From Egypt to Canaan: A Journey of Faith

 

Summary

In Deuteronomy 11, we find a profound contrast between the land of Egypt and the Promised Land of Canaan, which serves as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of believers. Egypt, a land dependent on human effort for sustenance, symbolizes the life of the carnal man, filled with anxiety and self-reliance. In contrast, Canaan, a land blessed by the rain of heaven, represents the spiritual life of the believer, who relies on God's providence and care. This distinction highlights the difference between living a life of self-dependence and one of faith and trust in God.

The spiritual man, though enduring the same trials as the ungodly, experiences them differently. For him, they are the appointments of a loving Father, and he can cast his cares upon God, knowing that all things work together for his good. This is the essence of living in the "Canaan" of faith, where the believer enjoys the blessings of salvation and the assurance of God's constant presence and care.

The eyes of the Lord are always upon His people, from the beginning of the year to its end. This divine watchfulness is not just about omniscience but is filled with love, care, and personal interest. God does not delegate His care to others; He Himself is our guardian and protector. This constant divine attention assures us that we are never out of His sight or care, regardless of our circumstances.

As we enter a new year, we are encouraged to live with the awareness of God's unceasing presence and to respond by keeping our eyes on Him. This mutual gaze between God and His people fosters a deep communion, where we find joy and strength in His love and guidance. Let us strive to maintain this focus throughout the year, seeking to live in a spirit of prayerfulness, thankfulness, and obedience, confident in the knowledge that God's eyes are always upon us.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Contrast Between Egypt and Canaan: Egypt represents a life of self-reliance and anxiety, while Canaan symbolizes a life of faith and divine provision. The believer's journey is marked by a transition from self-dependence to trust in God's providence. [02:29]

2. God's Constant Care: The eyes of the Lord are always upon His people, filled with love and personal interest. This divine watchfulness assures us of His unceasing presence and care, providing comfort and security in all circumstances. [09:32]

3. Living in the Canaan of Faith: Believers are called to live in the spiritual Canaan, enjoying the blessings of salvation and the assurance of God's presence. This life of faith transforms trials into opportunities for growth and trust in God's goodness. [05:16]

4. Mutual Gaze and Communion: As God watches over us, we are encouraged to keep our eyes on Him, fostering a deep communion that brings joy and strength. This mutual gaze is the essence of a vibrant spiritual life. [37:16]

5. Embracing the New Year with Confidence: As we enter a new year, we are reminded of God's unchanging care and are encouraged to live with confidence and joy, knowing that His eyes are upon us from the beginning to the end of the year. [26:29]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Deuteronomy 11
- [01:04] - The Contrast of Egypt and Canaan
- [02:29] - The Life of the Carnal Man
- [03:21] - The Spiritual Man's Journey
- [05:16] - Entering the Canaan of Faith
- [07:49] - God's Eyes Upon His People
- [09:32] - The Depth of God's Love
- [11:08] - Personal Interest of God
- [13:08] - God's Unwearied Power
- [17:25] - Unchanging Purposes of Grace
- [26:29] - Confidence for the New Year
- [37:16] - Mutual Gaze and Communion
- [47:06] - Seeking Greater Blessings
- [49:58] - Conclusion and Benediction

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Deuteronomy 11:10-12: "For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs: But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven; A land which the Lord thy God careth for: the eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the key differences between the land of Egypt and the Promised Land of Canaan as described in Deuteronomy 11:10-12? How do these differences serve as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of believers? [00:12]

2. According to the sermon, how does the spiritual man experience trials differently from the carnal man? [03:04]

3. What does the sermon suggest about God's watchfulness over His people throughout the year? [07:49]

4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between God's love and His constant care for His people? [09:32]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the metaphor of Egypt and Canaan help believers understand the transition from a life of self-reliance to one of faith and trust in God? [02:29]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's constant care provides comfort and security to believers? [09:32]

3. How does the concept of "mutual gaze" between God and His people foster a deeper communion, according to the sermon? [37:16]

4. What does the sermon imply about the significance of entering a new year with the awareness of God's unceasing presence? [26:29]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own efforts rather than trusting in God's provision. How can you shift your mindset to live more in the "Canaan" of faith? [02:29]

2. How can you remind yourself daily of God's constant care and presence in your life, especially during challenging times? [09:32]

3. What practical steps can you take to maintain a "mutual gaze" with God, ensuring that your focus remains on Him throughout the year? [37:16]

4. As you enter this new year, what specific areas of your life do you need to surrender to God's care and guidance? [26:29]

5. How can you cultivate a spirit of prayerfulness, thankfulness, and obedience in your daily routine to strengthen your relationship with God? [36:42]

6. Identify one trial you are currently facing. How can you view it as an opportunity for growth and trust in God's goodness? [05:16]

7. What is one way you can actively seek to experience the blessings of salvation and the assurance of God's presence in your life this year? [05:16]

Devotional

Day 1: Transition from Self-Reliance to Divine Trust
In Deuteronomy 11, the contrast between Egypt and Canaan serves as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of believers. Egypt, a land dependent on human effort for sustenance, symbolizes a life filled with anxiety and self-reliance. In contrast, Canaan, a land blessed by the rain of heaven, represents the spiritual life of the believer, who relies on God's providence and care. This distinction highlights the difference between living a life of self-dependence and one of faith and trust in God. As believers, we are called to transition from the anxiety of self-reliance to the peace of trusting in God's divine provision. [02:29]

"For the land that you are entering to take possession of it is not like the land of Egypt, from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and irrigated it, like a garden of vegetables. But the land that you are going over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water by the rain from heaven, a land that the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year." (Deuteronomy 11:10-12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are relying on your own strength rather than trusting in God's provision? How can you begin to shift that reliance to God today?


