Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:1-25

Aim: To show the pupil the importance of submitting to and obeying the commands of God.

Golden Text: “When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes which I command thee this day” (Deuteronomy 8:10-11).

Jehovah God never tells men to do what they cannot do. When He gives a command to do something, He will always give the ability to accomplish the task.

When I taught high school students, I used to tell them this: “If the Lord tells you to run through that wall (indicating the class room wall), it is your responsibility to start running toward the wall with all your might. It is God’s responsibility to open the way for you to run through the wall.”

Whatever He tells you to do, don’t complain that you cannot do it. Just get busy doing what He commanded. He will enable you to do what He has commanded. He requires only that we “trust and obey. For there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

I. Jehovah commanded Israel to prepare in order that they may be able to obey His commandments (Deuteronomy 6:1-11). At Mount Sinai, Jehovah gave Israel His requirements in order for Israel to be blessed with the presence and provisions of Jehovah to and for them. This is 39 years later. Jehovah has Moses instruct a new generation of people in His requirement for obedience.

In order to be obedient, one must know what God requires; therefore, one must learn the commandments of the Lord (vs. 1).

Secondly, one must determine to “do” the commandments (vs. 2).

“Knowing” is worthless without “doing.”

Thirdly, “doing” the commandments will result in the blessings of Jehovah (vs. 3). The opposite is also true. Refusal to obey results in judgment.

Fourthly, a proper relationship with Jehovah God is necessary in order for one to obey in a way pleasing to Him (vs. 4-5). Jehovah God is the only God (vs. 4). He calls for each individual to love Him with all the “heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” One cannot do that unless he knows Jehovah God. Today we know Him through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. To love Him in the way He requires can be done only in Jesus Christ.

Fifthly, all the children must be taught the commands, the Word of God (vs. 6-9). His Word is to be in the heart (vs. 6). The children are to be “taught” the Word. Parents are to “talk” about the Word in the home, while taking a walk, when lying down to rest, and when they get up (in every part of life) (vs. 7). They are to make the Word visible to the children continually (vs. 8-9). To follow this instruction will be to prepare the children to obey the Word of God, and assure of the blessed presence and blessings of God. It will help to stop the rebellion of children.

II. Jehovah warns of the danger of failure to obey (Deuteronomy 6:12-19). They may forget God (vs. 12-15). They may “tempt” God (try to get God to do things their own way) (vs. 16-19).

III. Jehovah asks them to “remember” (Deuteronomy 6:20-25). They are to remember the deliverance from slavery in Egypt (vs. 20-21), the miracles God performed on their behalf (vs. 22), that God has given them a land in which to live (vs. 23). All this is for the welfare of those who are called to “observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God” (vs. 24-25).

Oh reader, this principle is valid today. God requires us, and we must obey. Obedience to God’s Word brings great blessings. Violation of His Word, and refusal to obey still results in the judgment of God. This is true for individuals and nations. Let us take this lesson to heart. It is for our own good and welfare! Trust Christ as Savior and Lord, then obey His Word.