Respect God and His Law
Date: 11 November, 2021
Text: Deuteronomy 10
Title: Respecting God's Law
Introduction:
In our church Bible reading, we have begun reading about the kings. Sometimes very young boys were made king.
King Josiah - started his reign at 8 years of age. (Mac - next summer.... King Mac)
2 Kings 22: 1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.
2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.
3 And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying,
4 Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the silver which is brought into the house of the LORD, which the keepers of the door have gathered of the people:
5 And let them deliver it into the hand of the doers of the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD: and let them give it to the doers of the work which is in the house of the LORD, to repair the breaches of the house,
6 Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house.
7 Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully.
8 And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.
9 And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD.
10 And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.
11 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.
12 And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,
13 Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.
exp. Imagine this in our day - the written Word of God was lost and then found. It's publicised.
- The parliament declares a State of Emergency - God's wrath is gone out.
- Schools repent of their false teaching and bring prayer back into the schools.
- business tear down all their wicked advertisements and burn wicked goods.
question: Why do we think this is unlikely to happen in our day?
Men do not respect God and His law. (blasphemy, profaning God's name/day/word)
Men do not fear the wrath of a holy God against those who have violated His Word.
Men know what God's Word says and yet they say....
1) There is no God.
2) We know better than God.
I WONDER THIS MORNING IF WE ARE WALKING IN A FEAR OF GOD AND HIS WORD.
our text: Deuteronomy 10
We need to respect God and His law.
Are you walking in the fear of God? Do you tremble at His Word?
PRAYER:
I. You need to respect God's law.
exp. Atheism says THERE IS NO GOD. Why? Because if there is a God - there is a judge.
Joh 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
Psa 75:7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
Gen 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
note: God is the judge and he is the LAWGIVER.
James 4:12 There is one lawgiver,....
ill. Kyle Rittenhouse trial - on television - question as to whether he shot people with premeditation or in self defence. The prosecution has done a very poor job of convicting him and has successfully defended him - perhaps because of that - the prosecution sought to create an atmosphere for a mis trial by trying to put before the jury things that the judge would not allow.
The judge was hot.
- he had been very clear to the prosecution regarding what was allowed
- the prosecutor was refusing to yield to his authority and the law's authority.
app. We need to yield to God's authority and His law's authority. What he says - go's.
A. Respect God's law because the law is revelation from God.
4 And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, ....
exp. Revelation is our eyes being opened up to TRUTH. In this case - God's law. God summarised it for us in 10 commandments.
ill. Jesus further condensed the law in answer to a man's question.
Matthew 22:39 "36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
note: THE LAW REVEALED SHOWS HOW WE FALL SHORT OF FULFILLING IT.
Romans 7:7 ....I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
1) No other gods before me 2) Do not make idols, 3) do not take God's name in vain 4) remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy 5) honour your father and mother 6) Do not murder 7) Do not commit adultery 8) Do not steal 9) Do not testify falsely about your neighbour 10) Do not covet.
note: The law is VERY GOOD at making man realize that HE IS NOT GOOD.
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
ill. Do you enjoy failure? 46% of all people in 2018/19 failed their practical driving test.
exp. If you polled those who failed, you would find that they didn't enjoy failing. But, as a nation we want good drivers - NOT BY CHANGING THE STANDARD of the rules of the road - but by maintaining a high standard and making people pass the test.
exp. Our world wants to get rid of the standard of God's law
- so people aren't called failures morally and spiritually.
- Killing a baby in your womb is good. (ill. author who stopped writing because of guilt.)
- Having sexual relations outside of marriage is good.
- Rejecting God and putting humanism in his place is good.
- Marriage can be with anyone whom you desire. (Sodomy is good.)
THEY SUBSTITUTE THEIR STANDARD FOR GOD'S REVEALED LAW - it's not good for society and it's obvious that our society is getting more and more wicked.
app. God has revealed THE LAW to us and it is good. It makes for a wonderful society.
Romans 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
(The problem is man can't obtain this standard (pass the test) outside of Jesus.)
