gospel advanced in Philippi not in spite of Paul’s suffering, but through it.

Acts 9:16 also speaks to us. We often expect faithfulness to lead to ease, clarity, or protection from pain. But Scripture reminds us that following Christ may involve struggle, loss, and endurance. Like Paul, we are sometimes called to trust God not only in moments of victory, but in seasons of hardship. Our trials, though painful, may serve purposes we cannot yet see. God can use them to open hearts, strengthen others, and deepen our dependence on Him.

The story of Paul in Philippi assures us that the Holy Spirit leads intentionally, that God prepares people before we ever arrive, and that suffering does not nullify our calling. Whether through a vision in the night, a prayer meeting by a river, or perseverance in chains, God remains at work, advancing His kingdom in ways both quiet and costly.

Prayer

Gracious Father, thank You for leading Your servants by Your Spirit and for working through ordinary people and difficult circumstances to accomplish Your purposes. Help us to trust Your direction even when it disrupts our plans. Give us hearts like Lydia’s, open to Your Word and willing to support Your work. When we face trials, remind us that suffering does not mean You are absent, but that You are still at work. Strengthen our faith, deepen our obedience, and use our lives for the spread of the gospel, wherever You call us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Paul in Chains: Power Made Perfect in Weakness

Uniting Heaven and Earth

Christ in Philippians and Colossians

Lesson 1 - Monday

Paul in Chains

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:7–12 open a window into the inner life of a man who suffered deeply yet remained unshaken. He describes himself and other believers as “earthen vessels” carrying a priceless treasure. The image is deliberate. Clay jars are fragile, easily cracked, and unimpressive. Yet God chooses such vessels so that “the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Cor. 4:7). What reveals how Paul endured his trials is this conviction: the strength sustaining him did not come from within himself but from God working through his weakness.

Paul does not deny the reality of suffering. He lists it plainly—afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, struck down. Still, each hardship is paired with hope: not crushed, not in despair, not forsaken, not destroyed. The secret of endurance lies in Paul’s union with Christ. He explains that he is “always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body” (2 Cor. 4:10). Paul’s focus is not self-preservation but Christ’s life being revealed through him. Even death-like experiences become channels through which the life of Jesus flows to others.

This reveals the central focus of Paul’s life: the glory of God revealed through Christ, even at personal cost. Paul sees his suffering as meaningful because it serves a greater purpose. “Death is working in us, but life in you” (2 Cor. 4:12). His chains, hardships, and weakness are not wasted; they are the means by which others encounter the power of God. Paul lives with an outward focus, measuring success not by comfort or ease but by faithfulness and spiritual impact.

In 2 Corinthians 6:3–7, Paul expands on how he lived out this calling. He explains that he took great care to put “no obstacle in anyone’s way,” so that the ministry would not be discredited. To “commend ourselves as ministers of God” (2 Cor. 6:4, NKJV) does not mean promoting oneself or seeking approval. It means living in such a way that the authenticity of the gospel is clearly displayed. Paul’s life itself becomes a recommendation letter for the truth of Christ.

Paul lists the spiritual resources that sustained him through overwhelming trials: patience in afflictions, the Holy Spirit, sincere love, truthful speech, and the power of God. These are not human achievements but divine provisions. Endurance is strengthened by God’s Spirit. Integrity is maintained through truth. Love is made possible by grace. Paul also speaks of “the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left” (2 Cor. 6:7), reminding us that spiritual battles require spiritual equipment, not worldly tactics.

For both laity and clergy today, Paul’s example offers a clear path. To “commend ourselves as ministers of God” means to live consistently with the message we proclaim. It means responding to hardship with patience, treating others with genuine love, and relying on the Holy Spirit rather than personal strength. Ministry is not limited to those with titles or pulpits; every believer represents Christ in daily life. Faithfulness in quiet obedience, integrity under pressure, and perseverance in suffering all point others to God’s power at work in fragile human lives.

