Bible Study - Legacy - Building a Legacy - Deuteronomy 6 - May 6, 2012

Bible Study – Legacy – Building a Legacy – May 6, 2012

This begins a new series entitled “A Lasting Legacy.”

Our scripture for this lesson is Deuteronomy 6:1-15a.

Our lessons for this month will be taken from various scripture passages - A Lasting Legacy, A Legacy of Hope, A Legacy of Faith and A Legacy of Love.

Most of us want to leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren. A legacy is more than telling stories or sharing a few incidents in one’s life but it is a way of life. There is no greater legacy to pass on to our families than living a consistent, faithful life and being examples of walking faithfully with CHRIST.

Our scripture for this lesson is taken from the Book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy is the fifth book in the Bible. The first five (5) books of the Bible were written by Moses and called the Pentateuch. Deuteronomy focuses on reminding the Israelites of their deliverance by GOD from Egyptian bondage and slavery and their journey to the Promised Land. The Israelites had witnessed GOD working in their lives as they left Egypt and journeyed toward the Promised Land. The older Israelites were afraid to trust GOD and go into the Promised Land after they sent spies into that country to check it out. Their lack of faith in GOD resulted in them wandering in the wilderness for forty (40) years until the older generation died off.

As you may recall, Moses had disobeyed GOD by striking the rock rather than speaking to the rock to obtain water for the Israelites. As a result of his disobedience, GOD told him that he would not be allowed to go into the Promised Land. Deuteronomy contains GOD instructions, through Moses, for the Israelites to obey when they entered the Promised Land.

Moses learned, the hard way, a valuable lesson from GOD. Obedience to GOD was the key to living a successful life during hard times or times of prosperity. He knew that entering the Promised Land would give the Israelites confidence and success as they saw the hand of GOD work in their behalf. This is true for Christians today. When GOD gives us success, we often begin to think that we did it and we become self-sufficient.

GOD wanted the Israelites to be prepared when they entered the Promised Land. How do you think Moses felt as he instructed the Israelites? GOD permitted Moses to see the Promised Land. Disobedience is costly. GOD keeps HIS promises.

Moses first address is recorded in Deuteronomy 1:1 to 4:43 where Moses reminded the Israelites what GOD had done for them. His second address goes from Deuteronomy 4:44 to 28:68. In this section, Moses addressed principles for Godly living. Moses third address goes from Deuteronomy 29:1 to 30:20. Moses issued a call for commitment to GOD. The last section is recorded in Deuteronomy 30:21 to 34:12 and deals with the change in leadership from Moses to Joshua. Moses was about to die.

To me, Deuteronomy 5:28-29 is so precious and reveals the very heart of GOD toward HIS people. GOD had spoken to Moses out of the fire and they depended upon Moses to be their mediator between them and GOD. GOD told Moses that HE wanted the Israelites to come before HIM. Moses was giving them a heads up that GOD desired for them to come to HIM.

Deuteronomy 5:28-29:

28 “The Lord heard youro Lit the sound of your words when you spoke to me. He said to me, ‘I have heard the words that these people have spoken to you. Everything they have said is right.
29 If only they had such a heart to •fear (reverence) Me and keep all My commands always, so that they and their children will prosper forever.

The word “prosper” can lead some to think of material wealth, which can be a result, but the more lasting and important result is Spiritual wealth. The Israelites were looking forward to entering the Promised Land. Christians are looking forward to entering the Promised Land.

Christians have been blessed with the assurance of CHRIST’S presence in them through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Christians know that CHRIST, the promised Messiah has come to earth, died for them, was resurrected, ascended, and sits at the right hand of GOD. After CHRIST’S mission was accomplished, the Father sent the Holy Spirit to earth to indwell every Christian at Pentecost.

The Jews refer to Deuteronomy 6:4-9 as the “Shema.” It is their statement of faith, which GOD gave to the Israelites of HIS expectations for them to have the right relationship with HIM. Let’s explore.

