We are so glad that you joined us today at North Main Street Church of God. At North Main, we exist to develop completely committed followers of Christ who...

Know Christ intimately,

Grow in Christ continually, and

Go for Christ daily

Communion

We will be celebrating communion together this morning during worship. The ushers will distribute the elements at that time, but if you need a gluten-free option, those are available at the Welcome Center.

Learning to be Holy
(Deuteronomy 18:9-14)
Yearly Theme: “Kindness is… Action”
Series Title: “Kindness in the Wilderness”
February 26th, 2023

Something to think about:

As we close out our series today entitled “Kindness in the Wilderness,” we close with this theme of holiness. Over the past few weeks we have been exploring the 40-years of wilderness wanderings of the Israelites. They had been punished by GOD for their rebellion and lack of faith, and now that the older generation has died off, Moses is instructing the next generation on what GOD desires as they enter the Promised Land. In chapter 18 of Deuteronomy, Moses lays out plainly and clearly what they are not to do when they enter the land. What they are to do is to remain faithful and set apart for GOD and His purposes. Though they may be prone to influences by the surrounding pagan nations, they are to remain steadfast and focused on the LORD their GOD. Let’s take a look at his instructions to them:

The famed 19th-century pastor and evangelist D. L. Moody said, “A holy life will make the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns, they just shine.”

GOD knew the Israelites would be tempted to leave Him and follow other pagan practices of the nations that surrounded them. He knew how impressionable they were and how susceptible they were to outside influences. He also knew how ready they were to rebel against Him when difficulties arose, and when things didn’t go their way. That’s why GOD gave them very clear directives before they entered the land. It is the kindness of GOD to clearly lay out expectations for them before they move out of the wilderness and into the land of promise.

Here’s the takeaway:

Key Point: “True kindness isn’t the absence of correction or instruction, it’s the presence of all holiness.”

How does one learn to be “holy”? Doesn’t it just happen naturally when a person surrenders their life to GOD through belief in Jesus? Or does it require something else? Let’s consider the following with regard to the instructions of Moses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land:

· Holiness is ________.

To be surrendered to GOD is the first step in the process of being made holy as GOD is holy.

· Holiness is __________.

To be separate from the world is the means by which a person exhibits holiness to the world around them.

· Holiness is ______.

To be steady in our faith is the way in which we continue to be holy as GOD is holy.

Something to take home:

Nineteenth-century Scottish theologian, John Brown, wrote, “Holiness does not consist in mystic speculations, enthusiastic fervors, or uncommanded austerities; it consists in thinking as God thinks, and willing as God wills.”[1]

Do you think as GOD thinks and will as GOD wills? Being holy as GOD is holy is a process. It takes one step at a time, and each of those steps successively move toward a holy and righteous GOD. And those steps are not met without difficulty. The path to the Kingdom of GOD is a path of holiness, but it is narrow and difficult.[2] It’s not narrow and difficult because GOD makes it that way, it’s narrow and difficult because we live in a fallen and broken world that beckons us to follow it. It’s narrow and difficult because of the attraction and deception of the world around us. It’s narrow and difficult because few people ever find it only as a result of never really looking for it in the first place.

GOD’s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance, and in repentance we learn what it means to truly surrender to GOD, become separate from the world, and walk the path of faith with steady determination and hope.

We can only be holy as GOD is holy when we are willing to surrender completely to GOD through Christ. Then and only then does GOD look at us through the lens of Christ which is our means of grace and the covering of our multitude of sin.

Key Point: “True kindness isn’t the absence of correction or instruction, it’s the presence of all holiness.”


[1] John Brown, Nineteenth-century Scottish theologian, quoted in J. Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness, p. 51.
[2] Matthew 7:13-14.

WITH A GROUP

1. “Deuteronomy” is literally translated “second law” because Moses is reiterating to the nation of Israel what has happened between the exodus and their second arrival at the edge of the Promised Land. Why are these particular instructions important for those who desire to follow God?

2. What is the significance of the detailed list of magical and spiritual arts? (It is important to note that this is the most complete list of spiritual arts in the entire OT)

3. Who does Moses instruct the people to focus their attention on, after he has died? Why is this important? Who is Moses ultimately pointing to for complete devotion?

4. How is it possible to determine between a prophet of God and a false prophet? Why is the distinction necessary?

IN YOURSELF

Do I know what God requires of me? If so, how?




Is there any area of my life in which I need to repent and cast out? If so, what practical steps can I take to replace that thing, practice, or hobby with which would honor God?




The Bible is filled with instruction and guidance and commands for holy living. What one area can I study in more detail and focus on for the next week?





Is there someone in my life who I can ask for direction, accountability, or guidance as I study God’s holiness?

WITH YOUR FAMILY

MEMORY VERSE
Deuteronomy 18:13
“But you must be blameless before the Lord your God. “






Together as a family, read and discuss Deuteronomy 18:9–14.

What modern manifestations of these “abominations to the Lord” exist today, and how can we make sure that we avoid them?

GO into the world

APPLICATION

Make two lists, one of the 9 Canaanite practices Moses directs us away from and the other of what we should do instead.

Choose at least one from the “Moses List” to do this week as you go about your everyday life.

OFFICE HOURS
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