7: Ultimate Loyalty: Worship in a War Zone-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan


Prepared by William Earnhardt for the Sabbath School class, 15 November 2025.

Central Theme: Nothing is more urgent or necessary than our time of worship with God.

Read in Class: Joshua 5:1-10. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: Why did the Lord command Joshua to circumcise the second generation of Israelites at this particular time of the conquest?

Apply: Think about the times you have neglected time with God because of more “important” matters. Why is this so easy to do, and how can we fight against it?

Share: Your friend asks why it was important for Joshua to have Israel celebrate Passover in the midst of the conquest of Canaan. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Deuteronomy 11:26-30 and Joshua 8:30-31. Ask the class to identify the common thread in these passages.

Study: What was Joshua’s motivation for building an altar to the Lord?

Apply: What are some spiritual practices we can engage in now that can serve the same functions as building an altar did in ancient times?

Share: Your friend asks what altars or monuments the church has built today? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Joshua 8:32-35. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is the meaning of the act described in these verses, and what should it say to us today?

Apply: How easy do you find it, in the rush and hubbub of life, to forget the Lord and seek to do things in your own strength and power? Why is this so easy to do, especially when things are going well for you?

Share: Your friend asks why it was so crucial for Israel to have a written copy of the covenant. What do you tell your friend? What do you tell your friend? For a hint, see: Deuteronomy 6:6-14.

Read in Class: Joshua 18:1-2. Ask the class to give the main idea of this passage.

Study: What was the activity for which Joshua interrupted the process of allotting the land?

Apply: Read Hebrews 10:19-23. What can we as Christians, who do not have an earthly sanctuary enshrining the physical presence of God among us, learn from Joshua?

Share: Can you think of someone who needs encouragement to make time for worship in their daily schedule? Could you call and pray with them this week, or even offer to study the Sabbath School lesson with them over the phone if you’re not able to meet in person?

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