B. Respect God's law because the law is inspired by God.
exp. The law was revealed by God.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
def. inspiration - divinely breathed in
ill. As God breathed life into man so God breathed life into His Word. Without God we would not have man and without God we would not have God's Word.
our text: Deut. 10:2 And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark.
4 And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and the LORD gave them unto me.
question: Have you ever been wrong?
quote: "I've never been wrong, I thought I was once, but I was wrong."
Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
exp. God's law is perfect - because God's law was given to man by a perfect and holy God.
Psa 92:15 To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
app. There is only one way for man to meet God's standard.
1) He needs someone to pay the debt for his sin.
exp. The law demands punishment.
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
ill. Judicial forgiveness - God can not just accept - I am sorry - it must be paid for.
2) He needs to repent of his sin and put His faith in Jesus.
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
app. You can not meet God's standard outside of Jesus Christ. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved! (Saved from the wrath of God against your transgression -given God's gift of everlasting life - enabled to live a life of victory over sin.)
C. Respect God's law because God's law is preserved by God.
1. God wrote it in stone.
3 And I made an ark of shittim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tables in mine hand.
4 And he wrote on the tables,
ill. The oldest things archeology possesses are preserved in stone.
- fossils
- stone tools
- cave art on the stone walls.
exp. God wrote it on stone to preserve it. Man could not erase it and it would not decay.
Psalm 119:89 LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
exp. Smallest markings in the OT Hebrew Scriptures - even those are inspired by God.
Mat 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
app. Believer - do you read God's law like that? (We understand the ceremonial law is done - Levitical system - Jesus is our sacrificial lamb and great high priest.)
- Do you honour your parents? Worship God above all else? Honor God's name and His day? Commit adultery or murder in your heart? Covet that which is possessed by others?
2. God wrote it in stone AGAIN.
exp. When Moses first received the law - he came off the mountain to find Israel in wickedness. In his wrath he cast down the tables of stone. (He wasn't rebelling against God - but Israel had broken God's law before they ever had hard copies of it.)
WHEN GOD WROTE IT AGAIN - IT WAS THE SAME.
v.1, 3 "like unto the first." v.4 "according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the Lord spake unto in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly."
ill. Jeremiah's scroll -
ill. I meet people all the time who say - God's Word has changed - no - Qumran - Dead Sea Scrolls - from the time of Christ all the books of the OT - same as what we possess today.
app. God oversaw their preservation - even when copies have been destroyed - God preserved.
3. God commanded it's preservation.
5 And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me.
Psalm 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
ill. Touring Edinburgh Castle - the crown jewels are preserved there - in a vault - behind bullet proof glass - with guards and other securities.
exp. I have no doubt they are well preserved and will be well preserved by man.
app. God is preserving His Word - it remains unchanged and will NOT be changed. Man in his pride think he can change - Pro 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
final app: We need to be like Josiah - and tremble a bit at God's Word. (Respect God's Word.)
II. You need to respect God.
12 And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God,
exp. If you respect God, you accept His authority to make laws. "fear the LORD thy God,"
ill. Rechabites - Jeremiah 25 - Jodandab the son of Rechab had commanded his sons not to drink wine. Jeremiah commands them to drink wine as a test from God - OUT OF RESPECT FOR THEIR FATHER THEY REFUSED.
5 And I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites pots full of wine, and cups, and I said unto them, Drink ye wine.
6 But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever:
exp. God applies it to Judah asking why they don't give him the same respect.
13 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will ye not receive instruction to hearken to my words? saith the LORD.
14 The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father's commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me.
app. Are you walking in the fear of God today? Do you respect God's authority in giving the law.
A. Respect God and follow Him.
12 ...to walk in all his ways,
exp. If you respect God, you accept that you need to follow EVERY WAY of God.
Isa 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
Ill. Wednesday I was out with Pastor Dillman doing flyers - another man from his church, Anish was with us - we were talking - pastor Dillman couldn't hear the GPS and so I held it up and gave him directions SO THAT WE WOULD NOT MISS A TURN.
app. Have you turned on your spiritual GPS - getting in God's Word - listening to God's Word?
Psa 119:105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Are you missing any turns?
Pro 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
How earnestly do you want to hear what God says?
