Deuteronomy: A challenge to a new generation

January Bible Study 2015

By way of introduction

• The lead actor – a 124 year-old Moses – the only leader Israel has ever known
• The Book – his prophetic farewell speech to the Israelites – his last will and testament
• The people stood on the plains of Moab – just outside the Promised Land
• It was 39 years and 11 months after Kadesh Barnea
• Looking back, they had stood on the threshold of the Promised Land and decided the challenge was too big
• Their lack of faith led to their judgment – 40 years in the wilderness – all over 20 years of age would die there
• Moses was part of that group

Three addresses and a blessing

• Looks back at God’s gracious provisions
• Looks ahead to a conditional bright future
• Looks presently at God’s desire for His people
• Blesses Joshua – his successor who will finish what he could not

The greatest challenge to be faced

• Idolatry
• Solution: Fear, Love and Serve the Lord alone with all your heart/being and keep His commandments
• Two requirements:
• Live justly
• Walk obediently
• Doing this will assure their success
• Be obedient – experience God’s Blessing
• Be disobedient – experience God’s curse

I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, love the lord your God, obey him, and remain faithful to him. For he is your life, and he will prolong your life in the land the lord swore to give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Take time to remember what God has done (Deuteronomy 1:1-4:43)

Simple Lessons Taught by Moses

• You can learn from your past but you cannot live in it
• It makes no sense to wander in the wilderness when God has a plan for your life
• There is a huge difference between Horeb (past, static) and Moab (present, dynamic)

A simple message from God (Deuteronomy 1:6-8)

• “You have dwelt long enough at this mountain.”
• It is a new day
• There are new challenges to face
• Implication for God’s family at your church

Some simple reminders from God

• Trust God’s promises
• Rely on God’s power
• Follow God’s commandments

Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.

You shall therefore keep His statutes and His commandments which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which the Lord your God is giving you for all time.

Deuteronomy 4:39-40

Take time to remember what God Commands (Deuteronomy 4:44 – 28:68)

Relational Requirements

• Deuteronomy 5:1-21
• Allegiance to God
  • No other gods
  • No idols
  • No worship of or service to other gods
  • No dishonoring of God or His Day
• Relation to others
  • Parental care – honor with promise
  • Value of life – taking life
  • Sanctity of marriage – adultery
  • Respecting property of others – steal
  • Value of truth – bear false witness
  • Wanting what belongs to others – covet

Foundational Requirements

• Deuteronomy 6:4-11
• Love God (Deuteronomy 4:5) – Shema
  • Heart
  • Soul
  • Might

• Teach children faithfully (Deuteronomy 6:7)
  • Teach God’s requirements
  • Talk about them
  • Live in front of them
  • Teach persistently

Foundational Principles

• Deuteronomy 11:13-21
• Main principle (Deuteronomy 11:13)
  • Love God
  • Serve God – with all your heart and soul
• If-Then (Deuteronomy 11:13-14)
• If you love and serve with all your heart and soul
• Then, I will
  • Send rain
  • Grow grass
  • Judge if you turn away
  • Bless

Take time to remember what God requires (Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20)

A look back (Deuteronomy 29)

• He cared for you in Egypt
• He led you for 40 years in the wilderness
• He provided for your physical needs
• He protected you in the face of your enemies
• He gave you land you did not purchase
• He offered you a covenant relationship

God’s desire for your future (Deuteronomy 29:13)

• For you to be His people
• For Him to be your God
• For you to walk in obedience to Him

A blessing or a curse (Deuteronomy 30:1-20)

• Those who are obedient are blessed
• Those who are disobedient are cursed

What does God require? (Deuteronomy 30:16)

• Love the Lord your God
• Walk in His ways
• Keep His commandments, statutes and judgments
• Result?
  • Live and multiply
  • Claim God’s blessings

Life is a choice (Deuteronomy 30:19)

• God gives options
  • Life and death
  • Blessing and cursing
• The call to choose life
• Your response impacts you and your descendants

Take time to remember that god always has a plan (Deuteronomy 31:1-34:12)

Passing the Baton of leadership

• The fading health of Moses (Deuteronomy 31:2)
• The lasting confidence in God (Deuteronomy 31:3)
  • He will lead you
  • He will defeat your enemies
• The new leader: Joshua
• A word of warning – idolatry in the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 31:16ff)
• How Great is our God! (Deuteronomy 31:1-4)

A song to sing (Deuteronomy 32)

• A look back (Deuteronomy 32:5-12)
• A time of blessing (Deuteronomy 32:13-14)
• A time of disobedience (Deuteronomy 32:15-18)
• A time of judgment (Deuteronomy 32:19-38)
• A time of atonement (Deuteronomy 32:43)

The legacy of Moses

• 120 years of faithful living (Deuteronomy 34:7)
• The gratitude of the people (Deuteronomy 34:8)
• A living legacy (Deuteronomy 34:10)