Chapter Summary

The test of false prophets.

Discussion Questions for Deuteronomy, Chapter 13

1. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22. How does this relate to Deuteronomy 13:1-5? How can we know if something someone says "passes the test?"
2. Today, why don't we follow the command in verses 5 and 9 to kill false prophets? What would a modern interpretation of this verse look like?
3. We don't usually have people telling us to worship other gods anymore, but what sort of things do people and the world ask us to worship? Oftentimes these things aren't inherently bad, so how can we tell when we've begun to worship something?
4. How can we guard our hearts and minds against worshiping other things?
5. Why is the penalty of worshipping other gods death? Why don't other sins demand this kind of punishment?
6. What is the significance of the accuser being the one that casts the first stone? What differences are these between this and Jesus' teaching about forgiveness in Matthew 18:15-20?
7. Why would God judge a whole city based on the actions of a few? How does that mirror God's eventual judgement of Israel and Judah during the time of the prophets?
8. Verses 15-17 heavily mirror Israel and Judah's judgement during the time of the prophets. What differences can you identify? How do those differences lead us to have hope despite our sinfulness?
9. The destroyed city in verse 16 was meant to be a monument and a warning to the other cities. What warnings has God placed in your life to keep you "on track?"
10. Doing "what is right in the sight of the Lord your God" (verse 18 CSB) is oftentimes difficult. How does God's definition of "right" compare to ours? What can you do this week to make your definition of "right" closer to His?

Key Words/Phrase

Dreamers, v. 5.

Characters

God, Moses.

Strong Verse(s)

4