Today's lesson comes from Deuteronomy 7: 6-17. This lesson focuses on the kind of relationship which God desires to have with His people. In chapter 7, the first 5 verses deal with the utter destruction of idolatry in Canaan, and the separation of God's people from heathen influence. God's people are to live a separated lifestyle, devoted wholly to Him. As the Israelites conquered the heathen nations in the land of Canaan, they were to destroy everything associated with idolatry, e.g., altars, images and graven images. God wanted His people to be pure and separated from all idolatry.
The first section is "A God of Grace." vv. 6-8 God had extended His love and mercy to the children of Israel. They had no merit of their own, but God loved them and delivered them from their bondage. Deliverance came because of God's love and the promises He had made. This is the same for a lost sinner. Sinners are in bondage and cannot free themselves. But God loves each individual, and He has given us His promises. When people trust God and respond in obedience to His redeeming love, they can be set free.
Verse 6 explains why they were to destroy the heathen. God's people were to be a holy people separated from the idolatrous practices of those inhabiting the land. Verse 7 explains some reasons why God did not choose Israel. Verse 8 explains why God did choose Israel. They were chosen because of God's love, but also because of the promises which He made to their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was God's love that delivered the Israelites out of Egypt. The Israelites were chosen by God to be holy (v. 6a), His (v. 6b), humble (v. 7), and heirs (v. 8).
The second section is "A God of Justice." vv. 9-11 God's love is wonderful, but He is more than a "doting grandpa." God is also a God of justice. Men should not presume upon His mercy. Moses stressed the importance of obedience, and warned of God's ultimate wrath upon those who refuse to serve Him. We need to have a healthy filial (of or due from a son or daughter) fear of the Almighty God.
Verse 9 reminds us that God is faithful, keeps His covenants and promises, and does so forever ("a thousand generations"). Verse 10 states that God will repay those that hate Him. "Those that hate God cannot hurt Him, but certainly ruin themselves." (Matthew Henry) Verse 11 is a command to keep God's laws and commandments. Since God is the God of justice and does not overlook sin, keeping His commandments will enable you to enjoy His love and mercy.
The third section is "A God of Blessing." vv.12-15 Obedience does bring blessing. In this last section of the lesson, Moses describes the blessing the children of Israel would enjoy if they kept God's laws. Christians today do enjoy material blessings for following God. However, the greatest blessings are of a spiritual nature. It is certainly worthwhile to give our lives to God.
Verse 12 reminds us that God's covenant and mercy promised to the Israelites fathers was conditional upon their obedience to His judgments (means a verdict, formal decree, or rightful claim). Verses 13-15 contain a list of the blessings if God's commands were obeyed: God would love them and bless the fruit of their wombs, the produce of their fields, and the increase of their flocks and herds. Even without all the material blessings, it would still be wonderful to serve God. However, when the blessings are included, the incentive to love Him is overwhelming. The choice to love and serve God is the best choice for any person to make. Let us be faithful to walk worthy to our calling.
The Golden Text is: "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2: 14) God wants to save His people from their sins. This is accomplished through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ. Also, He wants to cleanse our hearts from the sin nature. This is accomplished through a complete consecration of our lives and faith in Him to accomplish the work. As we walk in obedience to God's Word, His blessings will flow to us, always spiritual and sometimes material.
My summary points:
1. God has chosen us to be a holy people.
2. He is a God of justice, not just mercy.
3. God will bless us as we walk in obedience to His Word.
Next week: "God's Providential Care." (Deuteronomy 8: 1-10.
Read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
Listen to our weekly Podcast, "The Pathway to Purity and Power."
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