In what ways can we ensure we "uphold the words of this law"? Setting the Verse in View “Cursed is he who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out.” (Deuteronomy 27:26) Why “Upholding” Matters - The verb “uphold” means to keep, sustain, or make firm. We do more than admire God’s commands; we support them by living them. - Jesus affirmed the enduring authority of God’s law: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17) - Genuine love for Christ is proven in obedience: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) Practical Ways to Uphold the Words of the Law 1. Know the Word Thoroughly • Daily reading: “This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night.” (Joshua 1:8) • Memorization: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) 2. Obey Promptly and Completely • Partial obedience is disobedience. Compare King Saul’s failure in 1 Samuel 15:22-23. • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22) 3. Teach and Model the Truth • Parents: “These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) • Church life: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” (2 Timothy 4:2) 4. Depend on the Spirit’s Power • The promise of the new covenant: “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes.” (Ezekiel 36:27) • The Spirit enables us to “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) 5. Practice Ongoing Repentance • Sin breaks fellowship but repentance restores it: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) • Quick repentance keeps our testimony clear and our conscience tender. 6. Pursue Justice, Mercy, and Humility • The law’s moral core calls us to live righteously toward others: “He has shown you, O man, what is good… to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) • Real obedience isn’t limited to external actions; it flows from a transformed heart. 7. Engage in Community Accountability • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Fellowship, correction, and encouragement guard us from drifting. 8. Serve in Love • The law’s fulfillment is love (Romans 13:10). • Christ’s example: “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28) The Fruit of Upholding the Law - Blessing rather than curse (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). - A clear witness to the world (Matthew 5:16). - Growth in Christlike character (2 Peter 1:5-8). - Assurance of fellowship with God (John 15:10-11). Closing Encouragement Scripture is “God-breathed and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) As we learn, obey, and rely on the Spirit, we will indeed uphold the words of this law and experience the fullness of God’s blessing. |
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