By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
REMEMBER
Deuteronomy 4:1–9, 15–20
Obedience (1–4)
The Book of Deuteronomy is Moses’ address to the Israelites as they prepare to go into the promised land. God had forbidden Moses from entering, so it was important for Moses to leave a final admonition for the Israelites. He focuses on the need to obey God’s commands — neither to take away from them nor to add to them. Moses reminds the people that those who disobeyed God and worshipped foreign idols were destroyed by God.
There are consequences to disobedience. While God may not strike us dead immediately, all disobedience is sin and sin has a cost. Sin shows a lack of trust that God’s ways are best. It puts our own interests over those of God and suggests that in pride, we think we know better than God and assert our own will over that of God.
Sin also ruins relationships. Of course, the ultimate cost of sin is separation from God for eternity. It is for this reason that Christ died on the cross on our behalf — to bear God’s wrath against sin so that all who believe in Christ do not have to.
Wisdom (5–9)
By following God’s decrees, God’s wisdom would be on display to the nations. Following God’s laws would lead to a functional, just and gracious society because God’s laws are given by a just and gracious lawgiver.
Instead of arbitrary or even demonic laws from the pagan societies around them that are built on man’s corrupted wisdom, Israel’s society would function justly. This was to be one way Israel would fulfill its job as a priestly nation — presenting God to the nations so that they may also turn from their wicked ways and follow the one, true God.
It is similar in today’s world. If Christians obey the teachings of God given to us in the Bible, our lives look different from those around us. Our attitudes should be filled with grace toward those around us as opposed to the typical judgmentalism, complaining and narcissism that is seen in daily life.
Our godly lives should be a breath of fresh air to those around us, and in living this way we are affirming the laws of God as beneficial for human flourishing.
Worship (15–20)
Moses reminds the people to avoid idols, which will sadly end up being a thorn in the side of Israel until the Babylonian exile.
A problem that can hinder Christian witness is when we become idolaters. Choosing to do what we want instead of what God wants and focusing too much on things that distract from God — work, finances, sports and hobbies — is often how idolatry takes hold. It would be strange to find anyone who claims to be a Christian in the U.S. who also has a shrine to a foreign god that they bow down to.
Instead, when we do not obey God, we are placing ourselves in the place of God, making us our own idol. When we become isolated or socialize only with people who do not share our values, it is easy for Satan to lead us away from godly ideas and attitudes.
This is why we need to be a faithful part of a local church with other strong Christians. They can be used by God to help us recognize our own sinful attitudes and behaviors and encourage us to live godly lives.
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