The Balance of Power

Deuteronomy 8

Introduction: I spent the last two weeks sharing on vision, mission, core values and healthy church characteristics.

The purpose for the matters we have been discussing is found in the desire to do what honors and pleases the Lord which brings his approval and blessings.

Deuteronomy 8 is a chapter full of promises, approvals, and blessings.

The context of Deuteronomy 8 follows a very familiar theme.

Deuteronomy 8 follows a section in which Moses reiterates God’s unique love that He set on the people of Israel. He also reminds the Israelites that God is the One who did many great signs and wonders in Egypt to deliver them out of slavery and reminds them of the promise that God is the One who will cause them to inherit the land that He promised to their forefathers. But, as is noted in this chapter, after God has accomplished these great things on their behalf, they will be tempted to forget all that He has done for them.

There is a NT verse that somewhat sums up the base thought of today’s message. Philippians 3:12, ‘I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me’ (NLT).

In Philippians it is the apostle Paul makes a statement about himself. In Deuteronomy, God is reminding His people of the necessity to be careful and not forget what Paul confessed to understanding.

1. Power of Obedience – 8:1a

Be Careful to Obey

We can label this as a reminder and a warning.

2. Role of Condition – 8:1b

Then you will live and multiply & Occupy Land

Condition and intention of purpose/promise.

Occupy = to inherit, possess, seize, occupy. More than 250x in OT.

3. Power of Remembrance – 8:2

 How He led You through Desert (difficulty).

4. Role of Development – 8:3-5

Humbling & Testing your Character

Increase and progress, Improvement, Advancement

• Seeing if You will Obey

Verification of Testing, examination, measurement,

• Feeding & Teaching
• Provision and Instruction
• Walk & Fear Him
• Purpose, function, objective, target, plan

• 5. Beauty of Provision 8:7-10

• Promises of a grand future with no Lack
• Assurance, guarantee, pledge of abundance, sufficiency

Conclusion: Read rest of Text – 8:11-20 – Final Reminders and Promises