Walking in Faith

Reading: Deuteronomy 7:6-11

Why did God choose Israel (vv. 6-7)? Write your answer in terms of (a) motive and (b) purpose. Make a special note of any reasons that clearly are not grounds for God’s choice.

God chose Israel because they were small in number, and thus would be able to show that their strength was only through God’s provision. By choosing a nation that would otherwise never be able to defend themselves, let alone conquer larger and more powerful nations, God left no question as to where Israel’s strength had come from. As my pastor always says, He uses Israel as his “audio/visual” for the rest of the world to see.

How was God’s love seen in action on Israel’s behalf (v. 8 )? Note any parallels between this and how God’s love for you was displayed.

God’s love for Israel brought them out of slavery and captivity in Egypt under Pharaoh. There have been a few times that I can recall off hand when God’s love has gotten me through a really rough situation or issue, and I know that without His love for me, I would have never been able to rise above and conquer it.

In the last study you saw that your love relationship with God began with God rather than with you. But love is not all one way. How is this brought out in vv. 9-10?

God’s will always love us and keeps His promises (covenant), but God also expects us to keep His commandments, too. God will repay those who hate Him and break His commandments. On judgement day, He will have that final say over our eternal souls, and those who stand on the other side will unfortunately see that repayment face to face with the Lord.

Reading: Deuteronomy 7:6-11

Why did God choose Israel (vv. 6-7)? Write your answer in terms of (a) motive and (b) purpose. Make a special note of any reasons that clearly are not grounds for God’s choice.

God chose Israel because He loved them greatly. He also chose them because they were the smallest of the nations. If He had chosen the greatest nation, it would not necessarily show the greatness of Him. He wanted to demonstrated to the world that He could do anything. It reminds me of the story where the Lord tells Gideon to reduce his soldiers because he had too many. Gideon went from thirty-two thousand men to three hundred man to fight the Midians.

How was God’s love seen in action on Israel’s behalf (v. 8 )? Note any parallels between this and how God’s love for you was displayed.

God delivered the Israelites from Egypt — from the slavery, the corruption and the oppression. He kept His oath to the Israelites that He had made with their fathers. Likewise, God has delivered me from the slavery of the world. I was caught up in the things of the world — money, possessions, power, etc. He made me realize that those things aren’t the important things in life. He gave me a heart for Christ more than my possessions, my money or power.

In the last study you saw that your love relationship with God began with God rather than with you. But love is not all one way. How is this brought out in vv. 9-10?

We have to be obedient to the Lord. He loves obedience and faithfulness. Otherwise, we are sinning against Him and He hates sin. Those who sin against Him and do not follow His word will be dealt with accordingly, for God is just as He is merciful.