The Law that Gives Life
For Meditation (Corey Widmer)
For many modern Christians, the word "Law" is almost a bad word. We rightly believe that we are saved by grace, and we hold in suspicion those religious people who think they earn God's favor through good moral behavior. Maybe we even hear Paul's voice in our ears when he declares, "All who rely on observing the law are under a curse!" (Galatians 3:10). So it's no wonder that when we encounter a book like Deuteronomy that is full of ancient Laws, we don't really know what to do with it.
But perhaps our understanding of the Law has been shaped more by Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation than by Jesus (and even Paul, who can be easily misunderstood!). Jesus himself said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets: I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17). Jesus saw himself as standing in the tradition of the Law, even fulfilling it in his own person. So how should we understand the Law of God in the Old Testament?
Deuteronomy 4 is an important chapter that introduces us to the meaning of the Law, meaning that is still deeply relevant for our spiritual lives today. We'll explore that meaning this Sunday together, especially the way the Law ("Torah"), expresses our covenant relationship with God, leads us into flourishing life, and helps us exhibit God's goodness to others. As you prepare for worship this Sunday, reflect on the following:
When you hear the word Law in Scripture, what comes to mind? How does Deuteronomy 4:1–8 challenge or expand your assumptions?
In what ways does God’s Law (Torah) express His covenant relationship with His people? How might obeying God’s commands today deepen your sense of belonging to Him?
Moses says that obedience to the Law will show Israel’s wisdom and understanding (v. 6). How have you experienced God’s ways leading to greater wisdom, joy, or flourishing in your own life?
Verses 6–8 highlight that Israel’s obedience was meant to be a witness to the nations. How might Christians today embody God’s wisdom and justice in a way that makes the world take notice?
Jesus said He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matt. 5:17). How does seeing Jesus as the living Torah shape your view of obedience—not as a way to earn God’s love, but as a grateful response to it?
Deuteronomy 4:1-8
Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.
You saw with your own eyes what the Lord did at Baal Peor. The Lord your God destroyed from among you everyone who followed the Baal of Peor, but all of you who held fast to the Lord your God are still alive today.
See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?
Read along with us this fall! Download our Deuteronomy Reading Guide here.