Choose Life

Deuteronomy 30:19Text: Deuteronomy 30:15-20

The book of Deuteronomy is a book of reminders – of God’s law, God’s provisions, and events in the wilderness. This was necessary because it was given to the generation remaining after forty years in the wilderness. They were about to enter the promised land and needed to be reminded of these things. We also need to remember these lessons (Romans 15:4). In our text, they were told to choose; we must make the same choice today.

Two Options

  • Simple choice between LIFE and DEATH (v. 15) – therefore, it was important; not inconsequential
  • Choosing life came with PROSPERITY – not a miserable existence, but filled with God’s blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-14; cf. 1 Timothy 6:17)
  • Choosing death came with ADVERSITY – not a quick and painless death, but a life of hardship ending in death (Deuteronomy 28:15-68; cf. Proverbs 13:15)

Free Will

  • Many believe that man has no free will, but that God has predetermined who will be saved and lost – yet this would make God a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34-35); He is fair and shows no partiality
  • He has give us free will so that we will CHOOSE to follow Him (Joshua 24:15) – this is why the gospel is preached in order to PERSUADE men (2 Corinthians 5:11)

Choosing Life

  • By loving God – this is the great and foremost commandment (Matthew 22:36-38); we must love and serve Him only (Matthew 6:24)
  • By obeying God – Jesus is the author of salvation to those who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9); it is not enough simply to call Jesus, “Lord,” we must do what He says (Luke 6:46)
  • By holding fast to God – we must not be fooled into forsaking Him (Colossians 2:18-19); instead, we must remain faithful until death (Revelation 2:10)

Conclusion

  • God is the giver of life and offers eternal life to us – we must choose to accept His offer
  • So let us love God with all of our heart, obey His word in all things, and hold fast to Him in every circumstance we find ourselves in