Week 15 - The Old Testament

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Family Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

If you were the leader of your country and could make one permanent change, what would you do?

The Old Testament

Deuteronomy 16-30

1. Deuteronomy literally means, “the second law”, as Moses repeats the previous laws already told to the first generation (plus adds a few more). Parents often want their kids to learn from their mistakes, and this plays out in Deuteronomy. What lessons would you want your kids to learn so that they do not repeat the mistakes you made while growing up?

2. Deuteronomy 16-18 highlights some of the leadership structures for Israel in elders, priests, judges, and kings. Why do you think a structure of leadership is important within a nation? A company? A church? A family? What are the challenges of leadership? What do you think makes for godly leadership in any of these settings?

3. In Deuteronomy 18:15-22 we hear of God’s promise to send a prophet like Moses and we see that fulfilled in Jesus (Acts 3:22–24; Acts 7:37). Why do you think God makes so many prophecies about Jesus across the Old Testament? How does that encourage your faith? This ending of Deuteronomy 18 also warns of false prophets and says they can be identified by their false predictions. Why does God give so many warnings of false prophets? How have you seen false prophets in the world today? What are some other ways to recognize them?

4. While some of these laws make not make sense to us today (but compared to the contemporary culture of that day, they are amazing!), there are ways that their wisdom can have modern-day application. Consider how Paul uses Deuteronomy 25:4 in 1 Corinthians 9:9 (“You shall not muzzle an ox when it trads out the grain”) to explain that spiritual leaders may sometimes need physical/financial support for their spiritual work. Can you think of other modern-day applications (marriage, family, financial, business, governmental, etc.) from the principles behind any laws you have seen in Deuteronomy 19-26?

5. Deuteronomy 20 focuses on laws of warfare. What do you know about laws of warfare today? Why are they important? How could they best be enforced?

6. Deuteronomy 22 talks about sexual immorality and Deuteronomy 24 speaks of divorce. Which of God’s commands and principles about sexual immorality, marriage, and divorce so you wish you had heard earlier in life? Obeyed earlier in life? What practical biblical advice would you give a young man or woman today?

7. Deuteronomy 26 speaks of tithes and giving to God? What are some of your favorite veres and biblical principles about money? (www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-money )

8. Parents often use the word “listen” a lot. Why? Read Deuteronomy 30:15-20. How would you summarize Moses’ statement here? How would you speak this into the lives of your kids and grandkids?

9. Read Deuteronomy 29:29. What does this mean? How does it impact you?

10. Read Deuteronomy 31:7-8 as Moses speaks to Joshua. Why is this such an important and encouraging statement? What does Joshua have ahead of him?

General Discussion Questions

• What can you learn about God from these passages? His work? His character? How can this help you grow in your trust of Him?

• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)