SDA Sabbath School Lesson 8- 4th Quarter 2025-Giants of Faith

[Richard Myers]

4th Quarter        Lesson 8                                                                                                                               November 15-21

                                                                                                                               

 
Giants of Faith: Joshua and Caleb

Commentary in Navy                  Inspiration in Maroon

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: Num. 13:6, 30-32; Josh. 14:6-14; Luke 18:1-5; Josh. 19:49-51; 2 Cor. 3:18; Rom: 12:1-2

Memory Text: “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” Hebrews 13:7

Every parent knows that their children learn by example, don’t they? How many parents have fretted over seeing their children follow their bad traits instead of their good ones? Whatever our age, we find it easier to do wrong than to do right. It’s just part of what it means to be fallen beings. “For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.” Rom. 7:15. Who can’t relate?

All who are not converted do not have power to keep the law of God. They do what they know is wrong, is sin. They do not do that which they ought to do. They try and try, but find they are captive to sin. Sadly, many make Romans seven to be the character of a converted Christian who does not walk in the  light as do all who  are converted and filled with the Spirit. Rom 8:9 makes it very clear that if one "does not have the  Spirit, he is none of His." Rom. 8:1 tells us who is not condemned: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Those who think Romans seven is a converted Christian has interpreted Scripture according to  their experience rather than judging their spiritual condition by Scripture. Anyone who does not know how to do what is right, is captive to the law of sin and death. "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not." Rom 7:18. It would be hard to be converted if one does not know how to keep the commandments of God. Romans eight tells us the character of a converted Christian who has been set free from the law of sin by the grace of God. "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." 1 John 3:8,9.

From birth, humans are shaped by the power of example. We learn to do the most basic things in life, such as walking, talking, and expressing our emotions, by imitating those closest to us. As adults, we still need role models, and, even if they are not perfect, we can admire and emulate those spiritual traits that made them giants of faith.

Yes, children are changed by beholding the character they see the most. When we come into the world, we are not able to do any good thing. We must be born again of the Spirit to to good things for the right reason. The carnal heart is evil by nature. We must be filled with the Holy Spirit to  be able to keep the laws of God. It would be very good to spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Jesus. We will be in heaven if we did so. It is a promise found  in  2 Cor. 3:18:  "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord."

This week, we will take a deeper look into the personal examples of two giants of faith in the book of Joshua: Caleb and Joshua. What is it that made them stand out in their generation and play a key role in the life of God’s people during one of the most crucial periods of Israel’s history?

* Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, November 22.

[Richard Myers]

Sunday        November 16
Faithfulness

Read Numbers 13:6, 30-32 and Joshua 14:6, 14. Who was Caleb? What was his place among the people of Israel?

The name of Caleb comes from the Hebrew word keleb, “dog,” which occurs in the Old Testament always in a negative context. However, keleb is used in extra-biblical letters and hymns to express a servant’s courage, tenacity, and faithfulness to his or her master. In this respect, Caleb was faithful to his name, demonstrating throughout his life unwavering loyalty to his Lord.

What does it say about Caleb that he was willing to speak his mind even though the majority of the spies had a completely different opinion, and the people of Israel threatened him with death? See Num. 14:6-10, 21-25; Num. 26:65; Num. 32:12.

Consider these important Israelite leaders, contemporaries of Joshua and Caleb: Shammua, Shaphat, Igal, Palti, Gaddiel, Gaddi, Ammiel, Sethur, Nahbi, and Geuel. Do these names sound familiar?

Probably not.

Why? Because they are the names of the other ten spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. They are forgotten because their names were not worthy of being remembered. The report that they brought portrayed the Promised Land as impossible to conquer. They saw themselves as grasshoppers compared to the giants who inhabited some areas of the land, and their hearts melted with fear at the “impregnable” walls of the fortified cities in Canaan.

Caleb, one of the two spies who brought a positive report, takes the lead in presenting another possibility: the attitude of faith. He was willing to speak up for what he knew was right, despite the opposition, even in the face of potential death: “And all the congregation said to stone them with stones” (Num. 14:10, NKJV).

What do you do when most people around you seem to have a different opinion, one that goes contrary to your deepest convictions?

[Richard Myers]

Monday        November 17
Give Me This Hill Country

Read Joshua 14:6-14, Numbers 14:24, Numbers 32:12, Deuteronomy 1:36, and Luke 6:45. How would you describe Caleb and Joshua’s attitude? What does it mean to follow the Lord fully?

