MARCH 28TH, 2004
DEUTERONOMY 7:1-11
THE GREAT CONSOLATION (GOD’S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE)
I. God has always required that His people be separated from ungodly people. (2)
A. Separation FROM wickedness is a command.
1. No agreements are to be made between a godly and an ungodly man. (2)
2. Along with covenants would come forbidden marriages. (3)
- Ungodly spouse can turn the godly spouse from God. (4)
- Like a downward spiral, the children will be reared in a compromised home.
3. Separation includes religious separation. (5)
- The modern idea of mixing Bible-believers with Bible-deniers is un-Scriptural.
B. Separation TO God is a command.
1. God chose His people to BE a special people unto Himself. (6)
2. God’s people are to be above the world’s system.
- You cannot bean example of holiness if you are not separated FROM and TO.
II. God’s love towards us is not dependent on what we do. (7)
A. God “did not set His love upon you” because:
1. of the number of people that you represent. (7)
2. God’s love is UNCONDITIONAL and no circumstance will alter His love for you.
- The Bible is the Word of God.
- God keeps His Word.
3. Unconditional love is the basis of God’s provision for Israel – verses 8-9.
B. The great consolation of God’s unconditional love is that it applies to our children. (9)
1. In chapter 6, the children of Israel were commanded to teach their children to love God. (6:5)
2. In chapter 7, God acknowledges that He will love the children of Israel “to a thousand generations.”
III. Those who hate God will have a confrontation with God in the future.
A. Deuteronomy 7:10, tells us that God will confront all God-haters “to their face.”
- Deuteronomy 7:10, is a warning to all God-haters:
1. You have an appointment with God. (Hebrews 9:27)
2. You cannot escape, postpone, or cancel this appointment. (“….he WILL NOT be slack…”)
3. You will be repaid for your insolence. (“….he will repay him to his face….”).
B. God’s Word is not an option to ponder, but commands to be obeyed.
C. - Don’t debate them; “Do them.” (11)