Deuteronomy - 13 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.
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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.
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.
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.