February 10, 2023

Proclaiming the Law

Cameron Barr | Read Deuteronomy 30:15-20 , Read Matthew 5:23-24

(Image by: Pixabay)

Lectionary Week

February 6–12, 2023

Scripture Overview

This week we continue to explore the importance of Christian morality. We do not earn God’s grace by our actions; rather, our obedience is a response to God’s grace. In Deuteronomy, we read that the choice of life will bring prosperity and is the proper response from a heart of gratitude. The psalmist echoes this sentiment, for blessed are those who follow the Lord not just with words but also with actions. The Corinthians have not understood this, so they continue to act like those in the world around them, living by the flesh instead of by the Spirit. Jesus pushes us even further. God sees not only what we do on the outside but who we are on the inside. A true life of obedience begins on the inside and flows outward.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Deuteronomy 30:15-20. When have you experienced the choice God sets before us of life or death, prosperity or adversity, blessings or curses? How have you discerned how to obey God?
Read Psalm 119:1-8. How does following God’s commandments bring you joy?
Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-9. What affiliations of yours or of people you know could you insert in place of “Paul” or “Apollos” in the scripture?
Read Matthew 5:21-37. When have you experienced legalistic interpretations of scripture? How do you get to the heart of scripture?

Respond by posting a prayer.

We can often take our preaching cues from the form of the text itself. If the text tells a story, we might preach in a narrative form. When preaching from a parable, we might try to model the mystery or irony in Jesus’ teaching. Or if the scripture is a...

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Creator God, through Christ Jesus you have taught us how to pray. Guide us also in our speaking and our teaching, that proclaiming the law among your people may lead us into renewed life with you. Amen.

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