Day 76, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Deuteronomy 9–11
6 Ways to Prepare for Victory
If you started following this chronological Bible study on January 1, you are on March 17. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! It’s also March Madness time. For those who aren’t American college basketball fans, this is a single-elimination tournament of The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball teams. The teams with the best winning records or those who won their regional championships are selected to participate in “the big dance.”
This year, there are teams in the tournament that weren’t in the match last year. Perhaps last year’s team didn’t listen to their coaches, forgot the fundamentals of the game, or didn’t work together to win. They may have also lacked perseverance, intensity, or faith. Maybe officials eliminated them because some team members failed a drug test or were academically ineligible to play. For whatever reason, they couldn’t enter the tournament. It’s probable, then, that this year’s team reviewed last year’s mistakes and set a better course. Now they’re in the NCAA tournament. If they follow their coaching, work together, and pay attention to the fundamentals, they could go all the way to the championship game.
What does getting into a basketball tournament have to do with today’s Bible study? I’m drawing an analogy between what it takes to enter the contest and what it takes to enter the Promised Land. How does God prepare the second-generation Israelites out of Egypt to march in and conquer Canaan? How will he coach them on to victory? What can we learn from him?
First, remember that God is your coach
In today’s Bible reading, the Israelites have a restored relationship with the LORD. However, once again, they will be facing giants in Canaan. The most talented teams in the NCAA aren’t always victorious; even a well-coached minor team can win. Remember that when the LORD is on our side, we have more power than exists in the universe to defeat the giants. When the Israelites take up arms for battle, God promises to destroy their adversaries quickly (Deuteronomy 9:2-3).If we are on God’s team, not only do we have forgiveness, peace, and spiritual life, he is with us— he is our counselor, coach, and Almighty God—we do not need to give in to fear!
Second, be real!
It was not because of their righteousness that God would give the Israelites victory in the Promised Land but because he is faithful. The Israelites were stubborn. Because the first generation rebelled, would not listen, and did not act in faith (like many bad basketball teams), they failed to go into the land. Instead, they wandered around in the wilderness for forty years until that rebellious generation died off.
If the LORD is blessing us, we should remember that it is because of his grace that we are winning, not because we are better than those who came before us. Overconfidence and pride lead to defeat.
Third, follow the coach’s Instructions
Israel’s allegiance must be to God. They must follow his instructions (part of the Suzerain Treaty’s general conditions).
Moses speaks to the Israelites,
And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. Yet the LORD set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations, as it is today. Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. (Deuteronomy 10:12-16, NIV)
Fourth, make a new commitment and follow the fundamentals
If we want spiritual victory, we must recommit ourselves to the LORD and keep his commands. This is what God wanted Israel to do. Winning basketball teams commit themselves to follow the coach and team philosophy. Then they practice the fundamentals over and over until they get them right.
Fifth, we need to renew our guard against temptations and distractions.
In Israel’s day, idol worship and sex (they went together) were strong temptations that brought God’s anger against them. In our day, illegal drugs and illicit sex are two strong temptations. However, if we give into almost any deception, we could suffer defeat. We need to be mentally focused to not get off track. We must follow the correct paths and teach our younger teammates to beware—Satan will try to disqualify us.
Sixth, rewards are for those who are faithful to follow God’s game plan
God told Israel,
If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways and to hold fast to him—then the LORD will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and stronger than you. Every place where you set your foot will be yours: Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the western sea. No man will be able to stand against you. The LORD your God, as he promised you, will put the terror and fear of you on the whole land, wherever you go. (Deuteronomy 11:22-25, NIV)
Like Israel, those who are loyal to God and recommit themselves to his ways, following the fundamentals, guarding against distractions, and persevering in faith will win.
Focus Verse
Deuteronomy 20:4 (NIV) “For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
Discussion
What things can keep us from winning in the Christian life?
How can we prepare to win?
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: We know what to do to win, and we know rewards will come. How do we Safeguard Our Inheritance?
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