Lessons from Deuteronomy

Introduction:

The book of Deuteronomy is the end of the section of the Bible called the Torah. This book is basically a speech given by Moses to the Israelites, this new generation, who is about to enter into the promised land.

This speech is broken up into 3 main sections:

Chp.1-11: Here Moses reminds the Israelites of the rebellion of the previous generation and gives a challenge to the new generation to follow the ways of God.

Chp. 12-26: In the second sections Moses reminds the people of the laws of the Lord. He teaches them that if they listen and obey, God will bless them, but if they fail to obey, God will curse them.

Chp. 27-34: Moses then gives them a choice, life or death, blessings or curse, and tells them to choose life. Yet, because Moses knows the wickedness of the people, he knows they will fail, and predicts or prophesies about their future exile. Moses hands over his leadership to Joshua, climbs at Mt. Nebo, and dies.

Lesson 1: Remembering what God has done

Bible Text: Deut. 1-4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMhmDPWeftw show introduction video of the book to class.

Bible Aim: To teach children that we must remember what God has done on our behalf, and be careful to not forget His faithfulness.

Bible Memory: Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live (Deut. 4:9).

Introduction:

Who knows which animal has the best memory? (Allow for answers)

Most think of the Elephant, but now scientist have found that it is actually Dolphins who have the best memory.

How many of you have a good memory? You never forget anything? Do you have good short term memory or good long term memory, or both? Most of us can memorize something but later forget that information.

In fact, as humans, we are often quite forgetful. Which is why the book of Deut. Was written, to help the Israelites remember what God had done.

Today, we begin the book of Deuteronomy, which is pretty much a long speech given by Moses to the Israelites. The older generation, those who had refused to enter the promised land, have died. Now, the new generation that has been born in the past 40 years, are preparing to enter the promised land.

Bible Lesson:

Today we will summarize Deut. 1-3, and then look at chapter 4.

In chapter 1: He reminds them of how God delivered them from Egypt, and how God had instructed them to set out toward the Promised Land.

He tells them of the leaders God put into place, and the spies who were chosen to go into the promised land. Then he reminds them of the rebellion of their fathers and grandfathers, who refused to enter the land God had given to them, out of fear and unbelief.

In chapter 2: Moses reminds them of their wanderings in the wilderness for the past 40 years, and how God defeated their enemies on their behalf.

In chapter 3: Moses reminds them of God’s defeat of Og the king of Bashan, the division of the land according to the Lord, and God’s instruction to appoint Joshua to take his place.

Turn to chapter 4 of Deut. Here Moses turns his attention to the new generation with instructions meant for them.

Read: V9: Moses tells them to be very careful and not to forget what they have seen and heard. And not only are they not to forget, but they are to teach these things to the next generations as well.

Read V23: Again Moses says don’t forget the instructions of the Lord.

All throughout Scripture we are told not to forget, but to remember. Why do you think this is so?

1. Yes, b/c we are forgetful

2. But also because when we remember what God has done, it increases our faith. When we remember God’s faithfulness before, then it helps us to trust Him in the difficult times we face today and tomorrow.

Read Deut. 4:32-34

Expound on the greatness of God, and how He chose the Israelites to be His people, and how He worked on their behalf to make Himself known to them. To show them that He alone is the One true God.

Truth: Explain to kids that God has chosen them also to be His own. He has made Himself and His great deeds known to them. He has worked and moved in their lives and the lives of their families so that they may know that He is the One true God, and that there is no other.

Most in Nepal worship many gods, and yet the One True God has made Himself known to you and to your family. Not because of anything you did to deserve this, but because of His grace.

Teach: God wants you to know that He alone is God. He wants you to remember what He has done on your behalf, and not to forget His teachings.

Truth: We all are forgetful, and often we fail to remember all that God has done on our behalf. We take Him for granted, and seek to please ourselves, rather than God.

