14. Lifelong Reading Deuteronomy 17:14-20 p. 178

Like a King None of us is destined to be King of Israel The King of kings sits on the throne of heaven We are to be like him

1. God’s Purpose Adam & Eve Unfortunately the first humans rebelled Have dominion over all the earth (Gen 1:26) Work it, keep it, care for it (Gen 2:15) Unfortunately the first humans rebelled

1. God’s Purpose . . . A covenant with Abraham Through you … bless all families on earth (Gen 12:3) Join the story in Deuteronomy After rescuing descendants from slavery in Egypt

1. God’s Purpose . . . The purpose (Deut 4:5-8): Display wisdom & understanding before all people Reveal a God who is near Reveal righteous statutes and rules

1. God’s Purpose . . . Jesus said something similar (Matt 5:16) Let your light shine before others … glorify your Father Reiterated throughout New Testament They see your good deeds … glorify God (1 Pe 2:12)

1. God’s Purpose . . . Specific instructions how (Deut 6:6-9) These Words … shall be on your heart Teach them, talk them, bind them, write them, … Be saturated in the Word of God – and obey it Jesus: “do the will of my Father” (Matt 7:21)

1. God’s Purpose . . . Israel to be a very different society. The king was to embody the difference Apostles express it very clearly: Do not be conformed … be transformed (Ro 12:2) Be holy in all your conduct (1 Pe 1:15)

2. A Different kind of King Practical application to a specific case – King: Not acquire many horse (v 16) Not cause the people to return to Egypt Not acquire many wives (v 17) Not acquire excessive wealth (v 17) Not be above his brothers – the people (v 20) Not turn aside from the commandments (v 20)

2. A Different kind of King … What he should do: Write a copy of the Law approved by priests Keep it with him Read it every day Learn to fear the Lord Keep them Do them

2. A Different kind of King … What he should do: Write a copy of the Law approved by priests Keep it with him Read it every day Learn to fear the Lord Keep them Do them

3. A King formed by the Word Natural to look at other kings Copy what other kings do God did not want that. He wanted a servant king Humble, generous, gracious … Such a king be a reflection of God himself

3. A King formed by the Word … In God’s Word he would find how to be king “approved by the priests” – not missing bits Worst option: send people back to Egypt for horses Desire for grandeur – return to slavery and oppression. He must constantly read, keep, do the Word

– Living It – Being like Jesus Profound principle: be formed by the Word Not by the culture around them. Word was to permeate their life & understanding Antidote to culture – only if they read, fear, keep, do (v19)

– Living It – Being like Jesus … Be transformed into Christ – clear plan: Let the Word of Christ dwell in your richly (Col 3:16) Live according to the Spirit (Rom 8:5, 13) Takes re-education and lots of practice Learn not to treat the Word like a textbook Marinade in it … let it dwell in us richly

– Living It – Being like Jesus … Simple test: “Am I in a different & better place with God?” Dwelling has been the breakthrough for me E.g. Prayer of Thanksgiving - (Cindy McMenamin) E.g. Service of Covenant Renewal Such deep, Scriptural prayers require much contemplation

– Living It – Being like Jesus … Historic spiritual practices of the church help us grow in Christ. Letting the Word form our attitudes and behaviour does not happen overnight.