Biblical Guidelines for Aspiring Nation

Introduction: Deut. 4:1 & 2/5 & 6/9 Deut. 8 – all

The book of Deuteronomy is largely a retake of the message God gave to the 1^st. generation of Israelites. It is filled with instruction, motivation, etc.

In the reading, note the following:

The historical setting

The striking parallel to the USA

The emphatic repetition – when something is repeated over and over again with emphatic language, it is done for a reason.

The audience – this was to common folks who are believers and want God’s blessings on: themselves, their children, their neighbors, and their nation.

This is not unlike people in the United States. The vast majority of our people want the same blessings from God.

SO….SOME BIBLICAL GUIDELINES FOR AN ASPIRING NATION

#1. Be Reasonable. Deut. 8:17 & 18

Question: Is wealth/prosperity the result of earnings? or blessings (grace)? or goodness?

Answer: Yes, all/both/or a combination

#2. Be Careful Deut. 8:11-14

“Remember” is found 166 times in scripture and 16 times in Deuteronomy, along with ‘don’t forget’/’be careful’/’watch out’/’take heed’/etc….

Why?? Because prosperity tends to breed pride. (which leads to forget Him and focus on me!)

#3. Be Thankful Deut. 8:10 “Praise”

Note: this = both attitude and action. It’s not just attitude. For example: saying grace before meals. Is it necessary? Appropriate?

Why are we embarrassed to give thanks in a public restaurant for the blessings God has so abundantly given us?

#4. Be Wise. Deut. 30:11-16/19

WISDOM = practical/successful.living!!! - no matter what the economic status. Compare this to: John 10;10

#5. Be Instructive Deut. 4:9 (common to Deuteronomy and the Old Testament)

This is the basic “salt & light´application. It’s not for just one generation. It means to instill the values into the minds and hearts of children/grandchildren. This is primarily the job of the parents and grandparents, not the church.

#6. Be Evangelical. Deut. 4:6 – the point and purpose fo “showing”. Couple this with the New Testament “Great Commission”.

Note: this is more than simply sharing that “God is good”. It includes showing that…. God’s goodness ultimately displayed in the Cross of Jesus Christ.

…God’s goodness acquired in and through Christ.

#7. Be faithful. Deut. 8:6 “observe” – includes festivals, offerings, etc.

Christian parallel = Christmas/Thanksgiving/Easter/etc. as religious observances.

And….Heb. 10:25 - “not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together as is the manner of some,…..”