But, if we are quick to not forget, instead, quick to remember how He chose us to be His own, then we will recognize His grace and want to live for Him.

This was one of the aims of Moses speech, to help the people see and remember what God had done. To remind them of His grace, and prompt them to do what was right.

Bible Memory:

Girls against boys. Break class into two groups, girls vs boys. Set a timer for 5 minutes. Then see which team can say the verse from memory without any mistakes.

Game:

Play Pass the instruction game:

Have kids sit in a circle on the floor. Whisper an instruction in the ear of one person, and have that person whisper it to the next and so forth. Allow the last person to stand and say what the instruction was. See if it is the same or how it has changed. Continue with more secrets as time allows.

After game: See, how quick we can forget, and how quick instructions can be altered if we are not careful to remember and teach them correctly to others.

Background Text: Deut. 5-11

Focal Text: Deut. 6

Lesson Aim: to teach children that obedience to the Lord follows a love for the Lord.

Bible Memory: Hear oh Israel; The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength (Deut. 6:4)

Introduction:

Does anyone know what the word Shema means? This was a Jewish prayer based on today’s Bible Memory verse. Let’s say the verse together.

In Jewish homes, the Shema which consist of Deut. 6:4-9; Deut. 11:13-21; and Numbers 15:37-41 is part of the Jew’s morning and evening prayers. These verses were taught by the parents to the children from an early age, as they say to do.

Today, we will look especially at these verses, and how they apply to us.

Bible Lesson:

In Chapter 5, Moses continues his speech to the new generation, reminding them of the 10 commandments and the time in which God gave them these commands. The chapter ends with Moses instructing the Israelites to be careful to do all that God has commanded, and to walk in obedience to the Lord’s way.

In Chapter 6, Moses instructs the Israelites to love the Lord their God with all of their heart, soul, and strength. And to teach these things to their children. They were to teach them as they talked, as they walked, as they sat, as they lied down. Basically, they were to teach their children at all times the ways of God.

This morning I want to focus our attention on loving God, and why this is so important.

In Deut. 5, 10, and 11 the Isrealites are reminded over and over of God’s commands. (Take time to look at the verses below)

In Deut 5, the Israelties were reminded of the 10 commandments.

In Deut. 10:12, it says, And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, ¹³ and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?

Detu. 11:13: So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul—

But seemingly out of place, we have chapter 6-9. In these chapters, here they are instructed to love the Lord, and are told why.

Turn to Deut. 6-9

Have kids read verses indicated below.

1. Deut. 6:4-9: They are instructed to love God with all of their heart, soul and strength.

2. Deut 7:7-9; Here Moses explains that God did not choose Isreal because they were great, mighty or strong. He chose them because He loved them, and chose to show them grace.

3. Deut. 8:1-5; 8:15-18 Here Moses reminds them of all God has done for them.

4. Deut. 9 Moses reminds them again that God did not choose them b/c of their righteousness, but because of His grace.

So how are these verses connected? What does one section have to do with the other?

Ask: How many of you like rules? Nobody? Oh come on, aren’t rules fun to follow and keep?

Why do we have rules? What would happen if there were no rules?

Truthfully, rules are for our good, they have a purpose, but they can be burdensome.

Which is why Moses reminds the Israelites of all God has done for them. Why He teaches them that God chose them not because of anything they have done. And why He instructs them to love God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength.

Because when we remember what God has done on our behalf. When we recognize that God chose us not because of anything special about us, but b/c of His grace. Then we will love Him as He desires. And when we love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Then obeying Him will come naturally. In fact, we will want to obey Him because of our love for Him.

So how do we love God with all of our heart, soul, and strength?

1. By remembering what He has done for us. How He sent Jesus to pay the price for our sins, so we can have eternal life.

2. By recognizing that He chose to love us and to save us not because of anything we have done, and not because we are super special or strong or smart, but because of His grace.

