Teach Diligently (Deuteronomy 6:7)

Sermon on 1 March 2026 by Pastor Paul

Introduction

The Israelites had to wander in the desert for 40 years as their hearts were hardened. When their hearts were ready, God gave them new instructions. God’s commands are not only for those of the time, but are intended to be passed down over generations.

Message

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. - Deuteronomy 6:7

“Now this is the commandments, and these are the statutes and judgments which the Lord your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess, that you may fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you - ‘a land flowing with milk and honey.’ Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. - Deuteronomy 6:1-9

If we love God, we will fear Him and we will follow His commands. We will be careful as to how we live our lives.

Hear God’s words (verses 3-4), be careful to observe it, receive God’s words in our hearts ()verse 6), keep all His statutes and His commandments (verse 2). Teach God’s words diligently to your children (verse 7). Talk of God’s words in your family and in your house (verse 7). Let God’s words be visible around you (verses 8-9).

How do we teach God’s words diligently?

1. Accept the Holy Spirit as our teacher

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. - John 14:26

2. Receive the words of life from the bible

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

3. Prepare our heart right to receive God’s words

Satan misuses God’s words; he quoted scripture when tempting Jesus (but failed) (Matthew 4:6). We need to prepare our hearts by praying, and walking right with God.

4. Humbly learn from godly people

The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut out. - Proverbs 10:31

5. Live out God’s words publicly and privately

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. - Romans 12:1

6. Teach God’s words to our children diligently

Talk of God’s words in your family and in your house. Let God’s words be visible around you (Deuteronomy 6:7-9). Family is church.

Closing

The best way to teach is not through words alone, but through our life as testimony. We should live out our lives according to what we teach. The command to teach diligently is not confined to those with children. It applies to all of us.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. - Matthew 28:18-20