Praise the Lord

Deuteronomy 8:1-20 2005 Thanksgiving

Key Verse 8:10 (Lesson I)

1. Read verse 1. What do the following words indicate about the Lord's purpose in bringing the Israelites out of the land of Egypt (where they once lived as a 'slave' nation) to the Promised Land: 1) live; 2) increase [in number]; 3) enter; and 4) possess [the Promised Land]? How is this purpose different from the purpose(s) that other [unbelieving] people and nations might have? On what condition is the Lord going to fulfill this purpose for the Israelites? 

2. Verses 2-6 describe the Lord's training program for the Israelites. What is the [one] point of this training? The fact that the Lord God put the Israelites through training for forty long years indicates that the point of this training is NOT a matter of small importance. Why not?  

3. Compare the "good" land described in verses 7-9 with the "dreary" land depicted in verses 14-15. In what respect is life in the "good" land going to be different from life in the desert land? 

4. Read verses 10-20. What does this passage tell us about the Lord's ultimate purpose in commanding his people to give thanks and praise to the Lord God (instead of forgetting Him) in time of success and prosperity? 

** Write a Bible testimony on the "fruit" of thanksgiving.