3. By thinking upon the truth of His Word

4. By asking Him to give us a greater love for Him.

5. By remembering how much He loves you and me.

Then when we love God right, we will love others the way He intends. And, We will be obedient to Him, not because we are trying to earn His love or His forgiveness, but out of our great love for Him.

Bible Memory Game:

Ping Pong—A child calls out the first phrase of a verse, then another calls back the second phrase, and so forth. This can be played in pairs or in teams with the children facing each other in a line.

Craft idea:

Supplies Needed (1 large heart per child and 3 small hearts of diff. colors, yarn, color, markers etc)

Lesson Aim: To teach children that they are to follow only the Lord. Not their friends, family or even pastor (if he is leading them against God’s word). That they need to know God’s Word, and be faithful to the Lord.

Background Text: Deut. 12-26

Focal Text: Deut. 13

Bible Memory: It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him (Deut. 13:4).

Introduction:

Does anyone know what kind of fish swims against the current?

That’s right, Salmon. Instead of swimming with the current, they swim upstream against the current. Why? In order to spawn, or give birth to more fish. Is it easy? No, Is it necessary? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes, in order to have more Salmon.

How easy is it to stand up against the bully at school? Not easy right.

How easy is it to do the right thing when everyone else is doing what is wrong? Very hard

And yet, as Christians, we are called to be different. We are not to go with the flow of things, but instead to be like the Salmon and go against the stream.

In today’s lesson, we will look at a passage in Deut where Moses instructs the people not to follow the crowd, no matter what.

Bible Lesson:

Turn in your Bibles to Deut. 13

In chapters 12-24 Moses continues his speech. Whew, it is quite a long speech, right!

In these verses, he teaches the new generations about the festivals, the Passover, sacrifices to be made, what is clean and what is unclean. He tells them the rules they need to follow in order to be holy.

In the midst of this speech, we come across chapter 13.

Allow kids to take turns reading the passage, a few verses at a time.

In verses 1-5; Moses explains that if a prophet comes along who is trying to persuade them to follow any other god, than the one true God, they are not to listen. They are instead to follow the Lord, hold fast to Him, serve Him, and obey Him. The one who has tried to lead them astray is to be put to death.

In verses 6-11; Moses teaches that even if their family members, sons, daughters, mothers, fathers try to get them to follow other gods, they are not to listen to them, but to stone them because they have tried to get them to follow other gods.

In verses 12-18 if people from one of the towns they are to conquer seek to lead them to worship other gods, they are to put them to death.

3 examples of 3 different people.

1. Pastors, prophets, church leaders

2. Family

3. Friends, neighbors, acquaintances

A. The truth is there are many false teachers out there, who will try to get you to believe things that are contrary to God’s Word. Which is why you must know God’s word so that you can recognize lies from truth.

B. Especially in Nepal, especially for many of you who have family members who are not Christian, there will always be loved ones who want you to follow the Nepali (Hindu) ways. They will seek to get you to worship the many gods here, rather than the One True God.

C. Friends, neighbors and acquaintances will also seek to pull you away from the truth

Yet, no matter who seeks to pull you away from the truth of Scripture. From the worship of the One True God, God desires you to worship Him alone.

We serve a jealous God, who will not share His glory with another. Though others try to turn you away, God expects us to hold fast to Him.

It isn’t always easy, in fact it is often very hard, but God will give you the grace and strength to do what is right if you ask Him.

Bible Memory Game:

Practice Bible verse as a class. Say it again and again until all are familiar. Then pass out premade puzzles (just write out the verse on a4 paper, and cut out puzzle shapes, be sure to make enough copies for 3-4 groups depending on class size). Have a race to see who can get their puzzle together first. As teams finish, have each person stand to recite the verse.

Game:

Play Simon Says. Remind them it is what God says we are to follow, not what our friends, family, or others say.

Close in Prayer

Lesson Aim: To teach children that God blesses us when we are obedient to Him, but will bring about discipline when we disobey.

