LAY UP THESE WORDS OF MINE IN THE HEART
Text: Deuteronomy 11
21 July 2013
(I) THE COMMAND TO HIDE GOD’S WORD IN THE HEART
1. Different Contexts
2. A short list of the different contexts
a) Deuteronomy 4:1-6
Context of the Sinaitic Covenant
“So He declared to you the covenant…” Deuteronomy 4:13
b) Deuteronomy 5
The Ten Commandments (Cf. Exodus 20)
c) Deuteronomy 6
Context of The Shema
“Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God is One…” Deuteronomy 6:4
d) Deuteronomy 11
Context of Admonition concerning Blessing and Cursing
“A blessing and a curse…” Deuteronomy 11:26
(II) SIGNIFICANCE OF REITERATING THIS COMMANDMENT
1. To highlight that this is a command of the Lord
2. To emphasise the need to pay great attention to this command of the Lord
3. To highlight the wisdom of hiding God’s word in the heart
4. To reinforce the need to do our part in hiding God’s word in our heart
(III) VERY RELEVANT PROBLEMS (THEN AND NOW)
1. We do not take the trouble to hide the Lord’s word in our heart
2. We are too lazy to take the trouble
3. We make all kinds of excuses
4. We do not realise that we have put ourselves in danger when we disobey
(IV) APPROPRIATE RESPONSE
1. Make the effort to memorise God’s word
2. Learn deep lessons along the way
3. Many of the lessons of life were encapsulated in the commandments of God
a) Knowing God’s word better helps us understand life better
b) Knowing God’s word better helps us cope with life’s problems better
c) Knowing God’s word better enables us to become more godly and wise