Choose Life: A Biblical Call to Establish a Different Society
Explore the profound message of choosing life as depicted in Deuteronomy, emphasizing the importance of upholding the covenant to live and flourish in a society distinct from the norm. Discover how this call to action relates to developing a Christ-centered lifestyle and resisting negative influences. Delve into the themes of listening, doing, and testifying as essential components of fulfilling God's plan for His people.
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Presentation Transcript
1. Choose Life Deuteronomy 4:1-14 p. 166
A Different Society Barna survey 2009 Biblical worldview Believe in absolute moral truth 46% yes How will they develop Christ centred lifestyles? Only 40% believe Satan is real How will they resist him? Deuteronomy: A call to establish a different society
1. They should Choose Life First 3 chapters recounts the story of rescue Ch 4: A new generation reminded of the covenant. Moses exhorts them to uphold it so they may live & flourish
1. They should Choose Life . . . Pentateuch (first five books) God s salvation plan Genesis: covenant about people, land, blessing (12:1-3) Exodus:Israel s rescue and receiving of the Law Leviticus: How to live before a holy God, & approach him Numbers:Israel s journey and lessons learned Deuteronomy: reiterates the covenant with a new generation
1. They should Choose Life . . . Moses urges Israel to uphold their covenant obligations At the end of the book, returns to the issue the people have a choice to make (30:19-20) Strong parallels to Paul s words in Romans 8:13ff Choosing life means living in the Spirit through faith in Christ
2. by listening & doing A recurring theme (v 1, 5, 6, 14) No point having wise laws if no-one follows them. To have a different society they had to be different. God wanted a society where everyone flourished Jesus promised much the same (John 10:10) Abundant life
3. A Testimony to the nations There was a greater purpose (v 6) In the ancient world a fascination with wisdom & law Queen of Sheba visited Solomon. From earliest times, decisions at whim of the ruler. Pilate had Jesus executed even though he was innocent. Law Codes were a significant development.
3. A Testimony to the nations Israelites were to keep God s laws For their own flourishing As a testimony to the surrounding nations. Think about what this may mean for us . . .
4. that God is Near them Song of Miriam (Ex 15) Description of God, a stark contrast to other gods. Pagan gods were overlords, they used people, mean, petty, Israel s God, our God, is quite different: He is near (v 7).
4. that God is Near them Israel s difference other nations realize their God is near Somewhere to go when things were tough A deliverer when they were threatened We are not made to be alone.
5. so that they care for their Souls We like to choose things. Easy choosing is a thrill. Other kinds of choosing are hard E.g. getting fit, getting things done well on time. Take daily attentiveness & decision.
5. so that they care for their Souls Moses gives an important instruction (v 9) Take care Keep your souls diligently Don t forget what you ve seen Don t let these things depart from your heart
5. so that they care for their Souls Deuteronomy gives practical tips souls diligently How to make real in experience that God is near. Like the angel said: He will be called Immanuel (God with us) how to keep our
Living It As he instructs the new generation, Moses exhorts them: They should choose life by listening and doing as a testimony to the nations that God is near so that they care for their souls.