Bible Memory: If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth (Deut. 28:1)

Bible text: Deut. 27-30

Focal Text: Deut. 28

Introduction:

What happens when you do what your mom or dad says? They are pleased right.

What happens when you disobey your mom or dad? They are not happy.

In a similar way, God is pleased when we obey Him and do what He ask of us, and is displeased when we do not.

And did you know that when we disobey our parents or God, it is actually sin.

We learned a few weeks ago that when we love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, that we will naturally obey Him and do what He ask, out of our love for Him. But, when our love for Him, shifts to ourselves, or to other people or things, we are in trouble. Because no longer will we desire to obey God b/c we love Him. Instead we will want to do things our own way out of our love for ourselves or someone/something else.

Today we will take a look at how Moses instructs the Israelites about what will happen if they obey the Lord, or disobey the Lord.

Bible Lesson:

Turn to Deut. 28, and take turns reading the chapter.

Explain: In verses 1-14; Moses explains that if they obey God, and do not turn away from Him, but serve Him faithfully, God will bless them.

In verses 15-68; Moses explains what will happen if they disobey.

Break class into 2 groups. Assign one group to study vs. 1-14 and list out the ways they will be blessed, and group 2 to look at 15-68, and list out how they will be cursed.

Call on spokesman from each group to stand and give list.

Explain: God promised to bless them if they were obedient to Him, but also promised to bring curses or punishment upon them if they disobeyed.

Ask: Do these verses teach that if we obey God, we will get good things from God?

Explain: There are many preachers out there today who teach a wealth and prosperity gospel, which is actually far from the gospel. They say that if you do certain things, say certain things, give money, do good deeds etc, God will bless you with material blessings. They teach that if you obey and follow God, God will bless your life with only good. Some even say that if bad things happen in your life, it is because you lack faith in God, or b/c of sin in your life.

These preachers do not teach the Bible truthfully. God does bless us when we are obedient to Him, but these blessings are not always tangible, and we don’t always receive them on this earth. The Bible teaches us that we are to store up treasures in Heaven. When we obey the Lord and live for Him, we are storing up such treasures.

The promise that if we do certain things for the Lord, and He will give us financial gain, a new car etc. are not Scriptural promises.

Ask: What do these verses teach about disobedience?

Explain just as the blessings are not always tangible, the curses are not always as well. However, the Bible does make it clear that our sin will find us out. You may think you can sin and get away with it, but God sees and knows, and there are always consequences for sins. The Bible also teaches in I Cor. 3 that some will be saved, but they will suffer loss. I believe that this loss will be loss of rewards in Heaven, and this loss will be experienced by those who were saved, but never sought to live for the Lord or to obey Him.

Conclude: So just as your parents want you to obey them, and this pleases them, likewise, God desires that we obey Him. And when we disobey, we suffer consequences from our parents, we likewise suffer the consequences when we disobey the Lord.

Bible Memory: Bean Bag Toss

Have kids form a circle, have kids toss bean bag to one another. Each person to catch the bean bag has to say the next word of the verse (or whole verse) those who can not, are out. Continue to play until only on is left or time permits.

Play: Follow the Leader

Take turns starting with teacher being the leader, have kids follow and do exactly as the leader leads. If they fail to follow the leader, they are out.

Remind children that God is our leader, and that we are to follow Him, and be obedient to His Word, as He instructs us!

Lesson Aim: To teach children that following Jesus is not always easy, sometimes it is difficult and sometimes what He ask doesn’t make sense, but we are to be strong and courageous willing to follow Him no matter what.

Bible Memory: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you (Deut.

Bible text: Deut. 31-34

Focal Passage: Deut. 31:6

Opening:

Today we conclude the book of Deuteronomy. Moses wrote this book to remind the people of all God had taught them and how He had led them for 40 years as they wondered in the wilderness due to their sin.

