We are now at a point where we can pick up the pace in Deuteronomy. The first eleven chapters lay out the framework of what God expects as they enter the promised land so that they can remain in relationship with God and enjoy his promised blessings. With the framework declared, Moses now declares the detailed stipulations of the covenant. In the next three lessons of Deuteronomy we will pick out the key principles and teachings regarding the nature of God and how he interacts with his people. One of the details that God has emphasized in the book of Deuteronomy is the need for the people to avoid idolatry. Up to this point in Moses’ sermon, Moses has taught the people to not forget the Lord when they come into the land because forgetting God leads to idolatry. It is an arrogant heart that turns from the Lord and serves self through idol worship. People will start being self-reliant, thinking it is by their own power that they have wealth rather than realizing every blessing comes from God (cf. Deuteronomy 8:10-19). But now we come to the main teaching regarding idolatry and what the people must know regarding the trap of idolatry if they are going to remain in relationship with God.
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