Abundant life is the result of careful and complete obedience to God’s commands (8:1).
God humbles us – i.e. tests us w/difficult situations to: 1) reveal the genuineness of our loyalty (love and obedience) to Him (8:2 – “to know what was in your heart”), 2) reinforce the fact that our physical bread/provision in life is fully dependent on our receiving of God’s spiritual bread/provision (i.e. His Word) (8:3), 3) demonstrate His ability to care for us during those times (8:4), 4) discipline us (positively and negatively) and make us stronger (8:5).
If you get mad at God when things are difficult, then you have not taken to “heart” that God is treating you like a good parent either b/c you do not approve of good parenting or do – but are a giant hypocrite (8:5).
Being faithful to God (“keep[ing] His commandments”) not only means “walking in His ways” (obeying Him) but also “fearing Him” (being afraid to disobey Him) (8:6).
Constantly thanking God for all the good things He has given and done for you is important to: 1) keeping God’s commands and not forgetting how important He is to your life (8:7-11), 2) not becoming haughty by thinking such things (including your successes in life) are simply the result of your own power or efforts (8:12-18).
God’s whole purpose in testing us is to “do (us) good in the end” (8:16b).
One of the reasons we tithe to God is to acknowledge that He is the reason (His power and promise to the Patriarchs) we are able to “get (or possess) wealth” (8:18).
Forgetting to constantly thank God for the good things we receive will result in: 1) serving or worshipping (being loyal to) things other than God (“other gods”) (8:19a), 2) our destruction (8:19b-20).
No matter their greatness, might, size or strength, God’s pattern in the past is to be a “consuming fire” that destroys, subdues – or drives from their countries, those nations or peoples who practice overt (sexual) wickedness, (9:1-5 w/Lev 18:1-30 and 20:10-23).
God keeps His former promises to the righteous by blessing even their “stubborn” children (9:6-29 w/27; Gen 50:24 w/Gen 15:16; As it re: to all of God’s people, see Deu 5:10 w/2Co 1:20 w/Gal 3:29).
God gets extremely angry w/His people when they are fickle (9:7-19 – “turned aside quickly”) or fearful (9:22-25), and His ministers when they are flunkeys (people-pleasers) (9:20).
Anything identified as idolatrous in our lives should be removed in such a way from our lives that it can never return (9:21).
God can change from His original intentions/plans based on our actions or the actions of the righteous on our behalf (9:19, 10:10; Exo 32:14, 33:17; see also Gen 20:7 w/Jer 15:1).
God’s Law and appointed/anointed ministers must be established and leading His people if they are to realize His blessings (10:1-11; Mat 28:18-20).
What God requires of His people is more than fair/equitable based on Who He is and what He has done for us (10:12-13 w/14-15, 16 w/17-19, 20-21a w/21b-22).
There is no other God than the Lord our God (10:14).
Loving God and no longer being stubborn to His ways is not only a command but a choice (10:16).
When God’s people make promises, give oaths, agree to covenants or contracts, they are always swearing in His name and therefore wb guilty of taking His name in vain if they renege (10:20).
The frequency or duration of time that we need to remain loyal to God (“love the Lord”) and obey His commands (“keep His charge”) is “always” (11:1).
We are to consider how God handles the enemies of His people – and the enemies among His people: 1) as additional motivation to keeping all His commands (“the whole commandment”) (11:2-8a), 2) so that we may be “strong” and possess His promised blessings for the rest of our lives (11:8b-9).
Blessing far greater than what was forfeited, are what God gives to those who “obey”, “love” and “serve” Him (11:10-15; Mat 19:29).
Not being “deceived” into thinking alternative ways are better than God’s ways: 1) also requires being careful (“take care”) (11:16-17), 2) is another reason we are to be constantly thinking and talking about God’s Word w/our families and in our homes (11:18-20).
Giving yourself and your children a promising future of prosperity, perseverance and protection is all dependent on your commitment to God and His commands (11:21-28).
Vital to maintaining the covenant and blessings we have gained from God is the establishment of mountain-sized reminders of both God’s blessings and curses (11:29-32).