Obedience (Dt 4:1-15)

Deuteronomy 4:1-15; Key Verse: Dt 4:1

"Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live..."

Theme: A key to obedience is to hear (Hebrew: shamar).

In Dt 4:1-15, the two parts of this sermon will consider (1) how the people of God are to obey God, and (2) why the people of God should and even want to obey God:

1. How to obey God
2. Why we obey God

Hear. In Deuteronomy 1-3, the themes discussed are Sin (Dt 1:1-46), Leadership (Dt 1:9-18) and Faith (Dt 2:1-3:29). In chap. 4, the theme of obedience is best understood by comprehending the word shamar (Hebrew), which is repeated 11 times in this chapter (Dt 4:1, 6, 10, 12, 28, 30, 32, 33, 36; twice in verse 33 and 36). In the 2011 NIV shamar is translated hear, heard and obey (Dt 4:30). [Strong's concordance: "to hear, listen to, obey."] The most famous use is in Dt 6:4: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one." This verse is known to all Jews by the first two words "Sh'ma Yisrael" or simply as "Shema." It encapsulates the monotheistic essence of Judaism (and Islam and Christianity). The Shema is considered the most important part of the prayer service in Judaism and its twice daily recitation as a religious commandment (mitzvah, which means commandment).

I. How To Obey God

1. Hear and follow (Dt 4:1, 5-6a, 14). "Follow" has the meaning of "do it." To obey requires that one listens carefully with the attitude to obey and do what is heard.
2. Do not add or subtract (Dt 4:2).
3. Hold fast or cleave (Dt 4:3-4).
4. Be careful and watch yourself closely (Dt 4:9a).
5. Teach your children (Dt 4:9b).
6. Remember your encounter with God (Dt 4:10-13).
7. Obey ten words (Dt 4:13).

II. Why We Obey God

1. So that you may live (Dt 4:1).
2. Become wise and understanding (Dt 4:6).
3. Have God near us (Dt 4:7).
4. Practice justice (Dt 4:8).
5. Learn to revere God (Dt 4:10).