Deuteronomy 4:15-40: Only God Can Save
SOMETIMES I FORGET what Christianity is all about. In the midst of Bible studies, worship services, committee meetings and service projects I end up just going through the motions. Somehow the Christian faith collapses into a set of obligations that I am required to fulfill and a set of activities that I am supposed to be doing. And then, as sunlight coming through the clouds, the central truth breaks through. I am reminded that God is a saving God, a liberating God, a God who wants freedom for his people. The passage that you are about to read is one you need to fix in your mind and read from time to time. It summarizes the central message of the Bible. God took his people from slavery in Egypt to freedom. There is no one like him. When that shift takes place in my mind, the pressure of obligation changes to gratitude and heartfelt service.
Warming Up to God
List your obligations regarding church, work and family. As you do, commit them to the Lord's keeping. Sit in quiet for a few moments and practice gratitude for the freedom that he brings to you.
Read Deuteronomy 4:15-40. »
Discovering the Word
- What different types of idolatry are the people warned against (vv. 15-31)?
- What are the results of idolatry (vv. 21-31)?
- Look at verses 32-38. What had God done to achieve Israel's salvation?
- What response should Israel have to God's saving work (vv. 35, 39-40)?
- What benefits will come to the people if they take this admonition to heart (vv. 37-40)?
Applying the Word
- Israel's salvation was deliverance from slavery. A Christian's salvation is deliverance from sin. How is God's power at work in both?
- For Israel, one of the gifts coming with their salvation was the Promised Land. What are some of the benefits that come to Christians through Christ's achievement of salvation on the cross?
- What can you do to keep from taking your salvation for granted as Israel was in danger of doing?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to give you a heart of gratitude for his saving work in Jesus Christ. Pray that you would grow in your exclusive commitment to him and responsiveness to his leading and law.
For Further Study
Deuteronomy by Stephen D. Eyre