January 28, 2002
LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Feb. 10
Covenant with God should impact every choice
___Deuteronomy 27:9-10, 15-19; 28:2-6
___By Pete Freeman
___First Baptist Church, The Woodlands
___There was a time in our culture when a man's word was sufficient to consummate a matter. This was traditionally symbolized by a handshake. It meant, "We have a deal." I'll fulfill my part of the bargain and you'll fulfill your part of the bargain. It also implied an understanding of the consequences of the agreement. When I either fulfilled or failed to fulfill the terms of the agreement, I understood there would be consequences.
___The Bible refers to this as a covenant relationship. A covenant, in its biblical setting, refers to an agreement or compact between two parties. In reference to a covenant between God and people, it stipulates the promises of God to bless his people.
___Although there are differences between the Old and the New Covenants of the Bible, there is a basic understanding in both of a correlation between blessings and obedience. In neither covenant can personal obedience earn a right standing with God. Yet in each, the degree of the blessings or judgment of God upon a person's life is impacted by one's obedience to God's teachings.
___Yet there is a problem of either perception or outright denial on this matter. Many insist that keeping or breaking God's commandments have no consequences. What preacher hasn't heard from church members such words as, "I'm forgiven; there are no consequences for my sins" or "my situation is special." One LifeWay commentator noted, "God wants his covenant people to understand that the requirements of covenant life are serious indeed and that he provides appropriate blessings for those who obey the terms of the covenant and sends appropriate judgments on those who disobey."
___It also should be noted that the covenant was between the Lord and his people. Therefore, the principle of blessings and curses applies primarily to those who have established a covenant relationship with him. Blessings should be understood as both material and spiritual in nature, but primarily spiritual. We never should gauge the quality of God's blessing on what we can see, touch or feel. Curses should be seen as means of expressing God's judgment or as a natural consequence of one's choices.
___Moses establishes the basis for obeying God in 27:9-10. Being the people of God carries with it the responsibility of obeying God. Now, I don't obey my wife, and she doesn't obey me. We are equals, and, therefore, we mutually submit to each other. But I obey God, and he doesn't obey me. We are not equals, and, therefore, I submit to him. I agreed to that when I began a relationship with him 43 years ago. So what is it about the word "obey" I don't understand. Nothing! I just get a little stubborn and self-centered at times.
___Deuteronomy 27:14-19 records what disobedience produces. The writer is so determined his people understand that he gets his entire staff involved in a loud "rap song" about curses (27:14). These are articulated in verses 15-19.
___Verses 11-13 describe this well-orchestrated method of getting a message across. Like two choirs from opposite ends of the sanctuary, they shout forth their recitations. Joshua 8:30-35 describes this event in greater detail. This must have been one of the most powerful worship services Israel experienced. It is obvious that irresponsibility to moral limits does not have isolated results. The people's shout of "amen" is an affirmation of their recognition that disobedience by anyone was detrimental to the entire community (27:15-26).
___I have a friend who decided to leave his wife and kids for another woman. He was a deacon and Sunday School teacher. At the time, he felt it was the right thing to do. He knew adultery was wrong, but somehow he rationalized in his case, it would be OK. That was 10 years ago. Although he has reconciled with his family, he recently told me, "The scars are still there; not only in my life but in the lives of both my wife and children." Thank goodness for healing grace and for the fact we don't have to carry those scars to heaven with us.
___Finally, Moses addresses the blessings of God upon those who obey his commandments (28:2-6). Do you think Moses had the health, wealth and prosperity gospel in mind? I don't think so! He does not affirm the bogus claims of such ministerial entrepreneurs. Yet we should not minimize the wonderful material blessings the Lord sends our way. Material blessings are no more signs of spiritual depth than is poverty. They are both relative to the sovereignty of God and the pre-eminence of God's kingdom.
___Yet spiritual blessings are the equalizers. It is God's intention to bless his people with his presence and power in every circumstance of life. What more could we ask?
___The greatest stench in the nostrils of God is the disobedience of his people. Yet he loves us, shows mercy on us and is patient with us. We American Christians sometimes confuse prosperity with the favor of God. Even though our religious activity might be at an all-time high and our church growing faster than ever, we know the truth. In our private lives, we're not very obedient to his commandments. Deuteronomy 28:15-68 warns us that in time disobedience will produce its own consequences. There will be a payday some day.
___Questions for discussion
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