Open your bibles to Deuteronomy 9-11 for the below study.
- In Deuteronomy Moses reminds Israel about their past rebellion against God. One example is their grumbling against Moses and God (read Numbers 21:4–9). What did the Israelites think about God’s character? Did they think God was a good God, or a harsh, critical one? How does this effect their trust in God (and God’s leader, Moses)? What could be the link between trust in God and joyful obedience?
- Read Deuteronomy 9:7–29 and 11:6. What were some of the failings of the Israelite’s? How does Paul apply these lessons to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 10:1–22?
- How has God’s judgment upon the Israelite’s in Deuteronomy and the believers 1 Corinthians 10 challenged your thinking? Has it motivated you in any way?
- Read Hebrews 12:1–11. What are some reasons that God disciplines his children? Are there other reasons that aren’t mentioned here in Hebrews 12:1–11?
- How do Christians respond to God’s discipline? What different responses have you seen? Why do we respond these ways?
- How do you think you can tell when God is disciplining us? Is there a time that you can remember when God was disciplining you, training you in righteousness? How did you respond to this discipline?
- Read John 5:24, which talks about the one who believes in Jesus will never face God’s judgment. Yet the Corinthian believers were certainly facing God’s judgment (e.g. read 1 Corinthians 11:27–31)! And the Israelites in the wilderness certainly faced God’s judgments. How can we explain how a believer will never come under God’s judgment, yet can and does come under God’s judgment?
- Have a look at the following and look up the Scripture references. What do you think about this table? Is it a helpful way of thinking about God’s judgments? Why or why not?
- Think about how you came to be holy in your position before God (when you trusted/believed in Jesus for eternal life). When was this? How did it happen
- How holy are you right now in your condition (your personal walk with the Lord)? Are there any areas the Holy Spirit is showing you that need changing?