Caleb never forgot the promise the Lord had given him through Moses: that he would enter the land where his feet had trodden (Num. 14:24). Forty years later, he refers to his own report on the land as a word “as it was in my heart” (Josh. 14:7, NKJV). His report was based on his conviction that, with God’s guidance and help, Israel would be able to conquer the land.

In contrast to the report of the other ten spies, who inspired fear among the Israelites, Caleb manifested a wholehearted trust and commitment to the promise of the Lord. The Hebrew phrase, which literally means “I was full after the LORD” (Josh. 14:, is probably a short form of a longer idiom: “My heart was fully following the LORD,” or “I filled my heart to walk behind/after the LORD.” In contrast with others who walked after foreign gods and who did not follow the Lord fully, Caleb’s heart was wholly dedicated to the Lord.

The same expression is later repeated twice, emphasizing Caleb’s faithfulness (Josh. 14:9, 14). His own characterization is in harmony with what the Lord Himself called a “different spirit” (Num. 14:24, NKJV) that distinguished Caleb from the other ten spies. Even at the age of 85, he continued to be an example of what the Lord can achieve through people whose hearts are fully dedicated to Him and His cause.

Caleb understood that the territory each tribe would eventually possess was directly proportionate to the extent to which they dared to claim the promises of the Lord and how much land they were willing to tread upon by faith. God’s promises are not self-fulfilling, in the sense that they come true irrespective of our will. Rather, they require faith accompanied by resolute action. The Hebrew term ’ulay, “maybe” (Josh. 14:12), can express fear and doubt, but it usually denotes hope and the anticipation that something positive will take place (Gen. 16:2; Num. 22:6, 11; Num. 23:3).

What compromises, “small” compromises, are the kinds of things that can keep us from fully following the Lord?

[Richard Myers]

Tuesday       November 18
The Power of Example

Read Joshua 15:16-19, Judges 1:13, and Judges 3:7-11. What does this story tell you about the power of example? How is Caleb’s attitude being reproduced in the younger generation?

In this passage, Caleb offers his daughter, Achsah, in marriage to the one who conquers Debir. Othniel captures the city and wins the hand of Achsah. This story is important because, once again, it reveals Caleb’s courage, faith, and readiness to take on challenges.

It also shows that the next generation of Israelites followed the example of these giants of faith, Caleb and Joshua. As the older generation closes their ministry, there is a new generation ready to face the challenges and continue to fulfill God’s plan for Israel.

In a way that is not unlike Caleb’s request to Joshua, “Give me this hill country,” Achsah, encouraged by her husband, displays the same faith and resolution that her father demonstrated. Through her determination and boldness, Achsah continues the line of Caleb’s example of the fulfillment of the promise to possess the land.

Indeed, the land is a gift from Yahweh to Israel, but Israel must appropriate it by claiming the promises of the Lord with faith and courage. Achsah’s determination foreshadows the perseverance of those women in the Gospels who would not be turned away by the crowd or the disciples and would not give up until they received Jesus’ blessing for themselves and their families.

Read Luke 18:1-5. What lesson is here for us?

Passing on the torch of faith to the next generation is crucial to the fulfillment of the mission God has entrusted to us. Think about the challenges of passing on faith to the next generation, on the one hand, and about the opportunities for young people to assume more responsibility in the work of God, on the other. What can we do to facilitate and train youth to assume godly leadership? How crucial is our example in this process?

[Richard Myers]

Wednesday        November 19
Humble Hero

The long lists of place names, which constituted landmarks on the borders of the territories assigned to the tribes of Israel, are bookended by the report of land allocation to the two heroes, Caleb and Joshua, of the first reconnoiter. Caleb received his inheritance first, while Joshua received his last. Up to this point, Joshua allocated the land to the tribes of Israel; now it is time for the people of Israel to give Joshua his inheritance.

Read Joshua 19:49-51. What are the implications of the fact that the great leader of Israel who apportioned the land receives his inheritance last?

The city that Joshua receives is Timnath-serah, a name composed of two words. The first, Timnath, derives from a verb (manah) whose meaning is to count or to assign, and it means portion or territory. The second word can be derived from a Hebrew verb (seracḥ), and it means excess or leftover (compare with Exod. 26:12). The name of Joshua’s city can be translated as the leftover portion or the remaining territory.

