Promises and Obedience in Harmony

 Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 1 - Friday Further Thought

Promises and Obedience in Harmony

The relationship between God’s promises and our obedience is not one of opposition, but of complement. God’s promises reveal His grace, while our obedience shows our trust in His faithfulness. The two move together, hand in hand.

In Joshua 1:7–8, the Lord told Joshua to be “careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you… then you will be prosperous and successful.” The promise of victory in Canaan was certain, but Israel’s participation depended on their willingness to walk in obedience. God had already given them the land (Joshua 1:3), but they were called to step forward in faith and act on His word.

If we overemphasize law at the expense of grace, we risk falling into legalism—forgetting that every command God gives is built upon His prior love and promise. Joshua and Israel were not earning the land; it was God’s gift. In the New Testament, Paul warns against this trap in Galatians 2:16, reminding us that no one is justified by the law but by faith in Christ.

On the other hand, if we overemphasize grace at the expense of law, we can fall into lawlessness, treating God’s promises as license for disobedience. Romans 6:1–2 asks, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!” Grace does not abolish obedience—it empowers it. As Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15).

Joshua’s leadership shows us this balance: God’s promises were sure, but His people had to walk in obedience to receive them. Likewise, in the Christian life, grace establishes the promise, while obedience is the faithful response. Together, they display a life of trust in God’s Word.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promises You have given us in Your Word—promises of Your presence, provision, and salvation through Christ. Help us to live in joyful obedience, not as a way to earn Your love, but as a response to it. Keep us from the extremes of legalism and lawlessness, and teach us to walk in the harmony of grace and truth. Strengthen us, as You did Joshua, to be strong and courageous, trusting in Your promises while obeying Your commands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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