Let’s read Deuteronomy 6:1-5:

The Greatest Command

1 “This is the command —the statutes and ordinances —the Lord your God has instructed me to teach you, so that you may follow them in the land you are about to enter and possess.aDt 3:12
2 Do this so that you may •fearNo single English word conveys every aspect of the word fear in this phrase. The meaning includes worshipful submission, reverential awe, and obedient respect to the covenant-keeping God of Israel.bDt 14:23 the Lord your God all the days of your life by keeping all His statutes and commands I am giving you, your son, and your grandson, and so that you may have a long life.
3 Listen, Israel, and be careful to follow them, so that you may prosper and multiply greatly, because •YahwehA translation of the Hebrew letters YHWH, traditionally translated theLord; "Yah" is the shortened form. The translation "Yahweh" is used in the HCSB in places where the personal name of God is discussed (Ps 68:4) or in places of His self-identification (Isa 42:8)., the God of your fathers, has promised you a land flowing with milk and honey.cDt 11:9
4 “Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One.d Or Yahweh is our God; Yahweh is One, or The Lord is our God, the Lord alone, or The Lord our God is one LordeMk 12:29,32; Jms 2:19
5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.f  Mt 22:37; Mk 12:30; Lk 10:27

Moses had reviewed the Ten Commandments and he was coming to the very heart of GOD’S desire for HIS people. GOD knew that the Israelites were about to enter into the Promised Land. HE wanted Moses to prepare them for success and for them to know Who prepared the way and gave them success.

Moses was to teach them and they, in turn, were to teach their children and grandchildren. Our problem today is that many parents do not know CHRIST. Many know about HIM but they have never developed an intimate loving relationship with HIM. CHRIST/GOD are who they call on in times of trouble. Once the trouble is over they may acknowledge that JESUS or GOD helped them or they may not. GOD’S desire is to have a personal relationship with every person through CHRIST.

In verse 3, Moses stated the importance of keeping, following and obeying the Ten Commandments, statutes and ordinances. It was important for them to keep their minds and hearts focused upon GOD as they experienced bounty in the Promised Land. This is true today. GOD gives but how we use what HE allows us to obtain is important. HE knows that real joy comes from keeping our minds and hearts focused upon obediently serving HIM.

Christians must keep their minds and hearts in tune with the indwelling Holy Spirit. Being indwelled by the Holy Spirit does not make a Christian a robot. Christians still make decisions every moment. The question is who will they obey the flesh or the Spirit. The only difference between those worshiping GOD before CHRIST is that the Spirit was located in the Holy of Holies and the person had to go through a priest to access GOD. Since CHRIST, the Spirit is located within each Christian and each Christian has direct 24/7 access to GOD through CHRIST.

GOD made it clear when HE instructed Moses to use the word “listen” in verse 4. In essence HE was saying, “Pay special attention to what Moses is about to tell you.” The Israelites were to worship the One, true living GOD, Yahweh. Yahweh was the ONE who would lead them into the land flowing with milk and honey. Yahweh is One and HE is LORD.

Yahweh is still ONE and HE is still LORD. We can read and study the Bible to get to know the attributes of Yahweh. JESUS CHRIST is the exact representation of Yahweh in human form. JESUS stated in John 14:9 - Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time without your knowing Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father.q Jn 5:19,37; 12:45 How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? This why JESUS is the only way to GOD! If a person cannot accept CHRIST who came and lived on earth, how can he/she accept GOD?

JESUS came to earth to give HIS life for everyone who will accept HIM as their Savior so they may experience the joy of salvation and the miracle of rebirth. The very heart of the relationship GOD desires for HIS children is expressed in verse 5. Notice it begins with the word “love.” At first glance it looks like a command to love GOD. It is but the word used for “love” has a sense of tenderness and a sense of being a member of a family. GOD wanted the Israelites to consider HIM a Father figure because HE loved them. They had not chosen GOD but GOD had chosen them. GOD’S reason for choosing them was revealed in Deuteronomy 7:7-9:

7 “The Lord was devoted to you and chose you, not because you were more numerous than all peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples.
8 But because the Lord lovedg Dt 4:37 you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a strong hand and redeemedh Dt 9:26; 15:15; 24:18 you from the place of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
9 Know that •Yahweh your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His gracious covenant loyalty for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commands.i Neh 1:5; Dn 9:4

GOD looked upon the Israelites as HIS children and HIS desire was for them to consider HIM their Father. As in any functional family there are relationships, accountability, discipline, fun times, obedience and chores. GOD’S desire was for the Israelites to consider themselves as family. By being a member of GOD’S family, HE wanted them to follow the rules which were established in their best interest.