This calling is not easy. It requires dying to self, embracing weakness, and trusting God when circumstances are painful. Yet Paul assures us that this way of life is not empty or futile. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17). When our focus shifts from self to Christ, from survival to service, we discover that God’s strength is most visible in our weakness.

Prayer

Gracious Father,
We thank You for the example of Paul, who trusted Your power in the midst of suffering. Help us to remember that we are fragile vessels carrying Your priceless treasure. Teach us to rely on the Holy Spirit, to walk in sincerity and truth, and to endure hardship with patience and love. Whether we serve as laity or clergy, may our lives commend the gospel of Christ and reflect His life within us. Strengthen us when we feel weak, and use even our trials for Your glory. We place our lives in Your hands.
Amen.

Paul, the Prisoner of Jesus Christ: Chains With a Purpose

Uniting Heaven and Earth

Christ in Philippians and Colossians

Lesson 1 - Sunday

Paul, the Prisoner of Jesus Christ

When Paul opens Ephesians 3:1 with the words, “For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles,” he makes a striking choice. He is, in very real terms, a prisoner of Rome. Chains bind him. Guards watch him. His freedom is taken away by imperial power. Yet Paul deliberately refuses to define his situation by Rome’s authority. Instead, he names himself “the prisoner of Christ Jesus.” This is not denial; it is perspective. Paul understands that while Rome may hold the keys to his cell, Christ holds the purpose of his life.

This same self-understanding appears in the brief but powerful letter to Philemon. Paul begins by calling himself “Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus” (Philemon 1:1). Writing on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become a believer, Paul does not appeal from a place of bitterness or defeat. His imprisonment has not narrowed his heart; it has expanded it. Chains have not silenced his ministry; they have refined it. Paul sees his confinement as part of Christ’s larger redemptive work, even using it to model reconciliation, humility, and grace.

Paul reinforces this outlook in Ephesians 6:20, where he describes himself as “an ambassador in chains.” Ambassadors usually move freely, carrying messages between kingdoms. Paul’s paradoxical phrase reminds us that the gospel cannot be chained, even when its messenger is. Though confined, Paul still speaks with authority, courage, and clarity. His chains become a platform, not an obstacle. The message of Christ advances not because Paul is free, but because Christ is sovereign.

The book of Acts gives us concrete scenes that bring this reality to life. In Acts 28:16, we learn that Paul, upon arriving in Rome, was allowed to live by himself with a soldier guarding him. Later, Acts 28:30–31 tells us that Paul lived there two whole years, “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” The irony is unmistakable: Paul is under guard, yet the Word of God moves freely. What appears to be a setback becomes an opportunity for witness to soldiers, officials, and visitors from across the empire.

So what is the significance of how Paul characterizes his imprisonment? Paul teaches us that circumstances do not define calling; Christ does. By naming himself Christ’s prisoner, Paul affirms that nothing happens outside of God’s redemptive purpose. His suffering is not meaningless, nor is it random. It is woven into God’s mission, particularly “for you Gentiles” (Eph. 3:1). Paul’s hardship becomes a means of blessing for others.

This perspective challenges us to ask how we respond to our own tough situations. Whether it is illness, financial strain, broken relationships, opposition, or seasons of waiting, we often define ourselves by what has gone wrong. Paul invites us to reframe our struggles through the lens of God’s calling and presence. In Philippians 1:12–13, Paul writes, “I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” Paul asks, “How can Christ be made known through this?”

Learning to make the best of difficult situations begins with surrender. In Romans 8:28, Paul assures believers that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” This does not mean all things are good, but that God is actively at work within them. It also requires contentment and trust, something Paul learned over time. From prison, he writes, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). Contentment is not natural; it is learned through dependence on Christ.

Yet this is not always easy. Pain feels personal. Loss feels unfair. Waiting feels endless. Paul himself acknowledged the weight of suffering, speaking of being “hard pressed on every side” and “persecuted, but not forsaken” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9). The struggle lies in our limited perspective. We see the chains; God sees the purpose. We focus on relief; God focuses on transformation. Choosing faith in hardship requires daily trust that God is present and purposeful, even when circumstances say otherwise.

