Deuteronomy - 11 Sessions

This book teaches man to love and obey God. The word “love” occurs 22 times; “obey” occurs 10 times. The motive for obedience is love. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). The true motive for obedience is stated in Deuteronomy 6:4,5. God’s love for man is the motive for His guidance and the giving of laws. Man’s love of God is the motive for his obedience. This is not the gospel, but the principle of it is here. This is the pathway of blessing. It is also the answer to those who do not find love in the Old Testament.

Bible Study Class — Deuteronomy

"Learning to praise God with our covenant and commitment”

Book Overview

The book of Deuteronomy is much more than a list of ancient laws—it is Moses’ heartfelt farewell address to the Israelites, offering wisdom for all generations. As one pastor put it, “Deuteronomy is to the whole Old Testament what Romans is to the New Testament: a handbook of practical and gospel-centered theology.” It is a grand reminder of God’s faithfulness, a repeated call to wholehearted devotion, and a guide to the kind of life that brings true blessing.

Five Subjects of Interest

Many themes in Deuteronomy resonate in every stage of life, especially for those seeking lasting purpose:

God’s Faithfulness: Over and over, Moses reminds the people how God “carried you, as a father carries his son” (Deuteronomy 1:31).

The Power of Obedience: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

Covenant Relationship: Deuteronomy centers on loving God “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5).

Passing the Faith: The book urges every generation to teach these truths to the next, making faith a family legacy.

Blessings and Curses: Choices have consequences—a principle that still stands true today (Deuteronomy 30:15-19).

Timeless Wisdom for Today

Deuteronomy’s wisdom echoes across the centuries. Jesus himself quoted from Deuteronomy more than any other Old Testament book, especially during his time of testing (Matthew 4; see Deuteronomy 6 and 8). This speaks volumes about its enduring value. As commentator Daniel Block notes, “Deuteronomy is a book of instruction for those who have been saved by God’s grace. It is not just history, but a call to a living relationship with God”.

Practical Applications in Christian Living

While Christians are not bound by the Old Testament law, the principles of Deuteronomy remain deeply relevant:

Obedience brings blessing: Simple trust in God’s ways leads to peace and fulfillment.

Scripture shapes character: Hiding God’s Word in our hearts, as Jesus modeled, helps in every season of life.

Community matters: Deuteronomy urges us to care for one another—especially the vulnerable—and to keep faith alive in practical, everyday choices.

Why This Book Matters

Deuteronomy matters because it reminds us all—no matter our age—that God remains faithful through every transition. Its call to “choose life” is, as scholar Christopher Wright puts it, “an invitation to experience the fullness of God’s blessing, not just in ancient Israel, but for all who seek to walk with Him today.” This book gently guides us to center our lives on God, discern what truly matters, and find wisdom for the journey ahead.

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments.” (Deuteronomy 7:9)

“The word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.” (Deuteronomy 30:14)

In studying Deuteronomy, we rediscover the heart of faith—trusting God, choosing obedience, and living with hope because His promises endure.

(Another series for this book)

— Download full series: Editable Word DOC — Printable PDF

1. "Looking Back to Move Forward" (Deuteronomy 1-3)
2. "Obeying God's Voice" (Deuteronomy 4-5)
3. "Loving God with All Your Heart" (Deuteronomy 6-7)
4. "Remembering God's Provision" (Deuteronomy 8-9)
5. "Renewing the Covenant" (Deuteronomy 10-11)
6. "Choose Life, Not Idols" (Deuteronomy 12-13)
7. "A Holy People, Set Apart" (Deuteronomy 14-16)
8. "Justice, Leadership, and God's Law" (Deuteronomy 17-20)
9. "Blessings for Obedience, Curses for Disobedience" (Deuteronomy 21-26)
10. "The Choice Before You" (Deuteronomy 27-30)
11. "The Leadership Transition: Moses to Joshua" (Deuteronomy 31-32)
12. "Moses’ Final Blessing" (Deuteronomy 33)
13. "The Death of Moses and God’s Continuing Plan" (Deuteronomy 34)

Deuteronomy: A Journey of Faith and Obedience

The book of Deuteronomy serves as a powerful restatement and renewal of the covenant between God and Israel, emphasizing obedience and love as the core of their relationship. It's a crucial bridge between the wilderness wanderings and the conquest of the Promised Land, shaping Israel's identity and laying the foundation for its future. As Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks observed, "Deuteronomy is not just law; it is a love letter from God to His people," highlighting the book's emphasis on the heart as well as the deed.

Moses pleads with the people to obey. He is now 120 years old and is about to die. For decades he served as a mediator: he was God’s messenger to Israel and represented Israel’s requests to God. He was also Israel’s ruler, guide, and judge, with authority unsurpassed by anyone else in Israel. As his monumental life draws to a close, Deuteronomy is Moses’ last plea to Israel to live by the light of all that God has taught them.

Overview of the Study of Deuteronomy

The book of Deuteronomy stands as a powerful summary of God’s covenant with Israel, given through Moses as the people prepared to enter the Promised Land. The name Deuteronomy means “second law,” but rather than presenting a new law, the book is Moses’ retelling and reaffirmation of the law God had already given at Mount Sinai. It is a call to obedience, love, and devotion to God, emphasizing that faithfulness brings blessing, while disobedience leads to consequences. Moses speaks with urgency, knowing his time is short, and he reminds Israel of God’s faithfulness in the past and His promises for the future.

While Deuteronomy contains many laws and regulations given to Israel, today’s Christians do not live under the Old Testament law. As the apostle Paul reminds us, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14, KJV). The law was given to point people to their need for a Savior, and that Savior is Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law perfectly (Matthew 5:17). While we are not bound by the specific laws of Deuteronomy, its principles—loving God, obeying His Word, and walking in faith—still apply. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “The law is the needle that draws the thread of grace,” meaning that the law shows us our need for grace, which we receive through Christ.

For today’s Christians, studying Deuteronomy provides a deeper understanding of God’s character, His justice, and His mercy. It reminds us that though we do not live under the Old Covenant, God’s desire has always been for His people to love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). The book calls us to remember that obedience flows from love, not legalism, and that through Christ, we are empowered to live in a way that honors God. As we walk in grace, Deuteronomy helps us appreciate the faithfulness of God throughout history and inspires us to remain faithful to Him in our own lives today.

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Deuteronomy - 11 Sessions