Deuteronomy 10:20 - Renewed Exhortations To Obedience.

Religion in brief.

A text made illustrious by our Savior's use of it. Like Deuteronomy 10:12 , a summary of duty, but in a form giving prominence to the truth that fear of God works from within outwards. This central religious principle particularizes itself into—

I. SERVING HIM —or religion in deed. In resistance of all seductions to a counter-service ( Matthew 4:10 ). In the faithful and diligent discharge of all duties.

II. CLEAVING TO HIM —or religion in heart. Fear and love, rooted in faith, here reveal themselves as an energy of trust and adherence. They dread separation from God as the worst evil. They hold by him for support, for keeping, for strength, for direction.

III. SWEARING BY HIS NAME —or religion in word. This includes religious oaths, but denotes also willingness at any time to make public confession of God.

IV. REJOICING IN HIM . "He is thy praise" (cf. Philippians 4:4 ).—J.O.

HOMILIES BY D. DAVIES