Paul’s life reminds us that faithfulness is not measured by comfort but by obedience. Even in confinement, Paul writes letters, encourages churches, prays for believers, and proclaims Christ boldly. His example calls us to ask not merely how to escape our trials, but how to honor Christ within them. As Paul himself declared, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). When Christ is central, even chains lose their power to define us.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
We come before You mindful of our own struggles, limitations, and seasons of difficulty. Teach us, as You taught Paul, to see our circumstances through the lens of Your sovereignty. When we feel confined, discouraged, or overlooked, remind us that we belong to You and that nothing can separate us from Your purposes. Give us courage to be faithful where we are, wisdom to see opportunities in hardship, and grace to trust You when the path is hard. May our lives, like Paul’s, point others to You—even in chains. We surrender our trials to You and ask that You be glorified in them.
Amen.

Sabbath School Lesson 1: Persecuted but Not Forsaken

Uniting Heaven and Earth

Christ in Philippians and Colossians

Lesson 1

Persecuted but Not Forsaken

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

Love, Choice, and Covenant: Freedom at the Heart of Faith

Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 13 - Friday Further Thought

Love, Choice, and Covenant: Freedom at the Heart of Faith

One of the most striking truths in Scripture is that God never forces love. From the opening pages of the Bible to its closing promises, God invites, calls, and woos—but He does not coerce. Love, by its very nature, must be chosen. Without freedom, obedience becomes mere compliance, and devotion becomes hollow routine. The book of Joshua brings this truth into sharp focus and challenges every generation, including ours, to examine how we love God.

Near the end of his life, Joshua gathered the people of Israel and reminded them of all that God had done—delivering them from Egypt, protecting them through the wilderness, and giving them the Promised Land (Joshua 24:1–13). After recounting God’s faithfulness, Joshua did something remarkable: he gave the people a choice. “Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth… And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:14–15, NKJV). God, through Joshua, did not demand robotic loyalty. He called for a deliberate decision rooted in gratitude and love.

This moment reveals a deep connection between love and freedom. True love cannot exist without the possibility of choosing otherwise. If Israel were compelled to serve God with no alternative, their service would not reflect love, only obligation. Joshua understood this. His famous declaration—“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”—was not a command to others but a personal commitment. He modeled love as a willing, thoughtful response to God’s grace.

The same principle applies today. God grants us freedom of choice because He desires a relationship, not mere rule-following. Jesus echoed this truth when He said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Notice the order: love comes first, obedience follows. Forced obedience may produce outward conformity, but it can never produce genuine love. Love flows from the heart, and the heart must be free to choose.

Scripture consistently affirms this reality. Moses told Israel, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19). God presents the path of life but allows His people to decide. Likewise, Revelation portrays Jesus standing at the door and knocking—not breaking it down (Revelation 3:20). God respects human freedom because coerced affection is a contradiction. Love that is forced is not love at all.

In our modern world, the question of choice remains just as pressing. We are surrounded by countless voices competing for our loyalty—comfort, success, self, and culture. Like Israel, we are tempted to serve the “gods” around us while still claiming faith in the Lord. Joshua’s call confronts us: whom will we serve? Our love for God is revealed not by what we claim but by the daily choices we make. Every act of faithfulness, every decision to trust God over self, is an expression of freely chosen love.

God’s respect for our freedom also explains why love cannot be forced. Forced love would eliminate trust, relationship, and joy. It would reduce faith to fear and devotion to duty alone. But God desires something far deeper—children who love Him because they know His goodness. “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). His love invites a response; it never compels one.

