NTRODUCTION
A. Deuteronomy 30:11-20, was part of God's instruction to the Israelites before they would settle in Canaan.
1. Similarly, God had also given to Christians today the sure direction to enter heaven.
2. Let us know the truth so that we shall not be misled in our heavenly journey, John 8:32
B. Dissecting God's Instruction to the Israelites
1. Not Difficult and Not Beyond Reach
2. A Matter of Life and Prosperity; Death and Destruction
3. The Sure Punishment of Disobedience
4. The Blessings of Obedience to God's Commands
DISCUSSION
A. Not Difficult and Not Beyond Reach, vs. 11-14
1. God's command to the Israelites, not difficult and beyond reach
a. Not in heaven- reachable, can be proclaimed and be obeyed, v.12
b. Not beyond the sea to be crossed, can be proclaimed and can be obeyed, v.13
c. The word is NEAR you- in your mouth and in your heart...can be obeyed, v. 14
2. Therefore, there is no EXCUSE in not knowing it and obeying it
a. In Matthew 8:21-22, a disciple wanted to follow Jesus but his excuse was " to bury his father first."
b. Man often looks for excuses in NOT obeying God's commands
3. John wrote " we show our LOVE to God when we keep His commandments which are NOT burdensome," I John 5:3
4. Jesus Himself said, " For my yoke is EASY and my burden is LIGHT, " Matthew 11:30
B. A Matter of Life and Prosperity; Death and Destruction
1. Keeping God's commands should not be taken LIGHTLY
2. For it will bring Life and Prosperity when obeyed
a. " when we keep His commands, our lives will be happier, more fulfilling and less complicated."
b. " our challenges and problems will be easier to bear and we shall receive His promised blessings."
c. Commands are not given " to frustrate us or to give obstacles to our happiness."
3. Like the Israelites, God would bless us when we obey His decrees and punish us when we disobey His commands.
C. The Sure Punishment of Disobedience, vs. 17-18
1." If your heart turns away and will not hear My words; but shall be drawn away to worship and serve other gods? "0
a. God gave man freewill but his heart became " deceitful and is beyond cure," Jeremiah 17:9
b. He worshipped other gods contrary to God's law, Exodus 34:14
2. " I denouce you...that you shall surely perish and shall NOT prolong your days in the land you will possess," vs.18
3. In Canaan, in the days of the kings, Israel had become idolatrous
a. She worshipped Asherim and had male temple prostitutes under King Rehoboam, I Kings 14:23-24
b. Under King Ahaziah, Israel consulted with the prophets of Baal and Asherah, 2 Kings 1:2
c. The people offered aromatic sacrifices to their idols, Ezekiel 6:13
D. The Blessings of Obedience to God's Commands
1. " Choose life, that both you and your children may live," vs. 19
a. God promised to Israel " long life" in Canaan if they would be obedient to His commands
b. Jesus also said " I have come that they might have LIFE, and that they might have IT abundantly," John 10:10
2. God asked the Israelites " to love Him; to obey His voice; to cleave to Him for He is your LIFE that you may dwell in the land He swore to your fathers," vs. 20
a. God's promises are reliable and will always be fulfilled
b. " The Lord is faithful to ALL His promises and loving toward ALL He has made," Psalm 145:13
c. " And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus," Phippians 4:19
3. Jesus said " Be faithful until death and I will give you a crown of life," Revelation 2:10
a. " Rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven," Matthew 5:12
b. " Blessed is the man who remains STEADFAST under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the Crown of Life, which God has promised to those who LOVE Him"
CONCLUSION
A. How should we honor God in our decisions?
1. " Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths," Proverbs 3:5-6
2. In Matthew 5:16 " Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify the Father who is in heaven."
B. Living a good life is one way of making unbelievers praise God
1. " Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the Day of Visitation," I Peter 2:12
2. " If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him, James 1:5