Foundations of Peace

Foundations of Peace

(Deuteronomy 6)

Yearly Theme:  “Peace is…”

Series Title:  “Peace in the Wilderness”

February 21^st, 2021

Something to think about:

This morning, this one question is on the table:  Has your signature let your King know of your dedication and commitment to Him?

As we continue our series this month entitled, Peace in the Wilderness, we’ve been exploring the wilderness narrative of the Israelites in the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy.  Today we come upon the scene of Moses’ instructions to the people of God by reminding them of their allegiance to God. 

As God heard their cries in Egypt, and answered their prayer for deliverance from bondage and slavery, now He asks them to commit to Him unwaveringly and completely.  As they prepare to enter the Promised Land, Moses’ gives them final instructions from God.  Let’s pick up that story in Deuteronomy chapter 6.

Turn in your Bible to:  Deuteronomy 6:1-25

So, what’s the main takeaway from this passage?

Key Point:  “There is peace in wholehearted commitment.”

In a time and culture where commitment is in very short supply, we can stand to learn something from Moses’ call to Godly commitment and holy living.  What are the components of commitment that lead to peace?  Let’s break this passage down today. 

The very first step, and primary basis for a foundation of peace in life is…

•  GOD with all our  ,  , and  .

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NLT), ⁴  “Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. ⁵  And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.

•  GOD’s Word ever-present in our  .

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (NLT), ⁶  And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. ⁷  Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. ⁸  Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. ⁹  Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

•  GOD’s Word to every  .

Deuteronomy 6:20-25 (NLT), ²⁰  “In the future your children will ask you, ‘What is the meaning of these laws, decrees, and regulations that the LORD our God has commanded us to obey?’

²¹  “Then you must tell them, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand. ²²  The LORD did miraculous signs and wonders before our eyes, dealing terrifying blows against Egypt and Pharaoh and all his people. ²³  He brought us out of Egypt so he could give us this land he had sworn to give our ancestors. ²⁴  And the LORD our God commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear him so he can continue to bless us and preserve our lives, as he has done to this day. ²⁵  For we will be counted as righteous when we obey all the commands the LORD our God has given us.’

Something to take home:

Dedication and commitment aren’t easy, but they are necessary for living a complete, fulfilled life in Christ.  Half-hearted commitment is no commitment at all.  We – as followers of Christ – must be willing to sign our name in large print to covenant with Christ, for the whole world to see.

Commitment is a hallmark of the disciple of Jesus.  It gives witness to the heart of each and every person who claims to believe.  This type of commitment isn’t merely relegated to “doing” but rather to “being.”  It’s not about doing good deeds, but about being ‘all in’ in a relationship with Jesus Christ; for it’s out of our being that doing flows.  Consider these final markers of commitment as we conclude:

• We were created with a purpose (Gen 1:26-28).
• Our purpose is only fulfilled through Jesus Christ who blesses us with gifts and abilities for work and service through the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:1-31).
• Jesus requires our total commitment. If we’re not for Him, we are against Him (Mat 12:30; Mat 16:24-28).

What are you committed to today?  Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Mt. 6:21).

Key Point:  “There is peace in wholehearted commitment.”