Sermon Notes PDF See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deut. 1:21) Growing in Obedience Obedience to God’s commands produces blessings in every area. But obedience in a rebellious world can feel like . Even our own will is disordered. So, what does it take to be obedient when it’s hard to do? It takes confidence and persistence. Identify three areas where you are committed to obedient growth in 2021. Use “code language” if you like. (1) (2) (3) (See pages 1-2 of sermon notes for advice.) The Journey to Canaan (Deut. 1:6-25) Deut. 1:6-4:40. The first of Moses’ three sermons. In this first sermon, Moses reviews how God brought the Israelites to the edge of the promised land; it is a preamble for and preface to the other sermons. If you don’t remember whence you’ve come, you won’t know where to go. 1:6. “Horeb” is another name for Sinai. It is where the Israelites received the Law and the Book of the Covenant. (Exod. 19ff) 1:7-8. The land promised to Abraham’s descendants stretched from the Gulf of Aqaba to the Euphrates. (Gen. 12:7; 15:18; 23:31) Because of persistent disobedience, the Israelites never fully reached these borders. 1:9-18. The Israelites had become numerous, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham and proving that God is . Moses appointed leaders in order to assure justice. (Cf., Exod. 18:1ff.) The appointment of leaders demonstrates God’s commitment to justice. 1:19-21. The Israelites arrived at Kadesh Barnea, perched on the edge of the promised land. Moses encourages confidence and persistence: “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” 1:22-25. Israel sent twelve scouts to reconnoiter the land. At the Valley of Eshkol, the scouts found a grape cluster so large it required two men and a pole to carry it back! (Cf., Num. 13:23-24) The promises of God are awesome! Step into Confidence and Persistence 1:6 “The Lord our God said to us.” When God commands something, He provides us with the . The first three steps of CR: “We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors … We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves … We made a decision to turn our lives and our wills over to the care of God.” 1:6 “You have stayed long enough.” Understand the urgency of obedience. Einstein: “ is the eighth wonder of the world.” Act now, and watch the blessings pile up! 1:8 “The land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Let the promises of God be your motivation. His promises are for you. 1:12 “How can I bear your burdens all by myself?” This week join CR, get in a discipling group, ask a friend to hold you accountable, or get coaching. Get the help you need this week! DON’T PUT THIS OFF! 1:15 “I took the leading men of your tribes … and appointed them.” Organize your life so as to facilitate obedience. Build obedience into your . Otherwise, you will likely fail. 1:19 “We set out from Horeb and walked.” Step by step we develop the muscle of obedience and enjoy its blessings. Sometimes you have to go cold turkey, but often you can start small to end big. “If you can get just better each day, you’ll end up with results that are nearly 37 times better after one year.” (James Clear, Atomic Habits, p. 16) 1:19 “So we reached Kadesh Barnea.” Build obedience into your other activities by “stacking” obedience. This makes obedience easier. Example: to pray every day, add prayer to your morning coffee—“stacking” prayer on top of an already enjoyable habit. 1:25: “Taking with them some of the fruit of the land, they brought it down to us.” Regularly paint a picture of the “you” God wants. Let the power of a compelling vision drive you! Your notes: