Faithful to the End

Here Moses concludes his second sermon, the longest in Deuteronomy. These concluding curses and blessings serve as a warning and an opportunity for the people as they hear. Moses presents the people with covenant curses that reflect their side of the agreement with Yahweh. Moses has declared the priorities and values of Yahweh, through the Ten Words (Decalogue) and then the application of those Ten Words throughout this second sermon. As believers, these warnings translate to us as warnings to obey and follow Jesus, just as our New Testament calls us to love, obey and follow Jesus. Believers must also follow biblical warnings to faithfully obey the commands of Jesus and those given by  the apostles in the New Testament.

Deuteronomy is one of the most significant books in our OT, but one that is often not addressed. Throughout Deuteronomy, Moses will challenge Israel over and over again, to hear the word of Yahweh, and then, to heed it in obedience. Deuteronomy displays the character and attributes of Yahweh in numerous ways, it especially emphasizes the love of Yahweh poured out on Israel. Deuteronomy ultimately sets a choice before us, a choice to prioritize and follow Yahweh, to be right with him through Jesus alone.

As John concludes this letter, he closes by addressing again the issue of sin and the true children of God. John calls the believers to pray for any who may be sinning, in a way that will lead to death. It seems best to interpret this "sin unto death" as one of three specific issues, all of which John has addressed throughout this epistle. Likely, this is either a lack of belief about who Jesus Christ really is, failure to keep God’s commands, or lack of love for one another. The three of these are connected; for example, you can't and won't obey God's commands, if you do not believe what is true about who Jesus is. As believers, we can know our standing with God, because we belong to God and we have real, eternal life through Jesus. Genuine believers can be confident about their position in Jesus, while unbelievers must turn and acknowledge who Jesus is and place their faith in him alone. 

1 John has often been described as a letter written to offer assurance to believers. Believers can know that they have indeed been delivered from their sins and stand justified before God, only through Jesus, and a right understanding and belief about him and in him alone. John also makes statements about not living in darkness or continuing in the practice of sin 1 John 1:6-8; 3:9-10; 5:18. These statements can seem confusing and this is one of the elements of the epistles of John that can be hard to fully understand. How can we be sure of our salvation, of our relationship with Jesus, if the measure is not sinning anymore? We can confidently know that we are believers, resting in the finished work of Jesus. John’s epistles are unique, in that, John is clearly addressing antagonists against Jesus, the gospel and these believers (the audience may be the churches of Asia Minor that he addresses in Revelation). No matter the audience, there is clearly antagonism from outside the church, from some who have left the church, but are still causing chaos and confusion for those remaining in the church.  Remember, belief in Jesus alone saves; the evidence of salvation flows from this belief. 

As John transitions to the conclusion of this epistle, he begins by addressing the confidence that believers can have as they pray. This passage is simply, but its message is powerful. God hears our prayers and answers. As believers, we can come before God with boldness, with confidence, that God hears and will respond. Believers must pray according to the will of God, but when we do, we have confidence that God will answer. Believers can confidently come to God in prayer because he longs to hear and he answers our prayers.

1 John has often been described as a letter written to offer assurance to believers. Believers can know that they have indeed been delivered from their sins and stand justified before God, only through Jesus, and a right understanding and belief about him and in him alone. John also makes statements about not living in darkness or continuing in the practice of sin 1 John 1:6-8; 3:9-10; 5:18. These statements can seem confusing and this is one of the elements of the epistles of John that can be hard to fully understand. How can we be sure of our salvation, of our relationship with Jesus, if the measure is not sinning anymore? We can confidently know that we are believers, resting in the finished work of Jesus. John’s epistles are unique, in that, John is clearly addressing antagonists against Jesus, the gospel and these believers (the audience may be the churches of Asia Minor that he addresses in Revelation). No matter the audience, there is clearly antagonism from outside the church, from some who have left the church, but are still causing chaos and confusion for those remaining in the church.  Remember, belief in Jesus alone saves; the evidence of salvation flows from this belief. 