Joshua’s challenge still stands today. God remains faithful. The choice remains ours. True love for God is not proven in moments of ease but in daily decisions to serve Him willingly. Freedom is not a flaw in God’s design; it is the very space where love grows.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for loving us enough to give us freedom of choice. Thank You for never forcing our devotion, but patiently inviting us into a loving relationship with You. Help us, like Joshua, to remember all that You have done for us and to choose, day by day, to serve You with sincere hearts. Teach us to love You not out of fear or habit, but out of gratitude and trust. Strengthen our resolve when other voices compete for our loyalty, and may our lives declare, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Finishing Well: A Life Faithful to the End

Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 13 - Thursday

Finishing Well

Read: Joshua 24:29–33; 2 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV)

The final verses of the book of Joshua are quiet, almost understated—but they are heavy with meaning. They record the death of Joshua, the burial of Joseph’s bones, and the passing of Eleazar the priest. On the surface, these words look backward, closing the chapter on a remarkable generation of leaders. Yet they also look forward, pointing to the future of God’s people and the legacy that faithful obedience leaves behind.

Joshua 24:29–33 reminds us that a life devoted to God does not end in chaos or regret, but in testimony. Joshua dies as “the servant of the Lord,” the same title once given to Moses. This is no small honor. It tells us how heaven assessed Joshua’s life—not by his military victories alone, but by his faithfulness. The people bury him in the land God promised, a visible reminder that God keeps His word. Then Joseph’s bones are laid to rest in Shechem, fulfilling a promise made centuries earlier (Gen. 50:24–25). God’s faithfulness stretches across generations, and Joshua’s life stands as a bridge between promise and fulfillment.

These verses also look forward. Israel will now live without Joshua’s visible leadership. The question looming over the text is clear: Will the people continue to serve the Lord when the leader is gone? Scripture answers by noting that Israel served the Lord throughout the days of the elders who outlived Joshua—those who had personally witnessed the works of God. This shows that finishing well is not only about personal faithfulness but about passing on a living faith to others.

Joshua, like the apostle Paul centuries later, could look back without shame. Paul’s words echo Joshua’s legacy: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7, NKJV). Both men understood that faithfulness over time—not a dramatic beginning or a strong middle—was the true measure of success.

So what was the key to Joshua’s success?

First, Joshua made a settled decision to serve the Lord fully. His famous declaration—“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15, NKJV)—was not a slogan but a lifelong commitment. He chose obedience even when it was costly or unpopular.

Second, Joshua anchored his leadership in God’s Word. He did not invent new truths; he clung to revealed truth. Again and again, he reminded Israel of what God had said and done. His confidence came from trusting God’s promises rather than his own strength.

Third, Joshua persevered to the end. He did not drift spiritually in old age or relax his devotion once the land was largely conquered. He finished as he began—dependent on God and committed to His ways.

The question now turns toward us. Finishing well does not happen by accident. It is shaped by daily, deliberate choices. What decisions do you need to make today in order to finish with the same assurance of salvation?

You may need to reaffirm your commitment to Christ, not just in words but in priorities. You may need to lay aside habits, distractions, or compromises that slowly erode faith. You may need to invest intentionally in others—children, family members, fellow believers—so that your faith does not end with you. Above all, you must decide to keep trusting God, even when the race feels long and the finish line seems distant.

Finishing well means living today with eternity in view. It means choosing faithfulness over convenience, obedience over comfort, and perseverance over quitting. When that choice is made again and again, by God’s grace, the end of the race can be faced with peace rather than fear.

Prayer

Lord God,
Thank You for the example of Joshua, a servant who followed You faithfully from beginning to end. Thank You that You are a God who keeps promises across generations. Teach me to live with the end in mind. Help me to make wise, obedient choices today that honor You and strengthen my faith. Give me endurance when I grow weary, courage when obedience is hard, and humility to rely fully on Your grace. May I finish my race with joy, confidence, and assurance, keeping the faith until the end.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Dangers of Idolatry: Hidden gods Among God’s People

Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 13 - Wednesday

The Dangers of Idolatry
Joshua 24:22–24

Joshua’s final words to Israel are striking not because the people resist him, but because he must repeat himself. After calling them to choose whom they will serve, the Israelites respond with confidence—three times they promise that they will serve the Lord alone. Yet Joshua presses further: “Now therefore, put away the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart to the Lord God of Israel” (Josh. 24:23, NKJV).

