WINNERS AND LOSERS

(Book of Deuteronomy)

By Frank Eiklor and Cecilia Contreras

Lesson 23 Part 2

INTRODUCTION

This will be our last lesson on Winners and Losers until a later time. Eventually, we will look at the entire Old Testament. For now, this will complete the five books of Moses called the Torah in Hebrew. Be diligent to look up each scripture verse and apply the lessons to your own life. Then you will be a winner—not a loser—in the eyes of God.

WANTED: GOD-FEARING JUDGES

16:18,19—Example of the kind of judges that should sit—but often don’t—on the benches of justice.

17:14,16-20—Israel an example of how God proposes to keep those in rulership humble and an example to others.

18:9-13—The USA and other nations are involved today with the same sins that God told Israel not to follow when He gave them the example of nations He destroyed.

GOD PLUS ONE IS A MAJORITY

20-1-4—Example of why weakness, with God on its side, is overwhelming strength.

21:18-21—God uses Israel to serve as an example of how He views the sins of rebellious children who refuse their parent’s correction.

23;3,4,7—Four nations serve as an example of God’s long memory against sins—or acts of kindness—done to the people of Israel.

23:19,20—Example of the unselfish care we are to have toward the needs of a brother.

MY WORD IS MY BOND

23;21-23—Example—The Lord requires a man’s word to be his bond of honor.

24:9—Example of how the memory of our foolish sins lives on and on.

24:9,18,22—How important are examples? Three times God says “remember” to them lessons of the past.

25:17-19—Another example of God’s retribution against nations that hate Israel.

ISRAEL’S PAINFUL EXAMPLE

28:(all the chapter) Example of the results—wonderful or terrifying—of obedience to the Lord versus disobedience. (Israel’s painful historical example is being ignored by much of the Western Church today.)

29:22-29—Either Israel’s obedience to the Lord would impress whole nations, or her rebellion against God—and judgment by Him—would be an example to those nations to tremble before the living God.

30:11-15,19,20 Israel is God’s example that obedience to Him is not difficult, because we can count on His help.

31:16,27-29    Moses is an example of fearlessness in declaring the whole counsel of God (like Paul in Acts 20:27).

GOD GIVES A SONG

32:1-31,37-40,46,47 God writes a song to be sung by Israel as an example of what happens when we grow spiritually fat and careless, and fail to make obedience to His Word our very life.

33:3—God gives Israel to the world as an example of His love for all nations.

33:25,27—Israel is given as an example of God’s special love for all those who please Him.  

34:4-7,10—Moses’ life was an example of God’s intimacy toward man.