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;
patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless

Episode Notes: "A Warning Against Forgetting About the Lord" (Deuteronomy 8:11-20)

Context: Moses' Warning to Israel

• Background: In Deuteronomy 8, Moses addresses the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. He reminds them of the importance of remembering God and the lessons learned during their time in the wilderness.
• The Risk of Forgetting God: Verses 11-17 warn against the danger of forgetting God in times of prosperity. Moses emphasizes that when the Israelites are satisfied and prosperous, they might be tempted to take credit for their success, forgetting that it is God who provided for them.

Key Lessons from Deuteronomy 8:11-20

• Remember the Past Lessons:
  • Dependence on God: Moses reminds the Israelites of their dependence on God during their wilderness journey. The hardships they faced were meant to humble them and teach them to rely on God.
  • Gratitude for God's Provision: The manna, water, and protection they received were clear demonstrations of God’s provision. Forgetting these would lead to pride and self-reliance.
• Remember God's Covenant:
  • Divine Promises: The prosperity the Israelites would enjoy in the Promised Land was part of God’s covenant with their ancestors. It wasn’t a result of their efforts but a fulfilment of God’s promise.
  • Warning Against Idolatry: Moses warns that forgetting God and turning to other gods would lead to destruction, just as it did for the nations that were destroyed before them.

Application to Christian Life Today

• Prosperity and Humility:
  • Pride vs. Humility: Just as the Israelites were tempted to forget God in their prosperity, Christians today face similar temptations. It’s vital to remain humble, acknowledging that all blessings come from God, not from our own efforts.
  • Biblical Reminder: James 4:6 teaches that "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Humility involves trusting God for our needs and recognizing His hand in our successes.
• Trusting God's Provision:
  • Dependence on God: Philippians 4:19 assures us that "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." This promise, like the lessons from Deuteronomy, encourages reliance on God rather than self-sufficiency.

Conclusion: Blending Knowledge and Experience

• Remembering God's Faithfulness: The ultimate lesson from Deuteronomy 8 is the importance of remembering God in both prosperity and need. By recalling His past faithfulness, we strengthen our trust in His continued provision.
• Heeding the Warning: Moses' warning to the Israelites is a reminder for us today. In times of success, we must remain humble and thankful, and in times of struggle, we must trust in God’s faithfulness. By doing so, we keep our hearts aligned with God, acknowledging that all blessings come from Him.

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;
patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless

Sermon Notes: "A Good Land to Possess" (Deuteronomy 6:1-10)

Introduction:

• Picture the moment when everything you've longed for is within reach—this is where the Israelites stood in Deuteronomy 6, on the brink of the Promised Land, a place described as "flowing with milk and honey."
• This wasn’t just about new opportunities; it was about stepping into a life designed by God, marked by His commands, presence, and blessings.

Main Points:

1. The Call to Obedience (Deuteronomy 6:1-3):
   • Moses calls the Israelites to observe God's commandments carefully, emphasizing that obedience is key to thriving in the Promised Land.
   • The promise: obedience leads to life, multiplication, and possession of the land—a land God swore to their ancestors, fulfilling His covenant with Abraham.
   • This obedience is not just about rules but is an invitation into a relationship with God that defines their identity and destiny.
2. Remembering God's Faithfulness (Deuteronomy 6:4-6):
   • Moses reminds them of their 40-year journey in the wilderness—a period where God tested and humbled them to reveal their hearts and deepen their reliance on Him.
   • The wilderness experience was a lesson in dependence on God, where He provided manna to teach them that "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord."
   • This passage underscores the importance of humility and recognizing our total dependence on God, not just for physical needs but for every aspect of life.
3. The Lesson of Trust and Testing (Deuteronomy 6:7-9):
   • God's testing was meant to develop trust in Him, demonstrating that true life comes from His word, not just material provision.
   • Jesus Himself quoted this passage during His temptation in the wilderness, showing that obedience to God’s Word takes precedence over immediate needs.
   • Just as the Israelites learned to trust God for manna, we are called to trust Him in our own "wilderness" experiences, knowing that He provides what we truly need.
4. A Land of Abundance (Deuteronomy 6:10):
   • Moses describes the richness of the Promised Land—a place of abundance, peace, and provision, vastly different from the scarcity of the wilderness.
   • The land is a symbol of God’s generosity and faithfulness, offering everything necessary for a prosperous life.
   • The proper response to this abundance is thanksgiving and continued obedience, recognizing that all blessings come from God.

Application:

• Obedience as a Response to God's Faithfulness: Just as the Israelites were called to obey and trust God in the Promised Land, we too are called to live according to His Word as we step into the "good land" He has prepared for us.
• Trusting God in Every Situation: Whether in times of abundance or scarcity, we must depend on God, trusting that He knows and provides what we truly need.

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;
patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless

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

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