Why repeat the appeal?

Joshua knows Israel’s history—and human nature. Promises are easy. Obedience is harder. The people verbally renounce idolatry, but Joshua understands that idols are not always removed by words alone. Some foreign gods were likely still present in their tents, homes, and habits. Others were lodged deeper—in their affections, fears, and memories of surrounding cultures. Joshua repeats the command because idolatry is persistent, subtle, and deeply rooted.

What is telling in this passage is that, even after Israel’s threefold promise, Scripture gives no report that the idols were actually removed. The absence is loud. It reminds us that spiritual enthusiasm does not always lead to spiritual action. Israel meant what they said, but meaning something and doing something are not the same.

This raises an uncomfortable but honest question for us:
How often have you promised the Lord you would do something—and then didn’t?

Most of us have been there. We promise to pray more, forgive someone, give something up, trust God fully, or step into obedience. And then life intrudes. Fear resurfaces. Comfort wins. Old patterns feel safer than new obedience. Sometimes we underestimate the grip of our idols—control, approval, success, comfort, security. Other times we overestimate our own strength to remove them.

So why didn’t we follow through?

Because promises made in our own strength cannot overcome hearts still divided. This is where the danger of idolatry becomes clear: idols don’t just compete with God—they weaken our resolve to obey Him.

And yet, this failure does not leave us hopeless. It leads us directly to grace.

What does our inability to keep our promises tell us about grace?

First, it tells us that grace is necessary, not optional.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8, NKJV).

Second, it reminds us that grace meets us in weakness, not after we’ve proven ourselves faithful.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV).

Finally, it assures us that God does not abandon us when we fail; instead, He continues His work in us.

“He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6, NKJV).

Grace does not excuse idolatry—but it empowers repentance. Grace does not lower God’s standard—but it provides what we lack to meet it. Where Israel struggled to remove idols by resolve alone, we are reminded that lasting change comes when God reshapes our hearts, not just our promises.

Joshua’s warning still stands: serving the Lord is serious business. But so is trusting His grace when we fall short. The danger of idolatry is real—but the power of grace is greater.

Prayer

Lord, You know how easily our hearts are divided. We confess that we have made promises we did not keep and pledged obedience while holding on to hidden idols. Forgive us for trusting our own strength instead of Your grace. Search our hearts and reveal anything that competes with You. Give us the courage to put it away and the grace to walk in faithful obedience. Thank You that Your grace is sufficient when we are weak. We choose again today to serve You alone. Amen.

Free to Serve: Free, Faithful, and Fully Devoted

Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 13 - Tuesday

Free to Serve

Joshua’s farewell address in Joshua 24 reaches its emotional and spiritual climax when he places a clear choice before Israel: whom will you serve? After rehearsing God’s saving acts—from Abraham’s call to the conquest of Canaan—Joshua refuses to let Israel drift into a casual or inherited faith. He presses them toward a deliberate decision.

Israel’s Response (Josh. 24:16–18)
The people answer with confidence and passion: “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods.” They ground their commitment in memory. God brought them out of Egypt, protected them through the wilderness, and drove out their enemies. Their response is orthodox and heartfelt. They know the right answer, and they can articulate the right reasons. Gratitude fuels their pledge: because of what the Lord has done, they declare, “We also will serve the Lord, for He is our God.”

At first glance, this seems like the ideal outcome of Joshua’s appeal. The leader calls; the people respond affirmatively. Yet Joshua does something unexpected.

Joshua’s Sobering Reaction (Josh. 24:19–21)
Rather than celebrating immediately, Joshua warns them: “You are not able to serve the Lord.” This is not cynicism or manipulation; it is pastoral realism. Joshua understands both the holiness of God and the weakness of the human heart. The Lord is “a holy God” and “a jealous God”—not jealous in a petty sense, but zealously committed to covenant faithfulness. Halfhearted loyalty will not survive in the presence of such holiness.