This is what HE wants from all Christians today. You are family through the miracle of rebirth. GOD knew it was impossible for Christians to be fully functional family members in their own strength. That is why we must yield our will to the will of GOD through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Only HIS power and strength can maintain a daily walk with HIM as the Spirit leads and empowers. In order to do that, Christians must die to self and rely upon the leadership and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

This is what CHRIST was telling HIS followers when HE said in Luke 9:23 - Then He said to them all, “If anyone wants to come withl Lit come after Me, he must deny himself,m 2Tm 2:12-13 take up his cross daily,n Other mss omit daily and follow Me.oMt 10:38-39; Lk 14:27; 1Co 15:31 We live in a body of flesh and the flesh wants to lead us in one direction whereas GOD wants us to be available to HIM as HE leads and directs our lives in HIS direction. It is often a battle of the will but through the renewing of the mind through the process of sanctification, GOD’S desire is for all Christians to be made in the image of JESUS.

Notice in our next section of scripture that GOD wants HIS children to be immersed in HIM. By centering all our thoughts on HIM and HIS Word rewires the human mind. We are told in Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and effectiveo Jr 23:29; 1Pt 1:23 and sharper than any double-edged sword,p Isa 49:2; Eph 6:17; Rv 1:16; 2:12 penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart.q   1Co 14:24-25

This is why GOD wanted them to focus upon HIM and HIS Word. HE knew by focusing upon HIM and HIS Word it would empower them to stay the course as they encounter everyday life. The same is true for Christians today. Our part is to yield our wills to HIM and ask HIM to give us the strength to live each day in obedience to HIM.

Let’s read Deuteronomy 6:6-9:

6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart.gDt 11:18-20
7 Repeat them to your children.hDt 4:9-10 Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
8 Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol i Or phylactery; Mt 23:5 on your forehead.j Lit symbol between your eyeskEx 13:16; Dt 11:18 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

GOD, through Moses, was emphasizing to the Israelites the importance of having an intimate relationship with GOD and teaching their children through example.

It is vital that the things that Christians do to keep their minds and hearts in tune with GOD not become mere words that are recited or read but reflect their true heart. GOD’S desire is for HIS children to have an honest relationship with HIM based upon the experience of walking with HIM. Many of the Psalms David wrote were a result of his walk with GOD which reflected his heart toward GOD. We often recite the words David wrote but are they just nice sounding words or do they reflect our experience with GOD?

GOD’S desire is for HIS children to worship HIM and walk with HIM each moment in Spirit and truth. Again, that is only possible as we walk being led by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Let’s read Deuteronomy 6:10-15a:

Remembering God through Obedience

10 “When the Lord your God brings you into the land He swore to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that He would give you—a land with large and beautiful cities that you did not build,
11 houses full of every good thing that you did not fill them with, wells dug that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant lJos 24:13—and when you eat and are satisfied,mDt 8:10; Neh 9:25
12 be careful not to forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.nLv 26:13; Dt 5:6; 8:14; 13:5,10; Jos 24:17; Jr 34:13
13 Fear Yahweh your God, worship Him, and take your oaths in His name.oDt 10:12,20; 13:4; Jos 24:14; 1Sa 12:24; Mt 4:10; Lk 4:8; Rv 14:7
14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you,
15 for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God.pDt 5:9 Otherwise, the Lord your God will become angry with you and wipe you off the face of the earth.

 Moses was telling the Israelites beforehand what GOD was going to do for them. HE was going to lead them into the Promised Land that had already been built and ready to be occupied. All they had to do was to possess it. Verse 10 reveals the fact when GOD makes a promise HE keeps it. Abraham entered Canaan in 2091 BC and the Hebrew’s were entering the Promised Land about 1446 BC. GOD made the promise to Abraham and at the close of Moses’ life, GOD was fulfilling that promise roughly some 645 years later. When GOD promises, you can count on it.

 GOD requires HIS children to take action on what HE has prepared. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness which helped them prepare to enter the Promised Land. GOD knows that prosperity can become a barrier between humans and HIM. HE was trying to prepare them for the prosperous times. What is GOD preparing you for?

