The Law of God Miscellanies (14)

“And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment tothe right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel.” Deuteronomy 17.19, 20

Reflect and discuss.
1.  Meditate on Psalm 1. What recommendation for reading God’s Law does the psalmist make? What promise does this hold out to us?

2.  Read Matthew 5.17-19. Is there any Kingdom benefit to be gained by reading the Law of God?

Think about it.
In our text, we note six benefits that kings of Israel should expect from reading the Law of God daily. We may expect that these same benefits will accrue to all who read not only the Law but all the Word of God daily. 

(1) By daily reading and meditating in the Law and Word of God one may learn to fear God, and this is the beginning of wisdom (Ps. 111.10). We learn the fear of God from His Law because we see how wise, just, holy, and loving He is, and that He backs up His Law with terrifying sanctions for those who will not obey. 

(2) By reading the Law daily, a person learns what God requiresfor full and abundant life (Lev. 18.1-5), a life of Christ-like love for God and neighbors (Matt. 5.17-19; 22.34-40). Learning the Law and growing not only in understanding but in the fear of God as well, we will be better able, and more likely, to obey what God commands, thus increasing daily in love and eternal life.

(3) Daily reading God’s Law works humility and a servant attitude in our hearts, as we realize that all men are made in the image of God, are loved by Him, and deserve our loving care and service at all times. 

(4) Daily reading makes it less likely that we will stray from the Lord’s pathto one of our own devising. 

(5) Daily reading helps to ensure a long life of fruitful service in the Kingdomto which God has called us (1 Thess. 2.12). 

(6) Finally, daily reading the Law and gaining the benefits described thus far, helps to ensure that these benefits will fall upon the generations that follow us.

What more reason could we want to begin reading and meditating in God’s Law every day?

Meditate and discuss.
1.  Suggest some ways a person might take up the discipline of daily reading from God’s Law. Which of these ways most appeals to you?

2.  Keep in mind that being saved is not one of the benefits of reading and obeying God’s Law. But reading and obeying God’s Law is important for those who are saved (Eph. 2.8-10; Rom. 3.31). Explain.

3.  How can Christians encourage one another in the discipline of daily reading from God’s Law?

“You are a wayfarer, like to him who prayed, ‘Direct my steps.' 'Give heed to yourself’ that you may swerve not from the path, that you decline neither to the right nor the left. Keep to the king’s highway. The architect should lay the firm foundation of faith which is Jesus Christ and let the builder look to his materials: not wood, nor hay nor stubble but gold, silver, precious stones.” Basil the Great 330-379 AD)

I want to know fullness of life and all the benefits that come from reading Your Law, O Lord, and so…

Pray Psalm 119.1-8.
Use these verses to set your heart for reading and meditating daily in God’s Law.

Psalm 119.1-8 (Ode to Joy: God All Nations Sing Thy Glory)
Blest are they whose way is blameless,
All who walk within God’s Law,
Who, His testimonies keeping,
Seek Him, filled with joy and awe.
These are they who, no wrong doing,
Ever walk within God’s ways.
Lord, Your precepts You command us;
We would keep them all our days.

Let my ways steadfastly keep to
All the statutes of Your Word.
Then shall I, no shame enduring,
Fix my eyes on You, O Lord!
With an upright heart I praise You,
In Your rules will I abide.
I will keep Your statutes wholly;
Keep me ever by Your side.

T. M. Moore

This week’s study is Part 2 of a 3-part series on The Law of God Miscellanies. Download a free PDF version of this week’s study by clicking here.

For more insight to the Law of God and its role in the life of faith, order the book The Ground for Christian Ethics  by clicking here. If you’d like a free copy of our Kingdom Catechism, write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  and request it.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.