By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
FULLY COMMITTED
Deuteronomy 30:11–20
The Command (11–14)
Moses tells the Israelites that what God wants them to do is not difficult. He says, “But the message is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, so that you may follow it.” The Israelites were told by God to study His Word and keep His commands.
Christians ought to be reading God’s Word and meditating on it so we know it and so living it out becomes a normal part of life. We do not have to question what God’s will is because the Bible is full of commands.
For example, the Bible tells us to be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks (1 Thess. 5:16–18) and work at what we do as for the Lord, not men (Col. 3:17, 23).
If we read the Bible, these types of commands become known to us, and fellowshipping with believers gives us strength to actually follow them.
We also have the benefit of the Holy Spirit residing in us to convict us so we know when we are off track or disobedient.
Of course, when we do go off track, we repent and receive forgiveness.
This is the gospel. Even when we sin, God forgives us because of Christ’s death in our place on the cross, which then gives us encouragement to go back to living for God and neighbor.
The Commitment (15–18)
Living the Christian life is not always the easiest thing to do. Satan tempts us in many ways so we often do not want to follow God’s law.
For example, it is easier to cheat and be lazy than to work hard. However, we all know from experience that when we do what is right, we benefit in many ways.
God is pleased with us and blesses us.
Working hard at whatever task we are given, loving our neighbor and helping those in need blesses us with the knowledge that God is pleased. The Holy Spirit convicts us to do what is right, and we have joy when we do because we show we are loving God.
The Challenge (19–20)
Society often thinks the Christian life is one that is dull, bland and joyless.
However, we can see from the Bible and from history that when God’s laws are followed, families, communities and nations flourish.
Much of the modern ethic of our society is that if you do what you want and no one gets hurt, the activity or action is acceptable and good.
But we can see that this attitude has destroyed families and society in general.
People often think the government is needed to fix the problems of society, but they never address the root of the problem, which is people’s sinful hearts. Drug addiction, fatherless homes and blaming others for your problems all have miserable consequences.
We see this every day in our society, but when we look at the Church and the authentic Christians in the country, we see the benefit of following God’s laws. It leads to joy in life, a desire to see others prosper, laws passed that help society and the family and overall prosperity for the community.
Even from a pragmatic view, the Christian worldview benefits all of society.
We should not be shy or apologetic about this but tell others about the source of our satisfaction — Jesus — so that they too hear the gospel and accept Christ.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
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