Joshua’s reaction underscores a crucial truth: the decision to serve God is a serious one. Words spoken lightly will eventually collapse under pressure. Joshua presses the people to count the cost, because covenant loyalty cannot be sustained by enthusiasm alone. If Israel treats their pledge casually, their very confession will stand as a witness against them.

A Free and Personal Decision
Equally important is how this decision is made. Joshua does not impose obedience, even though he is Israel’s leader and spiritual elder. Earlier he had said, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Josh. 24:15). Faithfulness cannot be coerced. Even the most faithful leader cannot choose for the people. Israel must decide for themselves whether they will serve the Lord.

This principle remains vital. Genuine service to God must arise from personal conviction, not pressure from authority, tradition, or community expectations. God seeks willing servants, not compelled compliance.

Not Human Strength, but Saving Relationship
Joshua’s warning also exposes another danger: the illusion that humans can serve God in their own strength. Israel’s history already testified otherwise. Their failures in the wilderness showed that law-keeping alone, detached from trust and dependence, leads to rebellion.

Serving God is not a mechanical adherence to covenant stipulations; it flows from a living relationship with the saving Lord. This is why the covenant begins not with commands but with grace. In Exodus 20:1–2 and Deuteronomy 5:6–7, God introduces the law by reminding Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.” Obedience follows redemption; it does not create it. Relationship precedes requirement.

When obedience is reduced to routine, faith becomes fragile. But when service flows from gratitude for salvation, loyalty deepens and endurance grows.

How This Pertains to Us
Joshua’s challenge confronts us with searching questions. Have we chosen to serve the Lord personally, or are we relying on borrowed faith—from family, church culture, or past decisions? Do we underestimate the seriousness of our commitment, assuming that good intentions are enough? And do we try to serve God in our own strength, rather than through daily dependence on His grace?

The warning is clear: casual faith will not withstand temptation, suffering, or cultural pressure. We must not confuse familiarity with faithfulness, or religious activity with genuine devotion. Like Israel, we are free to choose—but once we choose, we are called to wholehearted allegiance.

At the same time, there is encouragement. The God who calls us to serve Him is the God who first saves us. He does not ask for self-generated righteousness but invites us into a relationship sustained by His grace and power.

Prayer
Lord God, You are holy and faithful, and You have saved us by Your grace. Guard us from making careless promises or relying on our own strength. Help us to choose You freely and serve You sincerely, not out of habit or pressure, but out of love and gratitude. Teach us to live each day in dependence on You, remembering what You have done for us. Renew our commitment, deepen our relationship with You, and keep our hearts faithful to the end. Amen.

In Sincerity and Truth: Serving God with Undivided Hearts

Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 13 - Monday

In Sincerity and Truth
Joshua 24:14–15

As Joshua nears the end of his life, he gathers Israel at Shechem for a solemn covenant renewal. This is not a sentimental farewell speech. It is a clear, urgent appeal. After recounting God’s mighty acts—deliverance, provision, protection—Joshua presses the people to respond. Grace has been given; now a decision must be made.

Joshua’s words cut through complacency: “Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth… choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Josh. 24:14–15, NKJV).

What Joshua Appealed to Israel to Do

Joshua appealed to Israel to fear the Lord, put away false gods, and serve the Lord alone. This was not merely a call to external obedience but to an exclusive, wholehearted loyalty. Israel could not cling to the idols of their past—whether the gods of Mesopotamia, Egypt, or the surrounding nations—and still claim faithfulness to Yahweh. The choice was unavoidable: serve the Lord fully, or serve something else. Neutrality was not an option.

Joshua understood human nature well. He knew Israel’s history of mixed devotion and half-hearted obedience. That is why he emphasized how they were to serve: “in sincerity and in truth.” God was not asking for empty rituals or verbal promises, but for authentic, undivided hearts.

What It Means to Serve the Lord in Sincerity

To serve the Lord in sincerity means to serve Him with an undivided heart—without pretense, hypocrisy, or hidden loyalties. Sincerity speaks to motivation. It asks why we serve God, not just whether we do.

