LESSONS OF FAITH FROM JOSHUA
Lesson 9 : Heirs of the Promise, Prisoners of Hope

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9.7 Questions
How God’s promises become reality in everyday life

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Introduction – Between Promise and Reality

The promised land was not just a geographical destination for Israel — it was a sign of divine abundance, provision, and faithfulness. We too live in expectation today — not toward a land of sand and stone, but toward the overflowing life Jesus promised. This Sabbath School lesson invites us to consider how that life begins now, how it shapes us, and how we can already live as citizens of a coming kingdom.

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Answers to the Questions

Question 1: How does the promised land reflect the life Christ promises (John 10:10)?

The “abundant life” Jesus promises in John 10:10 is not a life without hardship, but one filled with inner richness — peace, joy, purpose, spiritual security. Just as Israel experienced fruitfulness, water, vineyards, and pasture in the promised land, Christians today receive spiritual nourishment: hope in fear, meaning in emptiness, love despite disappointment. The richness of the land mirrors the inner abundance Jesus gives.

Question 2: What is the connection between citizenship and lifestyle?

A citizen lives according to the laws and values of their homeland. Those who belong to the Kingdom of God don’t just behave differently — they are different. Lifestyle reveals allegiance. As citizens of heaven, we live with mercy rather than harshness, trust rather than control, hope rather than cynicism. Choosing God’s kingdom transforms how we think, act, and prioritize. We become ambassadors of another world.

Question 3: Why can we trust God’s promises even when people fail?

Because God is not like us. People disappoint, misjudge, forget — but God’s word is truth. His promises do not depend on our performance, but on His character — faithful, just, loving. Scripture shows that even when humans are unfaithful, God remains faithful. He keeps His promises — not because we earn them, but because He has spoken them. Israel’s history testifies to this — as does our own.

Question 4: How can the promise of the new earth become real today?

By living according to the values of the world to come — peace, justice, love. The new earth begins wherever believers create spaces where God’s presence can be seen: in relationships, in communities, in reconciliation and mercy. Every time we forgive, share, hope, serve — we allow a ray of future glory to fall into the present. Heaven begins in the heart — and grows through lived hope.

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Spiritual Principles

• God’s promises depend on His faithfulness, not our performance.
• Life in God’s kingdom begins not only in heaven, but here.
• Faith shapes behavior — and behavior reveals belonging.
• Our lifestyle shows which future we are moving toward.
• Hope is not escape — it is active transformation.

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Practical Application

• Practice faith: trust God’s provision daily — even in dry seasons.
• Live as a citizen of heaven: love, give, forgive freely.
• Plant signs of hope: support justice, education, healing.
• Live faithfully: keep your word — as God keeps His.
• Share hope: tell your story of what God has done.

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Conclusion

The promised land was only a shadow. Our true home is with God — on a new earth where righteousness dwells. But the invitation to be citizens of that land begins now. Every step of trust, every choice for God’s values, every act of love makes His kingdom visible — here and today.

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Thought of the Day

“God’s promises are not contracts — they are invitations into a life of hope.”

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Illustration

“Between Concrete and Promise”
A story of hope that doesn’t wait — it lives.

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Chapter 1 — The Layoff

Jonas stood outside the office building where he had worked for ten years — keys returned, heart heavy. “Restructuring,” they said. “Efficiency.” He had felt safe: steady job, good performance, friendly colleagues. Now — nothing. Only an empty backpack and too many thoughts.

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Chapter 2 — The Call

That evening, Jonas sat in his small kitchen. The coffee machine gurgled. He opened his Bible — something he hadn’t done in a long time. John 10:10.
“I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
He laughed softly. “Abundantly? My cupboards are empty.”
Yet the verse remained, like an invitation — not to a better paycheck, but to a different life.

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Chapter 3 — The Promise

Jonas began taking morning walks — first to clear his mind, then to pray. He met people: a single mother who needed groceries, an elderly man with no family.
He helped, listened, brought bread. No heroic deeds — yet something shifted.
Once, the woman said, “You are like a light in this street.”
Jonas felt it: Maybe this is the beginning of promise.

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Chapter 4 — The Garden

He started planting flowers in the neglected courtyard behind his building. “Blossoms against concrete,” he called it. Neighbors joined. They shared seedlings, stories, laughter. The courtyard became a small garden of hope.
A journalist wrote, “A garden of the future in the present.”
Jonas smiled. “Or just a corner of God’s kingdom.”

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Chapter 5 — The Letter

Months later, Jonas received a letter — from his former boss.
“I’ve heard what you’re doing. It inspires. I have a project serving people. I need someone like you.”
Jonas folded the letter, looked upward, and whispered:
“You promised abundance. I think I’m beginning to understand.”

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Chapter 6 — The Land in View

On Sundays Jonas now led a small home group. They prayed, studied Scripture, helped those in need.
He often said, “The promised land is coming — but we can already taste it. In every smile. In every act. In every light.”
He no longer had the old career. But he had life — and it overflowed.

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Closing Reflection

“And his desert became like a garden.”
The promised land is not only future — it begins wherever people choose to believe, to love, to live.
Not merely then.
But now.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/9-heirs-of-the-promise-prisoners-of-hope-9-7-questions-%f0%9f%97%ba%ef%b8%8f-lessons-of-faith-from-joshua-%f0%9f%8c%b1-living-faith/