JULY 18TH, 2004
DEUTERONOMY 18
I. The Levites were separated strictly unto God and God alone. (1-8)
A. They were not given a material inheritance. (1-2)
1. No material inheritance (1)
2. No material inheritance like “their brethren.” (2)
B. “The Lord is their inheritance.” (2)
1. God was to be their link to the past.
2. God was to be their source of satisfaction in the present.
3. God was to be their legacy to the future.
- A godly legacy is described in Psalm 44:1-3.
C. How were the Levites to have their material needs met?
1. A portion of the sacrifices went to the priests. (3)
2. A portion of the firstfruits went to the priests. (4)
3. A portion of the daily food was given as needed to the priests. (8)
D. The main responsibility of the priests was “to minister in the name of the Lord…..” (5) and (7).
II. Learned misbehaviors were forbidden. (9-14)
A. God’s people were not to learn the sinful practices of ungodly nations. (9)
1. The main sin of this time and place was sorcery or witchcraft. (10-12)
2. These sins are listed as abominations against God.
Abomination = extreme hatred
B. After forbidding sinful behavior, a command is issued: “Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God. (13)
1. “Perfect” means sincere and upright, (according to Scofield’s margin note).
2. Godly people are to walk with God in SINCERITY and truth – Joshua 24:4.
III. Moses gives a prophecy about the Lord Jesus Christ, in verses 15-19.
A. This prophecy was acknowledged as fulfilled in Christ in Acts 3:23.
1. The future prophet will be like God (15) and like man (18).
2. He will speak the words of God the Father (18).
B. Those who reject the prophet (Jesus Christ) will face God with rejection (19).
IV. How was it determined whether or not a prophet was true or false? (20-22)
A. If a man claims to speak the words of other gods, he was not only false but was to be put to death. (20)
B. When a prophet claims to speak a prophecy from God, the prophecy is false if:
1. The prophecy does not come to pass. (22)
2. The prophet speaks “presumptuously ” – rash, arrogant; without wise consultation.
- God expects His people to think
- Bad decisions are often made because of a refusal to think about God in relation to the decision being made.
Conclusion: Please read Deuteronomy 19 in preparation for next Sunday’s lesson.