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Day 56 – Thru the Bible
Today we continue in Deuteronomy and Psalms. We’ll hit pause on the Shema video series today to watch a video regarding The Law.
Video – Theme: The Law
How does this video help you see how the Law books fit into the larger story being told?
Deuteronomy 10 – “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you?” Or, how should we respond to God’s gracious salvation? By loving God and by loving the sojourner/those in need/neighbor.
Under the New Covenant, we can see even more clearly how much God loves us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
How do we allow this incredible love we’ve been given to overflow to those around us?
Our response to God’s gracious salvation is in keeping with who God is, for He loves those in need; and this is in keeping with an understanding of who we used to be, for we used to be those in need before God saved us by His grace.
Deuteronomy 11 – Under the Old Covenant God gave Israel two alternatives: a blessing for keeping the commandments, or a curse for breaking them. The blessing would be abundant life in the land, while the curse would be expulsion from the land. Eventually Israel broke the covenant and was expelled from the land.
Jesus came as the new Israel (Matthew 1:1; 2:15; 3:13–4:2), but Jesus perfectly kept the commands and therefore merited the blessing of eternal life in the presence of God.
The result is Jesus fulfills the Old Covenant and ushers in the New. He not only bring us the New Covenant, but Jesus is the One who keeps it—both sides. Since He became flesh, He is able to represent mankind’s side of the Covenant. Since He is still God, Jesus also keeps God’s side of the Covenant.
The results for us are astounding! When we repent and believe, we are declared “right with God” (righteous) because we are in Christ. We are declared “holy” (set apart of a specific purpose) because we are in Christ. We are declared “not guilty” (justified) because we are in Christ. And so much more!
This is why it is called Good News!
Many believers struggle to accept this is true for themselves – if that’s you, how do you resolve your struggle to receive all that’s been done for you by Jesus?
Deuteronomy 12 – Under the Old Covenant the public worship of God had to take place at the temple in Jerusalem, because that was where the special presence of God was manifested.
Under the New Covenant where is the special presence of God manifested? Hint: John 2:19–22; Ephesians 2:19–22
How does Jesus bring God’s presence to us? Hint: John 1:14
What is the result for those who repent and believe? Hint: 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:21–22; Hebrews 8:1–2; 9:11–12.
As a result, our worship of God is not restricted to any one locale. In Christ we are not required to worship God in any particular place. Rather we are required to worship God “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23).
Psalm 56 – Realizing that God is for you is the antidote to fear. Throughout his life, David was so convinced of the Lord’s gracious character that he would choose even God’s judgment over man’s oppression (see 2 Samuel 24:13–14). Prayerfully trusting and not fearing is a perennial battle. While David asserts, “I shall not be afraid,” he admits that there will be times when he fails to trust. In those times he must return to God’s Word and trust His promises.
There are two other “pills to take” for fear in this Psalm. One is logic. Often the Bible commands us to “consider” or “reason.” In this instance, David considers, “What can man do to me?” Of course men can kill, but David says we must trust the One who has “delivered my soul from death.”
The second is worship. Even before experiencing God’s answer, David worships the Lord with thanksgiving and obedience.
How much greater reason is there for the Christian to be courageous! God’s Word became flesh. Through His apostles He caused even more to be written down, and He has given us the Holy Spirit to lead us in the “light” of life (John 1:1–4).
Who are the people in your life that can continually remind you of these truths?
How can you lift up those around you by reminding them of these truths?
What other thoughts or questions does today’s video and reading bring up?
Some of these notes are from the ESV Gospel Transformation Bible study notes. We highly recommend this study Bible.
Videos produced by www.TheGospelProject.com.
All links you need to be a part of this are here – Thru the Bible in 2018.