Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 21:18–21
Introduction
A. This commandment must have been one of the most difficult in the entire law that God gave to Moses.
B. Some learned to justify their failure to comply with this portion of the law (Matthew 15:3–6)—a dangerous practice indeed.
Discussion
I. Many commandments were neglected by the nation of Israel.
A. This happened in spite of God’s reminders to do all that He commanded (Exodus 15:25; Numbers 15:39; Deuteronomy 5:31).
B. Israel neglected God’s commandment regarding the marriage of strangers (Deuteronomy 7:1–8; Judges 2:1–4; 1 Kings 11:4–8; Nehemiah 13:23–27).
C. Israel neglected God’s commandment about the Sabbath years (Leviticus 25:3–4, 20–22; 26:33–35).
D. They also neglected God’s commandment about the support due to the Levites (Deuteronomy 14:27; Nehemiah 13:10–11).
II. Do we ever neglect the commandments of God today?
A. Some neglect the commandment to “entertain strangers” (Hebrews 13:2, cf. 1 Timothy 3:2; Exodus 22:21).
B. Some neglect the commandment to train their children (Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:6–9).
C. Some neglect the commandment to visit the fatherless and widows (Exodus 22:22–24; Deuteronomy 24:19–21; 1 Timothy 5:3; James 1:27).
D. Some neglect the commandment to keep ourselves separate from the world (2 Corinthians 6:14–18, cf. Isaiah 52:11).
Conclusion
A. To ensure that we are not neglecting the commandments of God, it is essential that we study His Word and conform ourselves to it.
B. Instead of trying to justify our own noncompliance, let us make every effort to transform ourselves into what God desires (Romans 12:2)!