Day 2: Assurance of God's Unceasing Presence
The eyes of the Lord are always upon His people, filled with love and personal interest. This divine watchfulness assures us of His unceasing presence and care, providing comfort and security in all circumstances. Unlike human guardianship, God's care is not delegated; He Himself is our guardian and protector. This constant divine attention assures us that we are never out of His sight or care, regardless of our circumstances. As we navigate life's challenges, we can find solace in the knowledge that God's loving eyes are always upon us. [09:32]

"Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine." (Psalm 33:18-19, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's watchful care in your life recently? How can you remind yourself of His presence in moments of doubt or fear?


Day 3: Transforming Trials into Growth Opportunities
Believers are called to live in the spiritual Canaan, enjoying the blessings of salvation and the assurance of God's presence. This life of faith transforms trials into opportunities for growth and trust in God's goodness. While the spiritual man endures the same trials as the ungodly, he experiences them differently. For him, they are the appointments of a loving Father, and he can cast his cares upon God, knowing that all things work together for his good. This is the essence of living in the "Canaan" of faith. [05:16]

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent trial you have faced. How can you view this challenge as an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper trust in God's goodness?


Day 4: The Power of Mutual Gaze and Communion
As God watches over us, we are encouraged to keep our eyes on Him, fostering a deep communion that brings joy and strength. This mutual gaze is the essence of a vibrant spiritual life. By living with the awareness of God's unceasing presence, we respond by keeping our eyes on Him. This mutual gaze between God and His people fosters a deep communion, where we find joy and strength in His love and guidance. Let us strive to maintain this focus throughout the year, seeking to live in a spirit of prayerfulness, thankfulness, and obedience. [37:16]

"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber." (Psalm 121:1-3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally keep your eyes on God today, fostering a deeper communion with Him? What practical steps can you take to maintain this focus in your daily life?


Day 5: Embracing the New Year with Confidence
As we enter a new year, we are reminded of God's unchanging care and are encouraged to live with confidence and joy, knowing that His eyes are upon us from the beginning to the end of the year. This assurance of God's constant presence and care provides us with the strength to face the unknowns of the future. By living with the awareness of God's unceasing presence, we can embrace the new year with a spirit of prayerfulness, thankfulness, and obedience, confident in the knowledge that God's eyes are always upon us. [26:29]

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:18-19, ESV)

Reflection: As you look forward to the new year, what are some specific ways you can embrace God's unchanging care and live with confidence and joy? How can you incorporate this mindset into your daily routine?

Quotes

The Israelites had sojun for a while in Egypt, a land which only produces food for its inhabitants by the laborious process of irrigating its Fields. They had mingled with the sons of ham as they watched with anxious eyes the swelling of the River Nile and they had shared in the incessant labors by which the waters were preserved in reservoirs and afterwards eak out by slow degrees to nourish the various crops. [00:53:03]

The spiritual man dwells in another country; his faith makes him a citizen of another land. It is true he endures the same toils and experiences the same afflictions as the ungodly, but they deal with him after another fashion, for they come as a gracious father's appointments and they go at the bidding of loving wisdom. [00:57:44]

Believers have entered into the finished salvation which is provided for us in Christ Jesus. The blessings of our inheritance are in a great measure already in our possession. The state of Salvation is no longer a land of promise, but it is a land possessed and enjoyed. We have peace with God; we are even now Justified by faith. [00:50:04]

The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous not merely to see them but to view them with complacency and Delight, not barely to observe them but to observe them with affectionate care and interest. The meaning of the text then is first that God's love is always upon his people. [00:09:00]

The loving eyes of God are always upon you, the poorest and most obscure of his people, from the beginning of the year even to the end of the year. The expression of the text teaches us that the Lord takes a personal interest in us. It is not here said that God loves us and therefore sends an angel to protect and watch over us, but the Lord does it himself. [00:11:05]

It seems from the text that it is always a time of emergency with God's people, for their great lord always exercises a personal care over them. He has never said to his angels, I will dispense with my own watching and you shall guard my Saints, but while he gives them charge concerning his people, yet he himself is personally their keeper and their Shield. [00:12:36]

The eyes of the Lord never grow weary; he neither Slumbers nor sleeps. Both by day and night he observes each one of his people. If you put these things together, intense affection, personal interest, and unwearied power, and then if you remember that all this time God's heart is actuated by unchanging purposes of Grace towards you, surely there will be enough to make you lose yourself in Wonder, Love, and praise. [00:17:14]

The eyes of Jehovah are always upon it. He who surveys us with love and care is none other than the one and invisible God, so that we may conclude if we have his eyes to view us, we have his heart to love us, and if we have his heart, we have his wings to cover us. [00:27:12]

The eyes of Jehovah thy God. Ah, there is a blessed secret why ours in Covenant Our God, for he chose us to be his portion and by his grace he has made us choose him to be our portion. We are his and he is ours. [00:28:50]

Suppose that in this year 1,867 we were at any rate filled with the desire to have our eyes always upon God from the beginning of the year to the end of the year, to be always conscious that he is seeing us, to be always sensible of his presence, more than that, to be always longing to be obedient to his commands. [00:35:59]

May the Lord be the sun and we the dew drops which Sparkle in his rays and are exhaled and drawn Aloft by the heat of his love. May God look down from heaven and we look up to heaven and both of us be happy in the sight of each other, delighting and rejoicing in mutual affection. [00:37:56]

The way to use it is this: if the eyes of the Lord will be upon us, his people, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year, what shall we do? Why, let us be as happy as we can during this year. You have your trials and troubles to come; do not expect that you will be free from them. [00:44:55]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Dec 31, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?