One Faith | Deuteronomy 5-6

What does it mean to have a personal relationship with God?

A personal relationship with God is established when…

I. Each one of us vertically and horizontally realigns with his will by faith in his covenant promises and provisions: Covenant Commitment (Deuteronomy 5).
   a. Covenant: The big switch of repentance from transactional to relational trust (faith) in his promises (5:1-21).
   b. Commitment: Personal alignment vertically and horizontally in dependence on his covenant provisions (5:22-33).

II. Each one of us is restored from our naturally corrupt disposition toward selfish ambition to a loving relationship based on mutual love (Deuteronomy 6).
   a. The sordid story of our sinful past: bondage to sin (6:20-25).
   b. God’s work of salvation: No greater love (6:1-19).
   c. Jesus, the fulfillment of the law (Matt. 5:17-20, John 15:8-17, Rom. 5:8).

To have a personal relationship with God,
we must wholeheartedly believe that everything God’s word demands,
God’s love provides in Jesus Christ.

1. Are you committed to God for life or are just interested? The difference between personal interest and a covenant relationship is similar to the difference between dating and marriage in our human relationships. Nowadays many are interested in “dating” God but not everyone is ready to tie the knot so to speak. God is not interested in a casual encounter; his proposal is for life and for good. Are you ready to surrender to him and wholeheartedly commit?
2. The transactional nature of selfish ambition naturally asks of every relationship: “what’s in it for me?” God’s loving covenantal provision offers what is best for the loved one. In short, God offers himself. Are you ready to receive and share his gift of life?