As Moses finishes his explanation of the Ten Words of Yahweh for the people of Israel, he finishes with the 10th Word that calls them to avoid coveting. Moses addresses several areas that could cause the people to covet. He also offers two specific solutions for coveting. First, he calls the people to avoid any potentials that could cause them to covet. Second, he calls them to give - giving is the natural antithesis of coveting. Coveting is still a very real struggle for believers today. As believers, we must avoid sinful desires that draw our affections away from Jesus and the satisfaction that comes only in him. 

Deuteronomy is one of the most significant books in our OT, but one that is often not addressed. Throughout Deuteronomy, Moses will challenge Israel over and over again, to hear the word of Yahweh, and then, to heed it in obedience. Deuteronomy displays the character and attributes of Yahweh in numerous ways, it especially emphasizes the love of Yahweh poured out on Israel. Deuteronomy ultimately sets a choice before us, a choice to prioritize and follow Yahweh, to be right with him through Jesus alone.

As Moses continues this sermon to Israel before they enter the land of promise, he now turns to address the 8th and 9th words - do not steal and do not bear false witness. Both of these commands work together to call the people to show equity and to be honest with one another. Honesty is honored by the Lord, he hates lying - bearing false witness. As believers, Jesus calls us to equity and honesty which must define our relationships and actions with others. 

Deuteronomy is one of the most significant books in our OT, but one that is often not addressed. Throughout Deuteronomy, Moses will challenge Israel over and over again, to hear the word of Yahweh, and then, to heed it in obedience. Deuteronomy displays the character and attributes of Yahweh in numerous ways, it especially emphasizes the love of Yahweh poured out on Israel. Deuteronomy ultimately sets a choice before us, a choice to prioritize and follow Yahweh, to be right with him through Jesus alone.

John continues his discussion with these believers, focusing them on the witnesses that attest to who Jesus is and calling to believe. Despite the opponents that have caused havoc among these believers, they must continue in faith. This perseverance in faith will demonstrate the eternal life they posses and give them assurance of their relationship with Jesus. 

1 John has often been described as a letter written to offer assurance to believers. Believers can know that they have indeed been delivered from their sins and stand justified before God, only through Jesus, and a right understanding and belief about him and in him alone. John also makes statements about not living in darkness or continuing in the practice of sin 1 John 1:6-8; 3:9-10; 5:18. These statements can seem confusing and this is one of the elements of the epistles of John that can be hard to fully understand. How can we be sure of our salvation, of our relationship with Jesus, if the measure is not sinning anymore? We can confidently know that we are believers, resting in the finished work of Jesus. John’s epistles are unique, in that, John is clearly addressing antagonists against Jesus, the gospel and these believers (the audience may be the churches of Asia Minor that he addresses in Revelation). No matter the audience, there is clearly antagonism from outside the church, from some who have left the church, but are still causing chaos and confusion for those remaining in the church.  Remember, belief in Jesus alone saves; the evidence of salvation flows from this belief. 

This section addresses the word of Yahweh on adultery. This section focuses on purity, adultery, sexual ethics, distinction, and discretion. As this sermon continues, Moses is contextualizing the commandment, do not commit adultery, and applying it to specifics once the people are in the land of promise. Throughout this section, there are two specific emphasis by Moses; first, a specific call to be set apart and second, purity in marriage both before and during marriage. As believers, Jesus calls us to purity as well. This call demands that we too reject self-centerered indulgence. 

Deuteronomy is one of the most significant books in our OT, but one that is often not addressed. Throughout Deuteronomy, Moses will challenge Israel over and over again, to hear the word of Yahweh, and then, to heed it in obedience. Deuteronomy displays the character and attributes of Yahweh in numerous ways, it especially emphasizes the love of Yahweh poured out on Israel. Deuteronomy ultimately sets a choice before us, a choice to prioritize and follow Yahweh, to be right with him through Jesus alone.