In today’s passage, we see Moses is preparing to die, and to hand over his leadership to Joshua. God’s people, the Israelites, were ready to go into the Promised Land of Canaan, but Moses couldn’t go with them. Do you remember why? How sad it must have been for Moses to realize that he would not be allowed to go into the Promised Land. God chose another leader for the people: someone brave with a lot of faith.

Moses last bit of advice to them is to be strong and courageous. To not be afraid of those they will have to fight or go up against to enter the promised land. He reminds them that the Lord will go before them and that He will never leave them nor forsake them.

Bible study:

Turn in your Bibles to Deut. 31. Take turns reading and explaining verses 1-8

Moses is finally finishing his long speech, and he finishes by telling the Israelites that the Lord will go before them into the promised land, and that He will use Joshua to lead the way for them.

He instructs them to follow the Lord and Joshua’s leading.

Not to be like their fathers and grandfathers who refused to enter b/c of their fear. Rather to be strong and courageous. Knowing that the Lord goes before them and with them. And that He will help them to take possession of the land, which He promised them.

Ask:

What are some difficult situation you might find yourself in in life that would make it hard to be strong and courageous.

What situations are you fearful in?

What are we to do when we are afraid?

How can we fear not or be strong and courageous in the midst of fear?

Who knows what courage is? What does it mean to be courageous?

Explain:

Someone once said, courage is not the absence of fear, it is acting in the midst of fear.

Moses was telling the Israelites to be strong and courageous, because He knew what they were up against. Yet, He wanted them to realize that despite what they were up against, their God was greater and stronger. So they could march into the promised land courageously without fear, because the Lord would go with them and be with them.

Ask: What fears do you have? Ex: School exams, college, what to do with your life, who you will marry, where you will live????

Ask: Do you fear what God may ask of you? Ex: To tell friends or family about Jesus. To stand up for someone at school being bullied, to be a pastor or missionary, etc.

Explain that no matter how big their fear, or how big a task God ask of them.. He is greater, He is bigger, He is stronger.

And though Moses would not go into the promised land with them, He appoints Joshua to lead them. Joshua who did not shrink back b/c of the big size of the Cannanites like the other 10 spies, but trusted and believed God would give them the promised land both 40 years prior and now.

Although it doesn’t always seem like it or feel like it. God knows what is best for us. And though we may struggle to be courageous in the midst of what He ask of us. We can trust Him, and believe that because He loves us, because He sent Jesus to die for us, because He has made a way for us to know Him… then we can certainly trust Him and be courageous because we know that no matter what He ask of us, He will be faithful to help us to do.

Close in Prayer.

Bible Memory Game:

Bible Memory: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you (Deut. 31:6).”

Make 4-6 puzzles of the Bible verse. Simply write the verse on a-4 paper in large print, then cut apart into puzzle pieces. Divide the class into groups and race to see which group can get the puzzle together first. Once all have gotten puzzle finished, allow groups to practice saying verse to one another again and again, then come and tell you for an extra point card.

Activity:

Situations Needing Courage Have children discuss or act out these situations and talk about how they would need courage in the situation and how knowing Jesus was with them would help them.

You are playing outside with your friends and a bully comes along and starts picking on one of your friends. He calls you a sissy for playing with this friend. He tells you to come play with him instead.

At school while taking a test the teacher leaves the room. All the other kids start cheating and asking each other the answers.

Your father just got a new job in another town and your family has to move. You don’t know anyone there and have to go to a new school tomorrow.

You are afraid. You are home alone with your grandmother and suddenly she says she doesn’t feel very well. A minute later she passes out and doesn’t answer you when you call her name.

You are just 5 years old and went shopping with your mom. While she was looking at clothing you were playing under the clothes racks. When you came out you can’t find your mom anywhere.

You are with a group of kids at school and one of them starts talking about Jesus. The rest start making fun of him and say, “No one really believes that Jesus is real.”