2. 14. Lifelong Reading
Deuteronomy 17:14-20
p. 178

3. Like a King None of us is destined to be King of Israel
The King of kings sits on the throne of heaven
We are to be like him

4. 1. God’s Purpose Adam & Eve Unfortunately the first humans rebelled
Have dominion over all the earth (Gen 1:26)
Work it, keep it, care for it (Gen 2:15)
Unfortunately the first humans rebelled

5. 1. God’s Purpose . . . A covenant with Abraham
Through you … bless all families on earth (Gen 12:3)
Join the story in Deuteronomy
After rescuing descendants from slavery in Egypt

6. 1. God’s Purpose . . . The purpose (Deut 4:5-8):
Display wisdom & understanding before all people
Reveal a God who is near
Reveal righteous statutes and rules

7. 1. God’s Purpose . . . Jesus said something similar (Matt 5:16)
Let your light shine before others … glorify your Father
Reiterated throughout New Testament
They see your good deeds … glorify God (1 Pe 2:12)

8. 1. God’s Purpose . . . Specific instructions how (Deut 6:6-9)
These Words … shall be on your heart
Teach them, talk them, bind them, write them, …
Be saturated in the Word of God – and obey it
Jesus: “do the will of my Father” (Matt 7:21)

9. 1. God’s Purpose . . . Israel to be a very different society.
The king was to embody the difference
Apostles express it very clearly:
Do not be conformed … be transformed (Ro 12:2)
Be holy in all your conduct (1 Pe 1:15)

10. 2. A Different kind of King
Practical application to a specific case – King:
Not acquire many horse (v 16)
Not cause the people to return to Egypt
Not acquire many wives (v 17)
Not acquire excessive wealth (v 17)
Not be above his brothers – the people (v 20)
Not turn aside from the commandments (v 20)

11. 2. A Different kind of King …
What he should do:
Write a copy of the Law approved by priests
Keep it with him
Read it every day
Learn to fear the Lord
Keep them
Do them

12. 2. A Different kind of King …
What he should do:
Write a copy of the Law approved by priests
Keep it with him
Read it every day
Learn to fear the Lord
Keep them
Do them

13. 3. A King formed by the Word
Natural to look at other kings
Copy what other kings do
God did not want that.
He wanted a servant king
Humble, generous, gracious …
Such a king be a reflection of God himself

14. 3. A King formed by the Word …
In God’s Word he would find how to be king
“approved by the priests” – not missing bits
Worst option: send people back to Egypt for horses
Desire for grandeur – return to slavery and oppression.
He must constantly read, keep, do the Word

15. – Living It – Being like Jesus
Profound principle: be formed by the Word
Not by the culture around them.
Word was to permeate their life & understanding
Antidote to culture – only if they read, fear, keep, do (v19)

16. – Living It – Being like Jesus …
Be transformed into Christ – clear plan:
Let the Word of Christ dwell in your richly (Col 3:16)
Live according to the Spirit (Rom 8:5, 13)
Takes re-education and lots of practice
Learn not to treat the Word like a textbook
Marinade in it … let it dwell in us richly

17. – Living It – Being like Jesus …
Simple test:
“Am I in a different & better place with God?”
Dwelling has been the breakthrough for me
E.g. Prayer of Thanksgiving - (Cindy McMenamin)
E.g. Service of Covenant Renewal
Such deep, Scriptural prayers require much contemplation

18. – Living It – Being like Jesus …
Historic spiritual practices of the church help us grow in Christ.
Letting the Word form our attitudes and behaviour does not happen overnight.