Psa 119:32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
transition: Respect God and follow Him. (IN ALL HIS WAYS.)
B. Respect God and love Him.
12 ... and to love him,
exp. If you respect God, you love Him for giving His law to protect you.
ill. Evangelism - I often says, "God's law is not restrictive - it is protective."
ill. Several years ago - witnessing to some teens - name one sin that is good for you. (Robbing the rich to give to the poor) I said - "You won't mind then if I take your necklace."
ill. I grew up in a Christian home - we honoured the Lord on the Lord's day. We didn't have wickedness in our home. We spoke right and treated other people right. Because of that I accepted the Lord at a young age and learned by experience how His grace can help me do what is right.
exp. When I got it wrong - they disciplined me and put me right. I praise God for that - they put me in the place of God's blessing. (The taught me to love and respect God.)
app. So much of our world is casting off God's law as if God is being hateful in giving them his law. Is your heart chafing against God, or do you respect Him and love Him?
C. Respect God and serve Him.
12 ... and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,
exp. If you respect God, you want to serve Him from your heart and soul.
ill. Have you ever seen someone put their heart and soul into something? Girl on the bus in front of me - listening to music - twitching - I thought she had a medical problem - her heart and soul was in that music and IT WAS AFFECTING HER.
Ill. People put their heart and soul into sports - Their team wins - they are on a high - their team loses and it's like somebody has died. They'll go to all lengths to support their team.
- It's not a chore to be their to cheer their team on.
- It's not bother to pay dearly to get their place in the stadium.
- The weather do not matter - their health does not matter.... they will get there.
app. Is Bible reading, attending church a chore? Do you find worshipping God boring? Is it difficult for you to do anything for God? Can you say this morning, "I respect God and I serve Him with my heart and soul?"
D. Respect God and obey Him.
13 To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?
exp. If you respect God, you want to do what is right in God's sight.
ill. James Stewart - saw revival in Europe - God powerfully used his ministry - he was preaching through a Jewish translator - the man disappeared for a few days - James Stewart was upset and asked him where he had gone - He had gotten convicted about his relationship with someone and had gone away to make it right.
hymn: Is thy Heart Right with God?
1 Have thy affections been nailed to the cross?
Is thy heart right with God?
Dost thou count all things for Jesus but loss?
Is thy heart right with God?
Refrain:
Is thy heart right with God,
Washed in the crimson flood,
Cleansed and made holy, humble and lowly,
Right in the sight of God?
2 Hast thou dominion o’er self and o’er sin?
Is thy heart right with God?
Over all evil without and within?
Is thy heart right with God? [Refrain]
3 Is there no more condemnation for sin?
Is thy heart right with God?
Does Jesus rule in the temple within?
Is thy heart right with God? [Refrain]
4 Are all thy powers under Jesus’ control?
Is thy heart right with God?
Does He each moment abide in thy soul?
Is thy heart right with God? [Refrain]
5 Art thou now walking in heaven's pure light?
Is thy heart right with God?
Is thy soul wearing a garment of white?
Is thy heart right with God? [Refrain]
app. If we respect God, we will be walking in obedience to God. Is your heart right with God?
E. Respect God and cleave to Him.
20 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.
exp. If you respect God, you are joined to Him in solemn allegiance.
ill. Kay Lee - grew up in Scotland - had to learn the national anthem. (Pledge of allegiance)
exp. I like the pledge of allegiance as a mark of respect for nation and government.
app. Are you joined to God in solemn allegiance?
ill. David Livingstones hymn - Lord Send Me Anywhere
"Sever any tie save the tie that binds me to thine heart. Lord Jesus my King I consecrate my life Lord to thee."
app. If we respect God, we are bound solemnly to Him. Have you sworn allegiance to God?
conclusion:
The 18 year old Josiah - respected God and His Word.
Josiah found mercy for himself and his people during his lifetime
2 Kings 22: Thus saith the LORD God of Israel,
18 But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard;
19 Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD.
20 Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.
We need to respect God and His law.
1) Do you respect God's law.
As revealed, inspired and preserved by Him?
2) Do you respect God who gave us the law.
following Him
loving Him
serving Him
obeying Him
cleaving to Him.
