AM Worship Service

Life consists of making decisions, facing “dilemmas,” created by the tension of what I want to do vs. what God tells me to do. Jesus raises a number of dilemmas through the Gospel of Matthew as He instructs regarding kingdom living. It is fitting that in the first chapter, in the introduction of the king, God instructs us regarding handling such dilemmas through the example of Joseph.

1. Accept that God knows all the facts (18) – The presupposition of a kingdom citizen

2. Diligently work to make a wise decision (19) – Seek after wisdom and seek to do what is right

3. Listen to the Lord (20-23) – Even your best effort will be insufficient. So God speaks to us through the Word

4. Obey immediately (24-25) – When God clearly directs to a solution through His Word, obey without rationalization or question

This passage contains important doctrinal statements.

1. God declares events with perfect precision (“in this way” v. 18) – God’s Word must be taken as it is written – There is no room for dismissing God’s words

2. Jesus Christ was born of the virgin Mary (18) – We have a divine statement regarding the meaning of Isaiah 7:14, quoted later in the passage

3. Jesus Christ came into the world for the specific purpose of saving His people from their sins (21) – The atonement is the purpose of the incarnation (cf. 1 Timothy 1:15)

PM Bible Study

Overview of Deuteronomy

Basic structure of the book:

Introduction – 1:1-5

Moses’ first address – 1:6-4:43

Moses’ second address – 4:44-28:68

Moses’ third address – 29:2-30:20

Conclusion – Transfer of leadership and death of Moses

Key Theme: The LORD is sovereign and He must be obeyed

Five Contributing Themes:

1. The uniqueness of the LORD – He alone is God

2. The character of God

3. God’s revelation of promises

4. God’s revelation of blessing and curses

5. God’s revelation of commands

Note the strong emphasis on God revealing Himself to His people. This emphasis runs through the Pentateuch. It demonstrates the graciousness of God to communicate with people.

The NT uses several passages from Deuteronomy. Most notably from chapters 6, 18, and 21.

About the Author

Nathaniel Pringle serves as the pastor of Eastside Community Bible Church, Milford, Ohio. His goal is to fulfill the commission in Titus 2:1, "But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine." (ESV)