Sermon Central
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Great Expectations: Much Given – Much Required
Contributed by Mark Opperman on Nov 28, 2017 (message contributor)
Summary: The life of total commitment that God requires of us is only possible through a close relationship with Him. Our text gives us four main keys to help us develop a close relationship with Yahweh and to live a life that is totally devoted to Him.
Conclusion: We have seen that the life of total commitment that God requires of us is possible because God has provided the means for an intimate relationship with Him. This relationship with such a loving God is strengthened through following His principles of relationship, following His pattern of how to love, and by getting as close as we can to Him and holding fast to Him. If we keep our life focus on the Great Commandment – to love Yahweh with all of our being – then total commitment and loyalty will be part of the package.
How is your relationship with the Lord? Do you have the right attitude about Him? Does He have your respect and honor and love? Are you living in obedience to His ways? What is important to Him becomes important to you as your relationship grows. How about your love for those in need? Are you reflecting God’s heart by helping meet their basic needs? Finally, are you as close to God as you can be? Are you walking with Him daily, enjoying time in His presence? He is calling us to a higher level of living that is only found by those who will press in close to His heart and cling to Him. I encourage you to respond to His invitation of intimacy. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV). Come and establish or renew your relationship with Him.
Craigie, Peter C. The Book of Deuteronomy. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdman’s Publishing Company, 1976, 204. Craigie identifies allegiance to God as the common theme of this passage.
Payne, David F. Deuteronomy. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1985, 72. Payne shows fear and love as the attitudes God looks for which find expression in the other 3 imperatives.
Ibid.
Dictionary of Biblical Imagery.
Weinfeld, Moshe. Deuteronomy 1-11. The Anchor Bible, Vol. 5. New York: Doubleday, 1991, 436.
Wright, Christopher. Deuteronomy. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1996, 146.
Brueggemann, Walter. Deuteronomy. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2001, 130.
Weinfeld, 440.
Brueggemann, 132.
