Deutonomy 30 Romans 10 Bible Study
E. Radical Decision. 30:11-20.
11-14. The Lord did not require of Israel something incomprehensible or unattainable (v. 11). Israel’s duty was not hidden at some inaccessible height (v. 12) or beyond some insuperable barrier (v. 13).
Note Paul’s similar use of these proverbial questions in Rom 10:5, 6. 14. The word is very nigh unto thee.
They misunderstood their own Law (vv. 4–13). Everything about the Jewish religion pointed to the coming Messiah—their sacrifices, priesthood, temple services, religious festivals, and covenants. ----Their Law told them they were sinners in need of a Saviour. But instead of letting the Law bring them to Christ (Gal. 3:24), they worshiped their Law and rejected their Saviour. ----The Law was a signpost, pointing the way. But it could never take them to their destination. /-------The Law cannot give righteousness; it only leads the sinner to the Saviour who can give righteousness.[1]/
The theme of Moses’ message was “the commandment” (Deut. 30:11), referring to the Word of God. Moses argued that the Jews had no reason to disobey the Word of God because it had been clearly explained to them and it was not far from them. **In fact, Moses urged them to receive the Word in their hearts (see Deut. 5:29; 6:5–12; 13:3; 30:6). The emphasis in Deuteronomy is on the heart, the inner spiritual condition and not mere outward acts of obedience.
Paul gave us the spiritual understanding of this admonition. He saw “the commandment” or “the Word” as meaning “Christ, God’s Word.” So, he substituted “Christ” for “the commandment.” **He told us that God’s way of salvation was not difficult and complicated. We do not have to go to heaven to find Christ, or into the world of the dead. He is near to us. In other words, the Gospel of Christ—the Word of faith—is available and accessible. ***The sinner need not perform difficult works in order to be saved. All he has to do is trust Christ. The very Word on the lips of the religious Jews was the Word of faith. The very Law that they read and recited pointed to Christ.
There are the secret, incomprehensible things which belong to God (cf. Deut. 29:29a;), but the covenant demand is one of the revealed things given to God’s people to be obeyed (cf. 29:29b; 6:6, 7; 11:18, 19; 31:19). As Job affirmed, exhaustive knowledge is the possession of God alone, but to man God assigns, as his portion of wisdom, the fear of the Lord, which is the way of the covenant (Job 28, esp. v. 28).
15-20. Moses reminded Israel that in her experience as a kingdom, blessing and obedience would be inseparable, as would also rebellion and the curse (vv. 16-18). 15. Life and good ... death and evil. The issue was as clear and radical as life and death (cf. 19b). To love the Lord, obey him, and remain loyal to him—that was their life (v. 20; cf. 6:1-5). 19. I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day (ASV; RSV).. It is significant that the Deuteronomic treaty contains at least a rhetorical parallel to that feature (cf. 4:26; 31:28; 32:1).
*Over and over again Moses traced the work of salvation which God was accomplishing through him to the promises sworn unto Abraham (v. 20c)
It's Not Difficult!
“This command that I give you today is certainly not too difficult or beyond your reach.”—Deuteronomy 30:11
The Christian life is not difficult. The same Christ who lived a perfect, obedient, and sinless life stands prepared to live it again through you (Gal. 2:20).
God's will is not hard to discern. He has given us the Scriptures, which reveal His will, and He has placed His Holy Spirit within us to guide us to His perfect will in every situation (John 16:13).
Our greatest challenge will be to wholly commit our lives to follow God's will obediently as He reveals it.
Moses gathered the Israelites around Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim before they were to enter the Promised Land. There, God described what they had to do in order to obey Him. God gave detailed instructions so there was no mistaking what was expected of them. Then God asked them to make a choice. If they chose to disobey His commands, they would face His wrath. If they chose to obey, they would receive His blessing.
God's Word comes to you in the same way. It is not too complex to understand. You don't have to struggle to discern God's will about adultery or forgiveness or honesty.
God's word is perfectly clear. The question is, how will you respond?
Nowhere in Scripture did God excuse disobedience because His instructions were too vague or complex. Condemnation came because they knew exactly what God wanted them to do, yet they chose not to do it!
God, through His Holy Spirit, will always give you sufficient revelation and strength to take the next step with Him. If you are uncertain about what God is asking of you, make sure that you are obeying all that you do know, and through your obedience, God's next instruction will become clear.
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