Scripture Reading- Deuteronomy 8:1-6
A. Key idea: Scripture repeatedly warns God’s people to remember — not because they were unintelligent, but because they were human. Israel’s greatest failures were not caused by lack of ability, but by forgetfulness.
1. When we forget God: Fear grows Complaining increases Disobedience becomes easier Idolatry becomes attractive
2. But when we remember God: Faith strengthens Gratitude rises Obedience deepens Worship becomes natural This morning we look at one of the three commands God gives His people: Remember what God has done.
A. Israel’s Memory Problem Is Our Memory Problem
1. Israel forgot quickly: They forgot the Red Sea They forgot the plagues They forgot the manna They forgot God’s presence
2. And every time they forgot, they fell into: Fear Complaining Doubt Rebellion
3. Forgetting past faithfulness creates present fear. The longer we are lax on prayer, coming to worship, whatever our problem maybe we tend to forget the reasons why, the peace and comfort that comes with faithfulness and obedience. A lot like our country has forgotten the impact of Pearl Habor, the OKC Bombing, 9/11, etc.
B. God’s Past Works Are Meant to Shape Today’s Faith
1. God reminds Israel: “I fed you.” “I clothed you.” “I protected you.” “I guided you.”
2. If God carried you then, He can carry you now. Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” -KJV Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen.” ASV 1901 Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” NKJV and NIV All of these versions bring out the Greek in different English words. The context of the entire chapter shows us that we should read, study, understand, and remember what God has done. When we KNOW what He has done then we can have assurance and confidence in what He says He WILL do.
C. Remembering Is a Spiritual Discipline
1. God commands remembering because: We drift toward fear We drift toward self-reliance We drift toward complaining We drift toward spiritual amnesia
2. Remembering is not nostalgia — it is faith maintenance (training, exercise, discipline).
D. Application: Remember and write down three times God has provided for you (Should be committed to memory). Put them: In your Bible On your fridge In your car On your phone Whatever helps you remember. Let your past with God be evidence to remind of God’s love and care.
A. This is the single most repeated “remember” command in the Bible.
1. God continually points Israel back to slavery → freedom. Key Passages: Exodus 13:3 — “Remember this day…” Deuteronomy 5:15 — Remember you were a slave. Deuteronomy 7:18 — Remember what God did to Pharaoh. Deuteronomy 15:15 — Remember you were slaves; therefore show mercy. Deuteronomy 24:18 — Remember you were slaves; therefore do justice.
B. Why does God keep repeating this?
1. Because identity flows from memory. If you forget where you came from, you forget: Who saved you Who owns you Who leads you Who deserves your obedience
C. Application: Remember your personal Exodus. Where were you before Christ? What sins enslaved you? What chains did God break? What darkness did He pull you out of? Your past is not your shame — it is evidence of your commitment to righteousness in the present.
A. Key Passages Psalm 77:11–12 — “I will remember the works of the LORD…” Psalm 105:5 — “Remember the wonders He has done…” Isaiah 46:9 — “Remember the former things of old…”
B. Why this matters
1. When you forget God’s works: You panic You doubt You complain You shrink back
2. When you remember God’s works: You stand firm You trust deeper You worship stronger You obey quicker
C. Application: Make a “God’s Wonders” list: (Commit to memory.) Prayers He answered Doors He opened Sins He forgave Strength He supplied Review it when fear and doubt rises.
A. When you remember: Fear loses power Gratitude grows Obedience strengthens Worship deepens
B. Invitation: Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, Be immersed, Live faithful