God desires honesty at the deepest level of our being. David captures this truth when he prays, “Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts” (Psalm 51:6). Sincere service flows from a heart that is transparent before God—one that admits weakness, confesses sin, and seeks Him genuinely rather than performing righteousness for appearance’s sake.

Sincerity means we stop pretending we are more devoted than we are. It means bringing our whole selves—faith, doubts, fears, and failures—before the Lord and saying, “Search me, and lead me.” God can work with honesty; He resists pretense.

What It Means to Serve the Lord in Truth

To serve the Lord in truth means to serve Him according to who He truly is and what He has revealed, not according to our preferences or cultural assumptions. Truth grounds sincerity so that passion does not drift into error.

Jesus explained this clearly when He said, “The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him” (John 4:23–24). Truth anchors our devotion in God’s Word, His character, and His will. It keeps us from reshaping God into something more comfortable or convenient.

Serving in truth means submitting our lives to Scripture—even when it confronts us, corrects us, or calls us to change. It means letting God define faithfulness, obedience, and holiness rather than deciding those things for ourselves.

What Serving in Sincerity and Truth Means Personally

To serve the Lord in sincerity and truth means refusing to live a divided life—one where God has a place, but not the central place. It means choosing daily faithfulness over occasional enthusiasm. It means aligning private life with public confession.

It also means recognizing that service to God is not limited to church activity but encompasses every area of life—home, work, relationships, priorities, and decisions. Paul echoes this when he urges believers to present their lives as a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1). True devotion is comprehensive, not compartmentalized.

Serving in sincerity and truth is costly, because it requires surrender. Yet it is also freeing, because it releases us from the exhausting task of maintaining appearances and managing divided loyalties.

Distracting Factors That Hinder Full Devotion

Like Israel, we live surrounded by competing “gods.” While they may not take the form of carved images, they still demand loyalty. Common distractions include busyness that crowds out prayer, success that feeds self-reliance, comfort that dulls spiritual hunger, and technology that fragments attention and devotion.

Other distractions can be more subtle: fear of people, unresolved sin, bitterness, or the desire for control. Even good things—family, ministry, responsibilities—can become idols when they take precedence over obedience to God.

Joshua’s challenge confronts us with an uncomfortable truth: whatever consistently pulls our hearts away from trusting and obeying God has become a rival. The call to put away false gods is as relevant now as it was at Shechem.

A Choice That Must Be Renewed

Joshua did not assume that past faithfulness guaranteed future obedience. He called Israel to choose “this day.” Serving the Lord in sincerity and truth is not a one-time decision but a daily recommitment.

The same choice stands before us. God has been faithful. The question is whether we will respond with wholehearted devotion—or settle for partial allegiance.

Prayer

Lord God,
You have been faithful to us in every season of life. You have rescued, provided, guided, and sustained us by Your grace. Forgive us for the times we have served You with divided hearts or followed You only when it was convenient. Create in us hearts that are sincere—honest before You and free from hypocrisy. Ground us in Your truth, that we may worship and serve You according to Your Word. Reveal the distractions and rival loyalties that hinder our devotion, and give us the courage to put them away. Today, we choose to serve You. May our lives reflect that choice in sincerity and in truth.
Amen.

You Were There! God’s Hand in Our Story

Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 13 - Sunday

“You Were There!” — Joshua 24:2–13

In Joshua 24:2–13, God speaks to Israel in a striking way—by recounting their history through His actions. The main thrust of God’s message is clear: Israel’s existence, freedom, and success are entirely the result of God’s faithful initiative, not their own effort. Before Joshua asks the people to choose whom they will serve, God reminds them who has already been serving them all along.

The passage is filled with powerful “I” statements from God. He says, “I took your father Abraham… I gave him Isaac… I sent Moses and Aaron… I brought you out… I delivered you… I gave you a land for which you did not labor” (Josh. 24:3–13). Each statement emphasizes God as the primary actor in Israel’s story. He chose them, guided them, protected them, fought for them, and provided for them. The meaning is unmistakable: Israel did not stumble into blessing; they were carried into it by a faithful God. Their present security rested on God’s past faithfulness.