The name of the city that Joshua has chosen from what was left testifies to the noble character of Israel’s second leader. First of all, he waited until all the people received their portion. Then, Joshua did not choose one of the densely populated territories of the land or the most impressive cities as his inheritance, but a modest city, or perhaps the ruins of it, in order to rebuild it with arduous work (compare with Josh. 19:50).

Moreover, Timnath-serah was located near Shiloh, in the vicinity of the sanctuary, which shows where Joshua’s priorities lay and where his heart was bound. Certainly, after the newly born nation of Israel had been led into the Promised Land, and, with God’s help, secured the inheritance of each tribe and family, it would not have objected to Joshua’s demand for a more impressive inheritance. Yet, Joshua was content to live a simple life with a focus on what is most important, thus embodying the prayer expressed later by David: “One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple” (Ps. 27:4, NKJV).

What lessons can you draw for yourself regarding Joshua’s attitude? How might you apply it to yourself now?

[Richard Myers]

Thursday        November 20
Changed by Contemplation

Contemplating the life example of great heroes of faith is essential for our spiritual growth. At the same time, our ultimate example is Jesus Christ—His life and teachings. How does focusing on the life of Jesus change us? See Heb. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 3:18.

Marco Iacoboni, a neuroscientist at the University of California, Los Angeles, researched the function of mirror neurons. These small cell circuits are activated both when we perform a certain action—such as laughing or embracing someone—and when we observe someone else performing the same action. The activity of these neurons reduces the distinction between seeing and doing.

Ellen G. White speaks about the importance of beholding the character of Jesus: “Looking unto Jesus we obtain brighter and more distinct views of God, and by beholding we become changed. Goodness, love for our fellow men, becomes our natural instinct. We develop a character which is the counterpart of the divine character. Growing into His likeness, we enlarge our capacity for knowing God. More and more we enter into fellowship with the heavenly world, and we have continually increasing power to receive the riches of the knowledge and wisdom of eternity.”—Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 355.

Read Romans 12:1-2. What two processes work for conflicting purposes in our lives? How can we be sure that we give room to the right one?

In the summary chapter of his Epistle to the Romans, the apostle Paul speaks about two antagonistic forces trying to shape our lives. On the one hand, the surrounding world, with its various influences, tries to force us daily into its own mold, effecting a conformation in us that works from the outside in.

To counteract this impact, the Holy Spirit is able to transform us inside out in a manner similar to the way a caterpillar metamorphoses into a beautiful butterfly. But for that process to happen, we need to consecrate ourselves to God and ask Him to continue the good work that He has started in us (Phil. 1:6). In the end, we have to make the conscious choice, moment by moment, to walk in the Spirit.

[Richard Myers]

Friday       November 21

Further Thought: “Caleb’s faith now was just what it was when his testimony had contradicted the evil report of the spies. He had believed God’s promise that He would put His people in possession of Canaan, and in this he had followed the Lord fully. He had endured with his people the long wandering in the wilderness, thus sharing the disappointments and burdens of the guilty; yet he made no complaint of this, but exalted the mercy of God that had preserved him in the wilderness when his brethren were cut off. Amid all the hardships, perils, and plagues of the desert wanderings, and during the years of warfare since entering Canaan, the Lord had preserved him; and now at upwards of fourscore his vigor was unabated. He did not ask for himself a land already conquered, but the place which above all others the spies had thought it impossible to subdue. By the help of God he would wrest his stronghold from the very giants whose power had staggered the faith of Israel. It was no desire for honor or aggrandizement that prompted Caleb’s request. The brave old warrior was desirous of giving to the people an example that would honor God, and encourage the tribes fully to subdue the land which their fathers had deemed unconquerable.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 512, 513.

“It was Caleb's faith in God that gave him courage, that kept him from the fear of man, and enabled him to stand boldly and unflinchingly in the defense of the right. Through reliance on the same power, the mighty General of the armies of heaven, every true soldier of the cross may receive strength and courage to overcome the obstacles that seem insurmountable.”—Ellen G. White, The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, May 30, 1912.

Discussion Questions:

    Discuss the power of peer pressure and the courage it takes to speak up when others do not. What is the role of courage in practicing our faith? How can we avoid being rude while standing for what we believe is right?

    Share in your class some examples of faith from your church or community that shaped your life and character. What are the traits of these people that are worth following?

    Think about and discuss the influence media has on our lives. How can we avoid its negative effect while harnessing its potential for good purposes?

    Reflect more on the humility of Joshua as a leader and his desire to live close to the sanctuary. In what ways does his example speak to you?