Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor and evangelist at Trinity Lutheran Church in Denver, CO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 12:32-13:18.
Moses again warns the people neither to add nor subtract from God’s Word, particularly with the danger of idolatry in mind. He gives instructions on how to handle three different cases in which idolatry might arise in Israel. In the case of a prophet or dreamer, Israel must test his words against the Word of God. Even if his signs come to pass, the prophet has revealed himself as false. In the case of a family member who is enticing others into idolatry, emotional attachment must not cause the family to fail in standing against false doctrine. In the case of an entire city having gone astray, careful investigation must be made and idolatry must be exterminated, when it is present. The death penalty prescribed in the Old Testament shows the seriousness of idolatry. Paul’s instructions in the New Testament do not give place for such physical punishment, but excommunication from the church is a reminder of the danger of false doctrine and the necessity of clinging to the pure words of Christ.
“The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting to skip, this influential book is essential reading for Christians. As Moses strengthened Israel on the plains of Moab before the people entered the Promised Land, so the book of Deuteronomy still strengthens the Church as we prepare to enter the Resurrection with Christ, the Prophet greater than Moses.
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