2. 1. Choose Life
Deuteronomy 4:1-14
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3. A Different Society Barna survey 2009 – Biblical worldview
Believe in absolute moral truth – 46% “yes”
How will they develop Christ centred lifestyles?
Only 40% believe Satan is real
How will they resist him?
Deuteronomy: A call to establish a different society

4. 1. They should Choose Life
First 3 chapters recounts the story of rescue
Ch 4: A new generation – reminded of the covenant.
Moses exhorts them to uphold it so they may live & flourish

5. 1. They should Choose Life . . .
Pentateuch (first five books) – God’s salvation plan
Genesis: covenant about people, land, blessing (12:1-3)
Exodus: Israel’s rescue and receiving of the Law
Leviticus: How to live before a holy God, & approach him
Numbers: Israel’s journey and lessons learned
Deuteronomy: reiterates the covenant with a new generation

6. 1. They should Choose Life . . .
Moses urges Israel to uphold their covenant obligations
At the end of the book, returns to the issue … … the people have a choice to make (30:19-20)
Strong parallels to Paul’s words in Romans 8:13ff
Choosing life means living in the Spirit through faith in Christ

7. 2. … by listening & doing … A recurring theme (v 1, 5, 6, 14)
No point having wise laws if no-one follows them.
To have a different society … they had to be different.
God wanted a society where everyone flourished
Jesus promised much the same (John 10:10) – “Abundant life”

8. 3. … A Testimony to the nations …
There was a greater purpose (v 6)
In the ancient world a fascination with wisdom & law
Queen of Sheba visited Solomon.
From earliest times, decisions at whim of the ruler.
Pilate had Jesus executed even though he was innocent.
Law Codes were a significant development.

9. 3. … A Testimony to the nations …
Israelites were to keep God’s laws
For their own flourishing
As a testimony to the surrounding nations.
Think about what this may mean for us . . .

10. 4. … that God is Near them … Song of Miriam (Ex 15)
Description of God, a stark contrast to other gods.
Pagan gods were overlords, they used people, mean, petty, …
Israel’s God, our God, is quite different:
He is “near” (v 7).

11. We are not made to be alone.
4. … that God is Near them …
Israel’s difference – other nations realize their God is near
Somewhere to go when things were tough
A deliverer when they were threatened
We are not made to be alone.

12. 5. … so that they care for their Souls …
We like to choose things.
Easy choosing is a thrill.
Other kinds of choosing are hard
E.g. getting fit, getting things done well on time.
Take daily attentiveness & decision.

13. 5. … so that they care for their Souls …
Moses gives an important instruction (v 9)
Take care
Keep your souls diligently
Don’t forget what you’ve seen
Don’t let these things depart from your heart

14. 5. … so that they care for their Souls …
Deuteronomy gives practical tips … … how to keep our souls diligently
How to make real in experience that God is near.
Like the angel said: He will be called Immanuel (God with us)

15. – Living It – As he instructs the new generation, Moses exhorts them:
They should choose life …
… by listening and doing …
… as a testimony to the nations …
… that God is near …
… so that they care for their souls.