Key Verse for 2025, “Watch your life and doctrine closely.” 1 Timothy 4:16
Intro: This week, we will conclude Deuteronomy. This completes the first five books of the Bible, known as the Pentateuch, and transitions into the opening chapter of Joshua, which is the first of the historical books.
Everyone has questions, and asking them is good, so we shouldn’t fear them regarding our faith. Remember that faith doesn’t exclude curiosity, questions, or even doubt; however, doubt is not a virtue; we should reach the point where we doubt our doubts more than our faith. Questions are important, but starting right is essential for accurate conclusions. The Bible answers our deepest questions. It provides all we need to know about life and salvation.
Today, we’ll read part of Moses’ final sermon in Deuteronomy, found in chapters 29 and 30. Essentially, it repeats the Sinai covenant for this generation. Their parents had pledged loyalty to the covenant after leaving Egypt and had failed to keep that pledge. Now, this generation is given their chance.
DISCUSSION DEUTERONOMY CHAPTER 29
Read verses 1-29 out loud together.
Q1: After reading the passage, is there anything that stands out to you? Was there anything that Terry mentioned in the sermon that you remembered after reading the passage? If so, please share it with us.
Q2: Refer to verses 1-9. How did God provide for the Israelites during the 40 years in the wilderness? Why is it important to remember God’s past actions and faithfulness?
Q4: What does it mean to “observe the words of this covenant and follow them”? How are they going to be able to keep the covenant?
Note: Remember Terry’s example from the wedding trace performed. This is similar to when Trace challenged the young couple to uphold the covenant vows they were about to take. The purpose of the challenge is to emphasize to Israel both the difficulty and seriousness of what they are about to do.
Q5: Read verses 10-15. What is occurring? Consider the covenant being established in this context. What catches your attention and why?
Q6: Read 16-29, blessings and curses. What does the passage tell us about the consequences of idolatry?
Q7: How can we fall into idolatry? Have you observed the consequences of idolatry and recognized it as a dark, destructive path to avoid? If your answer is yes, please share the reasoning behind it.
Q8: What is Moses’ challenge to the people?
Note: Choose! At the heart of all this is a choice, a decision that must be followed through on. Decide and then live decided, not deciding—this is Moses’s charge. Moses goes on to say that the implications of their choices are multi-generational in their impact.
Q9: Read Deut. 29:29. How does this verse encourage us to focus on what God has revealed rather than dwelling on what we don’t know? How can we apply this verse daily, especially when faced with difficult situations or unanswered questions? How is this verse a comfort to you?
MAIN TAKEAWAY: “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” Don’t get sidetracked! Move forward in obedience with the guidance we already have rather than waiting for all our questions to be answered.
Moving forward in obedience requires faithfulness (trust in) the guidance we already possess, regardless of whether all our questions have been answered. God has given us sufficient answers to our biggest questions to keep moving forward in obedience.
APPLICATION: Don’t get sidetracked or sidelined by the mystery. Chase faithfulness, there is nothing more interesting or rewarding. The Bible lays this out as a choice, a decision that everyone must make.
Moses: “For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws.” (Deut 30:15)
Jesus: ” ‘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. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37)
Application: After reflecting on this passage and the sermon, is there anything that needs to change in your life? How can we help?