This reminder also establishes accountability. Because God has acted decisively and graciously on their behalf, Israel is not free to live however they please. Their obedience is not a way to earn God’s favor—it is the right response to His proven faithfulness.

This passage also speaks directly to corporate responsibility, something the modern church often struggles to grasp. God addresses Israel as a people, not merely as individuals. Their shared history means their present choices will affect the whole community. Scripture reinforces this truth elsewhere: “For just as the body is one and has many members… so it is with Christ” (1 Cor. 12:12). What one member does—whether in faithfulness or compromise—impacts the entire body.

As a church, we grow in corporate responsibility when we remember our shared testimony of God’s grace, bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2), and actively encourage one another toward faithfulness (Heb. 10:24). Unity deepens when we stop viewing faith as a private matter and begin living as a covenant community shaped by God’s collective work among us.

Prayer:
Faithful God, thank You for reminding us that You were there—working, guiding, rescuing, and providing long before we understood what You were doing. Forgive us for taking Your faithfulness for granted or living as though our choices affect only ourselves. Teach us to live with gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility toward one another. Help us, as Your church, to honor You together, remembering all that You have done. Amen.

Sabbath School Lesson 13: Choose This Day!

Lessons of Faith from Joshua

Sabbath School Lesson 13

Choose This Day!

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

Reviewing the Evidence of God’s Faithfulness

Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 12 - Friday

Reviewing the Evidence of God’s Faithfulness

One of the most spiritually grounding disciplines in Scripture is remembrance. God repeatedly calls His people to look back—not to live in the past, but to anchor their faith in what He has already proven about His character. When Israel crossed the Jordan, they set up stones of remembrance so future generations could ask, “What do these stones mean?” (Josh. 4:6). The evidence of God’s faithfulness was not abstract; it was concrete, visible, and tied to real moments of deliverance.

The same practice is vital for us. Evidence of God’s faithfulness often shows up in answered prayers, unexpected provision, protection we only recognize in hindsight, spiritual growth during hardship, or doors God closed to spare us greater harm. Scripture assures us, “The Lord is faithful in all His words and gracious in all His works” (Ps. 145:13). When we intentionally review our lives, patterns emerge: God may not have worked quickly, but He worked wisely. He may not have answered the way we expected, but He answered in ways that shaped us for His purposes.

Yet faith is tested most sharply when prayers seem unanswered and promises feel silent. Scripture does not ignore this tension. David cried out, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Ps. 13:1). Silence from God does not mean absence. Often, it is in the waiting that God deepens trust, exposes misplaced hopes, and refines our dependence on Him. Isaiah reminds us, “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isa. 40:31), not because waiting is easy, but because God uses it to form endurance and maturity.

When circumstances contradict what we hoped for, we are invited to interpret life through God’s character rather than our emotions. Paul writes, “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). Faith clings to what God has revealed about Himself even when outcomes are unclear. Romans 8:28 assures us that God is always working—even in disappointment—for the good of those who love Him, though that “good” is often deeper conformity to Christ rather than immediate relief.

Reviewing God’s faithfulness, then, is both an act of gratitude and resistance—gratitude for what He has done, and resistance against the lie that unanswered prayers mean abandoned promises. Lament and trust are not opposites in Scripture; they often walk hand in hand. God invites honest questions, but He also calls us to steady confidence in His unchanging nature (Lam. 3:22–23).

Prayer

Lord, help me to remember. Open my eyes to see the many ways You have been faithful—ways I have forgotten, minimized, or taken for granted. When my prayers seem unanswered and Your voice feels silent, guard my heart from doubt and impatience. Teach me to trust Your timing, Your wisdom, and Your purposes, even when I do not understand them. Strengthen my faith to rest in who You are, not merely in what You do. I choose to believe that You are good, You are present, and You are still at work. Amen.