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Showing posts from November, 2024

Deuteronomy 5:22-33

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  Deuteronomy 5:22-33 recount how God showed His glory and greatness when He gave the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai (ref. Exodus 20:18-21). God desires that His people would fear Him and keep His commandments. By doing so, His people would live well and long in the land they are about to possess. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verse 22 Why is it important to know that God "added nothing more" to the Ten Commandments given in Exodus 20? Verses 23-27 How should I respond when God shows me His glory and greatness? Verses 28-33 Our society offers many ideas for well-being, but what does God say?

Deuteronomy 5:1-21

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  Deuteronomy 5:1-21 begin the review of the Law with the Ten Commandments. In renewing the covenant, this generation was to hear, learn, and follow carefully the statutes and judgments given at Mt. Sinai (ref. Exodus 20:1-17). The first four commandments focus on relationship with God, while the last six address relationships with others. For the command on keeping the Sabbath holy, Exodus 20:11 emphasizes the day of rest as instituted by God at Creation, while Deuteronomy 5:15 adds that it is a reminder of their freedom from slavery. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-6 Though we are saved by grace and are not under the law, why is it still important for us to HEAR, LEARN, and OBEY the law of the LORD? Verses 7-21 How well am I following the Ten Commandments, which Jesus summarized as Loving God and Loving our Neighbors (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34; Luke 10:25-37)? For music inspired by the Ten Commandments, ...

Deuteronomy 4:32-49

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  Deuteronomy 4:32-49 lead into the main body of Deuteronomy, where the Law is reviewed in chapters 5-28.  The people are reminded that none can compare with the LORD their God.  As a fitting response , they are encouraged to follow God's Law that it may go well with them in the Promised Land.  Moses leads by example, obeying God's command to set apart cities of refuge in the conquered Transjordan region; though the remaining cities of refuge were to be established after taking possession of the Promised Land (ref. Numbers 35:9-34). The same Law that was given to the first generation is now to be reviewed during this pivotal transition into the Promised Land. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 32-39 In what ways has God also demonstrated to me that there is "no other besides Him"? Verse 40 How should I respond to the honor of being chosen to be in relationship with a loving and awesome God? Verses 41-4...

Deuteronomy 4:15-31

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  Deuteronomy 4:15-31 warn against idolatry, emphasizing that worship should be directed to the Creator rather than what is created. God delivered His people from the "iron furnace" of Egypt to be His treasured possession. However, due to His zeal for righteousness, they will be driven from the land and destroyed if they forget the covenant. Yet, God remains faithful, offering the hope that they will be able to seek the LORD, turn back to Him, and obey His commandments. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 15-24 These verses are filled with warnings against idolatry.  What modern "idols" do I particularly need to watch myself carefully against? Moses's repetition of his inability to enter the Promised Land may indicate disappointment and regret ( ref. 1:37, 3:26-27, 4:21-22, Numbers 20:1-13 ).  What can I learn from the disappointments and regrets of my past actions? Verses 25-28 Based on Israel...