2.23.25: Weeks 10, Deuteronomy
Key Verse for 2025, “Watch your life and doctrine closely.” 1 Timothy 4:16
Intro: This week, we finish the book of Numbers and move into Deuteronomy. Remember that Deuteronomy means “the second law” or a “repetition of the law.” It is the book most often quoted by New Testament authors and by the Lord Jesus himself. Deuteronomy comprises three sermons delivered to the people by Moses.
The book’s primary focus is to encourage the people to commit to fully obeying God’s laws and to do better than their parents did. Moses casts a vision for this generation to have greater faith than their parents had. Faith (trust) is demonstrated through obedience to God’s revealed word. God is preparing His people to enter the promised land. Moses stands before the next generation, ready to enter the land, and reminds them that this law comes from God, and they must not deviate from it.
Our worldview shapes us. Who are we listening to—cultural elites, educators, politicians, athletes, actors, or online influencers? It matters. Many voices speak into our lives, but only one is true—God’s. The Israelites faced similar challenges. Moses told the next generation that the law came from God and that they must not stray from it. He urged them to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, strength, and mind, and to love their neighbors as themselves. They faced a choice: whom would they trust—themselves, the surrounding cultures, or God? Moses encourages them to trust in the Lord rather than the influences around them or even their own hearts. Their view of reality mattered.
We obey God because we love Him and want to thrive in our relationships.
DISCUSSION DEUTERONOMY
Read verses 6:1-9 out loud together.
Q1: After reading the passage, is there anything that initially catches your attention?
Q2: Look back at verses 1 to 3 and summarize these verses in your own words.
Q3: In what ways do these individual “statutes” and “ordinances” represent more than merely a list of do’s and don’ts, and instead reflect a comprehensive worldview or unified vision for life?
Note: It’s not just about obedience. While it’s true that we don’t need to understand to obey Him—God is good and wise—we must recognize that His will, as revealed in His word, leads to a fulfilling life. A life with Him, as intended, is essential for human flourishing. Therefore, “Command” signifies a unified vision of life and a comprehensive worldview.
Now Read Verses 4-9 and discuss
Q4: What does it mean to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength,” according to this passage?
Q5: how can we apply this concept to our daily lives beyond just religious practices?
Q6: Why does this passage emphasize the need to teach God’s commandments?
Q7: How can we continue to learn and grow in our understanding of God throughout our lives?
Q8: How can we guard against “competing worldviews” or “cultural voices” that might compete with our devotion to God in today’s world?
Q9: How can we effectively keep God’s word in our hearts and minds daily?
READ 1 JOHN 5:1 AND MATTHEW 22:37 – This is reality – the world as it truly is.
1 John 5:1, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves the one born of him. This is how we know that we love God’s children: when we love God and obey his commands. For this is what love for God is: to keep his commands. And his commands are not a burden, because everyone who has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith.”
Matthew 22:37, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind, this is the first and greatest commandment.”
Note: In Christ, we are now free to do what God wants. He has, and he is changing our hearts. We have the power now to obey. Sure, we are to exercise grit and make good things a habit. But even our godly grit is empowered by his grace.
MAIN TAKEAWAY: God’s commands are an invitation to life — to freedom found in Christ!
APPLICATION: “Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” We obey God because we love Him—we want to thrive in our relationship with Him and others. Believe in the gospel, repent of your sins, and embrace the freedom of obedience. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Reflective Questions for Application:
RQ1: How might you live distinctly in the world today as one of God’s people?
Application: After reflecting on this passage and the sermon, is there anything that needs to change in your life? How can we help?