Christians must keep in mind that even though GOD has plans for their good, they must take action. We must keep in mind Satan has plans to defeat, destroy and thwart GOD’S plans. Satan will place every lure he can to temp us to stray from focusing on GOD by doubting GOD. GOD equips HIS children to remain strong in the fight against evil but the flesh is weak. That is why during bad or good times, turn your eyes upon JESUS and look into HIS wonderful face. HE will lead you through troubled waters or calm waters alike, because HE loves you and has the very best in HIS plans for you.

As GOD spoke through Moses, HE reminded the Israelites to remember where they came from. They were in slavery and bondage and GOD delivered them from that with the promise of them going to the Promised Land. It was not easy as they made that journey but it built their relationship with HIM.

GOD through CHRIST has delivered Christians from the clutches of sin and death. HE has placed our feet upon the solid rock of CHRIST and HIS desire is for us to first prosper Spiritually and material prosperity may follow. Spiritual prosperity satisfies and endures. JESUS made it clear in Matthew 6:33-34:

33 But seek first the kingdom of Godn Other mss omit of Godo Mk 1:15; Ac 20:25 and His righteousness,p Mt 27:19; Lk 7:29; 23:41,47; Jn 5:30; 17:25; Ac 3:14 and all these things will be provided for you.q 1Kg 3:13; Mt 19:28; Mk 10:29; Lk 18:29; 1Tm 4:8
34 Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough troubler Mt 6:25; Lk 10:41; Php 4:6; 1Pt 5:7 of its own.

 GOD instructed HIS children to keep their eyes focused upon HIM. HE alone is their redeemer, protector and strength. This takes us back to verse 5 - Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.f   

GOD told the Israelites, through Moses, that HE was jealous and does not share HIS children with any other god. When you have found your true love you have their best interest in mind for him/her. You do not want to share him/her with anyone. GOD clings to HIS children, just as loving and caring parents watch over their children. HE, in turn, wants HIS children to cling to HIM by keeping their minds and hearts focused upon HIM. David said it best in Psalm 119:11:

I have treasured Your word in my heartp Ps 37:31; 8; Lk 2:19,51so that I may not sin against You.

GOD’S Word must be active in your life for a purpose and not passive to satisfy a rule. GOD’S desire is for a dynamic relationship with HIS children and not passive.

GOD is love but also GOD is wrath. John 3:16-21 sums it up:

16 “For God lovedh Jn 12:43; 1Co 13:1; Gl 2:20; Col 1:13; 3:12; 1Th 1:4; 2Th 2:13,16; 1Jn 4:7-12; Jd 1 the world •in this way:i The Gk word houtos, commonly translated in Jn 3:16 as “so” or “so much” occurs over 200 times in the NT. Almost without exception it is an adverb of manner, not degree (for example, see Mt 1:18). It only means “so much” when modifying an adjective (see Gl 3:3; Rv 16:18). Manner seems primarily in view in Jn 3:16, which explains the HCSB‘s rendering. He gave His •One and Onlyj 1Jn 4:9 Son,k Jn 5:19; Heb 1:2 so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.l Jn 12:25; Rm 5:8; 1Jn 3:16; 4:9-10
17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemnm Jn 8:11 the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.
18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned,n Mt 12:41; Mk 16:16 because he has not believed in the nameo Jn 10:25; 1Jn 3:23 of the One and Only Sonp Jn 5:19 of God.
19 “This, then, is the judgment: The lightq Ps 36:9; Jn 12:46 has come into the world,r Jn 18:37; 1Jn 2:8 and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil.
20 For everyone who practices wicked things hatess Lk 6:27; 19:14 the light and avoids it,t Lit and does not come to the light so that his deedsu Mk 14:6; Gl 3:10; Jms 2:14-26 may not be exposed.
21 But anyone who lives byv Lit who does the truth comes to the light, so that his worksw Jn 5:36 may be shown to be accomplished by God.”x

If you have not done so, ask CHRIST to forgive you for your sins, believe that HE gave HIS life for you and ask HIM to come into your life now. Quicker than the twinkling of the eye, CHRIST will come into your life, redeem you and transform you into GOD’S Sons or Daughters through the miracle of rebirth. Blessings as you journey with HIM and live your legacy.