Truth 101 Class

  Deuteronomy 30:1-10 continue the encouragement for covenant renewal, offering hope of restoration when the people remember and return to the LORD in obedience with all their heart and soul.  Curses are not the end, for the LORD delights in restoring and blessing His people. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-10 At the lowest points of our lives, what helps in restoring us and pointing us back to the LORD? What do these verses reveal about the heart of God toward His people? What does the repetition of the phrase “ with all your heart and with all your soul ” (vv. 2, 6, & 10) show me?

  Deuteronomy 29:14-29 continue the section encouraging covenant renewal. This passage emphasizes that the covenant applies to all generations of God's people and warns sternly against those who poison the community with the deception of believing they would be safe from the curses despite disobedience.  Idolatry and disobedience will bring severe curses, which will even draw attention from other nations. All will recognize God's powerful wrath as the consequence of covenant unfaithfulness. The passage concludes by reminding God's people to live according to what He has revealed, while trusting Him with what remains hidden or beyond their understanding. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 14-28 What helps guard my heart against self-deception that could harm others or result in serious consequences? Verse 29 How can I trust God more in areas of my life that I do not understand?

  Deuteronomy 29:1-13 begin the section that continues through the next two chapters, containing final instructions and encouragement to renew the covenant. This passage reminds the leaders, elders, officials, men, women, children, and sojourners of what the LORD has done for them and calls them to enter into covenant with the LORD, to be His people and for Him to be their God. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-13 What benefits can come from renewing our covenant commitment to the LORD? What do we miss out on when we see God's works but do not truly perceive or understand them with our hearts? (s ee also Romans 11:8 where Paul quotes v. 4) What is the true basis for prosperity and success for the people of God (v. 9)? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Let the Eyes of My Heart See" (Deuteronomy 29): Link

  Deuteronomy 28:58-68 concludes this section on blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. If God's people do not fear the glorious and awesome name of the LORD our God, the curses are summarized as physical afflictions, the loss of promised blessings (no longer numerous and no longer in the Land), ruin, destruction, exile, lack of rest, and a life of dread. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 58-68 What is the significance that this concluding section begins by referring to the "glorious and awesome name" of the LORD our God (v. 58)? In what ways might God use even ruin and destruction for good purposes (v. 63)? What are the most valuable lessons I have learned from this section on blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (chapters 27 & 28)?

  Deuteronomy 28:36-57 continue describing curses that will result from Israel's disobedience. The curses include exile and captivity, humiliation, plague, servitude to enemy nations, destruction, siege, starvation, extreme desperation, moral and social collapse, and utter hopelessness. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 36-44 Israel was freed from captivity in Egypt and witnessed the plagues, yet they still disobeyed the LORD and became captives again, experiencing the plagues of God's judgment themselves. When have I failed to remember to apply lessons God has already taught me through past experiences?  Verses 45-46 Signs and wonders demonstrate God's power so that all will know that He is LORD ( see Exodus 7:3-5 ).  How has God's discipline in my life helped turn my heart back to Him? Verses 47-57 What significant losses or consequences have resulted from my sins?  What have I learned from those ex...

  Deuteronomy 28:15-35 describe curses that will result from Israel's disobedience, in contrast to the blessings for obedience in the beginning verses of the chapter. The curses include confusion, frustration, destruction, death, disease, drought, defeat, madness, blindness, oppression, and loss. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 15-35 Even with the wonderful blessings promised for obedience and the terrible consequences for disobedience, why do God's people still fall into disobedience? And what can I learn from this? Which curses especially stand out to me as warnings against choosing disobedience to the LORD? And why?