Deuteronomy 27

PASTOR MARSHALL OCHS | OCTOBER 11, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Deuteronomy 27. In this chapter, Moses reminds the Israelites that their choices carry consequences, leading either to blessings through obedience or curses through disobedience. Through the covenant ceremony and its emphasis on sins committed in secret, we are reminded that God sees beyond our outward actions into the hidden choices of our hearts. Just as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6, the life we live when no one is watching matters to God, and choosing to honor Him in secret leads to a life of true blessing and fruitfulness.

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Deuteronomy 27
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REFLECT

This week, we are exploring how our choices – obedience or disobedience to God – lead to blessings or curses.  How carefully have you considered the impact of your choices?

  1. We each have a public life – what others see us do – and a private life – what we do when no one is watching.  Does your private life align with the life others see?

  2. This passage is rich in symbolism.  The two mountains represent the difference between scarcity and abundance, while the Shechem valley held deep significance for God’s people.  (Please refer to Marshall’s notes.)  Most of our choices are made in life’s valleys, not on its mountaintops.  Where do you find strength and guidance during life’s low points?

  3. Like a wedding ceremony, this event was intended to leave a lasting impression on God’s people.  Moses emphasized the power of choice: each day, we decide whether to obey God and receive blessings or disobey Him and face the consequences.  What choices do you find yourself struggling with at this point in your life?

  4. The enemy tempts us to follow our own way, but we must resist and choose what pleases God. We may hide our choices from others, but never from God. In light of this truth, what choices do you need to change or make moving forward?

  5. Today, we see the consequences of a culture that has turned away from God and His teachings. Too often, we compromise our beliefs to fit in with those around us. Have there been times when you chose to follow the world rather than stand for God’s principles?

  6. We can choose to obey God and live a blessed, fruitful life, or disobey Him and face a life marked by hardship and curses.  Let us choose wisely!  (Read Matthew 5:3–12 for Jesus’ teaching on the blessings of obedience.)