Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 14
At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Foreshadowed,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.
Our series is Kingdom Foreshadowed. It involves ten plagues, ten words, the tabernacle, and the temple. Last week, we looked at Numbers and discussed the priestly blessing. This week, we move into Deuteronomy and talk about a famous prayer called the Shema. In the Shema, we are told to love God with all of our hearts. Let’s lean into this idea by taking a peek at Deuteronomy 30:6-8:
Deuteronomy 30:6–8 (NIV)
6 The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. 7 The Lord your God will put all these curses on your enemies who hate and persecute you. 8 You will again obey the Lord and follow all his commands I am giving you today.
Deuteronomy 30:6-8 highlights a profound promise: “The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.” This passage emphasizes the transformation that happens when God changes our hearts. Three clear signs emerge from this transformation: love, obedience, and a changed life.
First, a transformed heart is marked by love. Deuteronomy 30:6 speaks of loving God with all your heart and soul. This kind of love goes beyond mere duty or external actions; it flows from a deep, internal desire to be close to God. It is not driven by fear or obligation but by a genuine affection for Him. When God circumcises our hearts, we are able to love Him fully because He removes the hardness, pride, and selfishness that previously held us back. This love motivates every aspect of our relationship with Him. It becomes the foundation of our faith and the central reason we live to please Him.
Second, true heart transformation leads to obedience. Deuteronomy 30:8 continues, “You will again obey the Lord and follow all his commands I am giving you today.” Obedience naturally follows love. When we love God, we want to honor Him, and obedience responds to that love. This isn’t a reluctant submission but a willing and joyful desire to follow His ways. A changed heart no longer sees God’s commands as burdensome but as life-giving. Obedience becomes the outward expression of an inward change, reflecting a heart that seeks to align with God’s will in all things.
Lastly, a transformed heart results in a changed life. This is evident when a person’s desires, priorities, and actions reflect the work of God in their heart. It’s not just about performing religious duties or following rules; it’s about living a life that reflects God’s character. A life transformed by a changed heart is marked by growth in spiritual maturity, humility, and service to others. The changes are noticeable—not just to the person experiencing them but to those around them. The transformation is deep and lasting, affecting every area of life.
We will discuss all this and more this weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, so be sure to join us in person or online.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
