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Episode Notes:

In this episode, we’ll dive into Deuteronomy Chapter 7, where Moses continues his second sermon by focusing on the positive consequences of obedience. This chapter reveals three key elements: commandments, consequences, and conditions for experiencing blessings. Let’s explore how obedience to God’s commands brings about divine blessings.

1: The Commandments (Deuteronomy 7:1-5)

Moses begins by giving specific commands to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land:

1. No Survivors (Verses 1-2): The Israelites are commanded to utterly destroy the nations inhabiting the land. This harsh command reflects God’s judgment against these morally corrupt nations and serves to protect Israel from their influence.
2. No Intermarriage (Verse 3): The Israelites are forbidden to intermarry with these nations, as such unions would lead them astray from God. This command anticipates the possibility of Israel failing to fully obey the previous command, thus emphasizing the need for separation from pagan practices.
3. No Idols (Verse 5): The Israelites must destroy all forms of idolatry in the land. Idols and their associated practices were to be completely eradicated to prevent Israel from being tempted into false worship.

These commands were given because Israel was chosen by God to be a holy people, set apart from other nations.

2: The Consequences of Obedience (Deuteronomy 7:12-15)

Moses then outlines the blessings that would follow if the Israelites obeyed God’s commands:

1. Mercy (Verse 12): If they obey, God promises to maintain His covenant with them, showing them mercy.
2. Blessing (Verses 13-14): God promises to bless them with prosperity in all areas of life—children, crops, and livestock. Obedience would lead to abundant material blessings.
3. Health (Verse 15): God promises to protect them from sickness and disease, ensuring their physical well-being.

These blessings are contingent on their obedience, highlighting the direct connection between following God’s commands and receiving His favor.

3: The Conditions for Experiencing Blessings (Deuteronomy 7:16-26)

Moses reiterates the conditions that must be met to experience God’s blessings:

1. Total Destruction of Enemies (Verses 16-20): The Israelites are reminded to destroy all the inhabitants of the land without pity and to avoid serving their gods. God reassures them that He will drive out these nations, little by little, until they are completely defeated.
2. No Fear (Verses 21-24): They are commanded not to fear their enemies but to remember God’s past faithfulness. By focusing on God’s power rather than their fears, they will have the strength to overcome any obstacles.
3. Destruction of Idols (Verses 25-26): The Israelites must destroy all idols and refrain from coveting their material wealth. These idols are abominations and must not be brought into their homes, as the

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Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.
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Episode Notes:

Episode Summary:

One of the most significant chapters of the Old Testament is Deuteronomy 6, because in it we uncover the core principles that God wanted His people to understand and live by. We explore the "heart of the matter" when it comes to following God's commandments and how this chapter answers crucial questions about obedience, love, and the passing of faith from one generation to the next.

Key Points:

• Introduction to Deuteronomy 6:
  • Deuteronomy 6 is positioned as one of the most critical chapters in the Old Testament, standing alongside other key passages like Genesis 12, Genesis 15:6, and Exodus 20.
  • The chapter begins with a command to observe God's statutes as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land.
• The Command to Love God (Verses 1-5):
  • The passage emphasizes the importance of loving God with all your heart, soul, and strength, highlighting the Shema, Judaism's central confession of faith.
  • The Shema's declaration of God’s oneness presents challenges and opportunities in understanding the concept of the Trinity.
• The Importance of Teaching the Next Generation (Verses 6-9):
  • Moses instructs that God's commandments should be in our hearts first and then diligently taught to our children.
  • The chapter outlines a practical approach to making God's Word a central part of daily life, both through example and direct teaching.
• Warnings and Exhortations to Obedience (Verses 10-19):
  • Moses warns the Israelites not to forget God when they experience prosperity in the Promised Land.
  • The passage provides a clear order: Don’t forget God, fear Him, and avoid idolatry.
  • Jesus quotes this passage during His temptations in the wilderness, underlining its enduring significance.
• The Role of Parents in Spiritual Education (Verses 20-25):
  • Moses emphasizes the responsibility of parents to teach their children about God's mighty acts and the significance of His commandments.
  • The importance of telling the story of God’s deliverance from Egypt as a foundational narrative for understanding God's covenant is highlighted.
  • The passage also ties obedience to God’s commands with practical righteousness and the blessings that come from covenant faithfulness.
• Application to Modern Believers:
  • The episode draws parallels between the ancient Israelites' situation and the challenges faced by modern Christian families.
  • The emphasis is on the home as the primary place for teaching and living out the Christian faith.
  • The episode concludes with a call to ensure that Christianity is visibly and actively practiced in our homes, as this is crucial for passing the faith to the next generation.

Support the show

Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon

Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a text

Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.
https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere at;
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Episode Notes: "Reminders of the Ten Commandments - Part Two" (Deuteronomy 5:19-5:43)

1. Commandment Against Stealing (Deuteronomy 5:19)

• Commandment: "You shall not steal."
• Definition: Stealing involves taking something that belongs to another person against their will.
• Significance:
  • Upholds the principle of personal property rights, which is foundational to society and the global economic system.
  • Contrast with Marxism: Communism, as outlined in the Communist Manifesto, opposes personal property rights, advocating government ownership of all property. This is viewed as incompatible with a biblical worldview where personal property is a God-given right.
• Restitution in the Old Testament:
  • The law required restitution with an additional 20% for stolen goods (e.g., Leviticus 6, Numbers 5).
  • Example: Zacchaeus' promise to restore fourfold (Luke 19) reflects the biblical principle of restitution, showing a deeper understanding of the law.

2. Commandment Against Bearing False Witness (Deuteronomy 5:20)

• Commandment: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."
• Definition: Bearing false witness includes lying in legal testimony, character assassination, slander, and perjury.
• The Origin of Lies:
  • Satan is identified as the "father of lies," while God is the author of truth.
• Impact: This commandment protects not only legal justice but also the integrity of one's reputation, making it an extension of the command against killing or stealing.

3. Commandment Against Coveting (Deuteronomy 5:21)

• Commandment: "You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife; you shall not desire your neighbor’s house..."
• Definition: Coveting involves desiring something that belongs to someone else, revealing selfishness and internal attitudes.
• Expansion: In Deuteronomy, "his field" is added to the commandment due to the Israelites' impending role as landowners.
• Internal vs. External:
  • This commandment addresses internal desires, contrasting with others that focus on external actions.
  • Jesus' Teaching: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expanded on this concept, equating internal desires (lust, hatred) with external sins (adultery, murder), emphasizing the importance of the heart's intentions.

4. The Divine Origin of the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:22-33)

• Verse 22: Moses emphasizes that the commandments were spoken directly by God amidst fire, cloud, and thick darkness, highlighting their divine origin.
• Purpose of the Law:
  • These commandments form the core moral law, with all other Mosaic laws serving as expansions of these principles.
  • The commandments imply not only prohibitions but also human rights: personal property, marriage, reputation, etc.
  • Western civiliz

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Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon

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