Let Us Learn God's Statutes and Judgments (Deuteronomy 5:1)
Introduction:
1. In Deuteronomy, Moses repeated God's law for the benefit of the Israelites who were finally going into the Promised Land. 2. In this verse Moses called upon the Israelites to fulfill 4 responsibilities concerning the statutes and judgments he was speaking, including "hearing" them, "learning" them, "keeping" them, and "doing" them. 3. Although we are no longer under the Law of Moses (Colossians 2:14), we still have these same responsibilities. 4. In our lesson we are examining a number of passages that relate to "learning God's statutes and judgments." 5. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. GOD WANTS HIS PEOPLE TO LEARN HIS STATUTES AND JUDGMENTS
A. This principle is taught in both the Old and New Testaments. B. Old Testament: Deuteronomy 6:1-3, 6-9 C. New Testament: 1 Peter 2:2 D. One reason why we must follow these instructions is that . . . II. FAILURE TO LEARN GOD'S STATUTES AND JUDGMENTS RESULTS IN DISASTER
A. This principle is also taught in both the Old and New Testaments. B. Old Testament: Isaiah 5:13 C. New Testament: John 12:48. D. By examining these few passages we have seen that: 1. God wants us to learn His statutes and judgments. 2. Failure to do so will result in disaster. E. Let us turn our attention to the fact that . . . III. MANY SPECIAL BLESSINGS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH GOD'S STATUTES AND JUDGMENTS
A. In Psalm 19:7-11, David gave a beautiful description of God's Word, including His statutes and judgments. B. David also listed a number of blessings that God's Word provides. C. With these blessings on our minds, let us receive encouragement from some . . . IV. BIBLE CHARACTERS WHO DESIRED TO LEARN GOD'S STATUTES AND JUDGMENTS
A. The Israelites during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 8) 1. (vs.1-3) They asked Ezra to read God's law to them. 2. (vs.5-6, 7b) They were reverent and respectful. B. The people by the Sea of Galilee during the Lord's ministry (Luke 5:1) 1. Jesus had been sent to preach (Luke 4:43). 2. He "preached in the synagogues of Galilee" (Luke 4:44). 3. By the Sea of Galilee, "the people pressed upon Him" to hear God's Word. C. Mary (Luke 10:38-39) D. The 3,000 in Jerusalem on Pentecost (Acts 2:41) 1. These people had asked what they needed to do (vs.37). 2. Peter answered their question (vs.38). 3. Those who "gladly received" Peter's instructions obeyed them. 4. They were added to the Lord's church (vs.47). Conclusion:
1. We have seen that the Scriptures emphasize the importance of learning God's statutes and judgments. 2. Suggestions for studying the God's statutes and judgments: a. When you study, make the request that is expressed in Psalm 119:18. b. Develop the attitude that is expressed in Psalm 119:97. c. Remember the principle revealed in Psalm 119:71.
