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Call to worship: Romans 10:5-13

Text: Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Summary:

The Israelites are poised, after a long delay due to their sinful disobedience and hard-hearts, to enter the promised land. God calls for covenant faithfulness, a life built around communicating God's faithfulness and how to worship and serve him as his chosen people. As Christians we find ourselves party to a new and better covenant, and called to faithfully know and communicate the message of salvation procured by the Word of God. The Scripture gives us everything we need in order to know God and please him. And with it he invites us to invite others to know Him.

Sermon Outline:

1. This is the commandment, vv1-3
2. Hear, O Israel, vv4-5
3. You shall teach them, vv6-9

Prepare

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Psalm 32; How do you respond to feelings of guilt? How is Scripture uniquely set apart for leading people to repentance and restoration? What does it mean for God's word to be a source of instruction? How are God's people involved in extending that instruction?
2. Read Psalm 119:137-144 (צ); How does the Psalmist describe God's "rules"? Does this line up with how our culture views law? What is the result when we or others "forget God's rules" (v139)? In what way(s) does God's word bring delight? In what ways do God's promises help us know Him better?
3. Read 2 Kings 22:8-20; How is King Josiah's response appropriate on the finding and reading of God's law (see also Deuteronomy 17:14-20)? In what ways does God offer Josiah mercy?
4. Read Jeremiah 6:16-21; What is the importance of a watchman? How does this relate to every member's role in discipleship? What is the end product of an unteachable heart?
5. Read Mark 4:1-20; What does Jesus liken the seed to? How is God calling for heart change that will make you a more receptive soil? What impedes your growth in holiness, the production of spiritual fruit?