Day 74, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Deuteronomy 4, 5
How to Succeed
Principles for success in life or business:
- Make a strategic plan
- Project a positive image of yourself or your business
- Promote yourself or your organization
- Spend time with others who are successful
- Learn all you can in your field of interest
- Find a market or need and meet it
- Don't please everyone—narrow your focus to meet the needs of a specific group.
- Surround yourself with good, successful people and empower them to win.
- Be persistent! Don't let failures stop you. Keep trying!
These are some paths recommended for worldly success, yet a person or business may fail for other reasons. What are they?
Israel was offered a way for prospering in the Promised Land. Following God’s instructions would help her succeed materially and spiritually. Why does Israel need a method for success? Because they failed miserably in the past. Joshua and the second generation of Israelites out of Egypt need reminders on how to obtain God’s blessing; the LORD wants them to thrive in the Promised Land.
How to obtain God’s blessing
First, Moses warns the people to give their allegiance to the one and only Almighty God. He is the Sovereign, the king (part of the Suzerain Treaty, see index). Also, they must be careful not to give themselves to worthless idols and sexual immorality. This is what got their parents and grandparents in trouble and kept them from entering the land. Idol worship, sexual evil, and extreme wickedness are also why the Canaanites must be totally destroyed.
Have some things gotten our predecessors or us into trouble? Let us remember to give our allegiance to God alone and be careful not to repeat their mistakes. To forget could be disastrous. God could also punish us if we let ourselves be drawn into our culture’s evil practices.
Second, Moses reminds the Israelites how their God delivered them from slavery in Egypt. He made them a nation, provided for them in the wilderness for forty years, and gave them great military victories.
If we wish to succeed, we should also remember the good hand of the LORD in our lives. Furthermore, we should live right before God so that his favor will continue upon us.
Third, Moses reminds the Israelites of the law’s conditions. If the Israelites want to remain successful, they must keep the ten commandments and other decrees given at Mt. Sinai. This, too, follows the pattern of a Suzerain treaty. Moses says,
See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”
What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him? And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. (Deuteronomy 4:5-9, NIV)
We cannot operate an organization or our personal life carelessly and expect to be successful. We Christians need to continually do things right according to God’s standard, the Bible.
We should talk about God’s goodness with the next generation. If we also do things right according to the ways God directs, it impresses our community and glorifies the LORD. It will cause others (even our family members) to be drawn to our faith in our personal God who favors us.
Discussion
Why might a person or business fail, when they have made all the right connections for success?
What can a person or business do to obtain the LORD’s favor? (This is also what our nation needs to do)
Focus Verse:
Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV)
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author
Looking Ahead: Some people see rules as a drag on their lifestyle. The Purpose of Rules, especially God's rules, are made for an important reason. Find out what it is in our Next Lesson.
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