As John continues addressing the second theme of this epistle: love and loving one another, he focuses on what love produces in us. Love produces a mutual abiding with God, it gives confidence in the face of judgment, and it takes away fear. Once again, John addresses the reality of loving one another. If you do not love your fellow believers, you do not love God, no matter what you claim. This section calls believers to mature in love, to continue to grow and be transformed in this area. Maturing, selfless love gives confidence and produces the family characteristics of God in us.

1 John has often been described as a letter written to offer assurance to believers. Believers can know that they have indeed been delivered from their sins and stand justified before God, only through Jesus, and a right understanding and belief about him and in him alone. John also makes statements about not living in darkness or continuing in the practice of sin 1 John 1:6-8; 3:9-10; 5:18. These statements can seem confusing and this is one of the elements of the epistles of John that can be hard to fully understand. How can we be sure of our salvation, of our relationship with Jesus, if the measure is not sinning anymore? We can confidently know that we are believers, resting in the finished work of Jesus. John’s epistles are unique, in that, John is clearly addressing antagonists against Jesus, the gospel and these believers (the audience may be the churches of Asia Minor that he addresses in Revelation). No matter the audience, there is clearly antagonism from outside the church, from some who have left the church, but are still causing chaos and confusion for those remaining in the church.  Remember, belief in Jesus alone saves; the evidence of salvation flows from this belief. 

Once again Moses develops the command "do not murder" with specific instructions for the people as they prepare to go into the land. The overarching theme of these instructions is the sacredness of life - Moses calls Israel to honor life. This is evidenced in a variety of ways, including refuge cities, witnesses in court, rules for war, purifying Israel when there is an unsolved murder, and not leaving a criminal exposed overnight. One of the more unusual instructions is not to move the boundary markers that have been established (19:14). This specific instruction addresses one of the primary points of contention and war among humanity down through history - the fight over territory, where land ends and a neighbor's land begins. Throughout this section, Moses clearly makes the point that Yahweh cares about life, even the lives of animals both domestic and wild animals, as well as trees! God cares about the lives of all he has created. We too must contemplate the value of life and honor it as sacred. Life is sacred, as believers, we must live that truth.

Deuteronomy is one of the most significant books in our OT, but one that is often not addressed. Throughout Deuteronomy, Moses will challenge Israel over and over again, to hear the word of Yahweh, and then, to heed it in obedience. Deuteronomy displays the character and attributes of Yahweh in numerous ways, it especially emphasizes the love of Yahweh poured out on Israel. Deuteronomy ultimately sets a choice before us, a choice to prioritize and follow Yahweh, to be right with him through Jesus alone.

As John continues, he transitions from a call to discerning the truth to reminding these believers of the necessity to love one another. John begins with the origin and source of genuine Christian love. God is the source, because God is love. It is essential for believers to love one another and there are natural results of loving one another, the way John calls believers to love one another here. There is also clear evidence when we are loving one another the way that we should love one another. Clearly, believers must love one another because it reflects God’s love for us and completes his love in us. 

1 John has often been described as a letter written to offer assurance to believers. Believers can know that they have indeed been delivered from their sins and stand justified before God, only through Jesus, and a right understanding and belief about him and in him alone. John also makes statements about not living in darkness or continuing in the practice of sin 1 John 1:6-8; 3:9-10; 5:18. These statements can seem confusing and this is one of the elements of the epistles of John that can be hard to fully understand. How can we be sure of our salvation, of our relationship with Jesus, if the measure is not sinning anymore? We can confidently know that we are believers, resting in the finished work of Jesus. John’s epistles are unique, in that, John is clearly addressing antagonists against Jesus, the gospel and these believers (the audience may be the churches of Asia Minor that he addresses in Revelation). No matter the audience, there is clearly antagonism from outside the church, from some who have left the church, but are still causing chaos and confusion for those remaining in the church.  Remember, belief in Jesus alone saves; the evidence of salvation flows from this belief.