Preaching Deuteronomy

The episode begins with host Dr. Jason Allen introducing the guest, Dr. Jason DeRusci, and the topic of preaching Deuteronomy as part of a series on preaching different books of the Bible. Dr. DeRusci shares his personal background, including his family, his role as an elder and Sunday school teacher, and his academic position. He details his writing ministry, which includes works on Old Testament survey, Deuteronomy, and biblical theology. Dr. DeRusci recounts his academic journey, explaining how his love for the Old Testament developed through seminary and was solidified by a comment from Justin Taylor about focusing on God's glory. The host then steers the conversation to Deuteronomy specifically. Dr. DeRusci makes a case for why pastors should preach it, citing its high frequency of New Testament quotations and its role as the constitutional benchmark for Israel. He explains that Moses understood the law would condemn Israel, foreshadowing exile and a future heart transformation. Dr. DeRusci shares that he has taught through Deuteronomy for three years in Sunday school and strives to be a 'Deuteronomy dad' at home. The discussion turns to exegetical challenges, particularly reconciling Paul's statements that the law is holy yet 'not of faith.' Dr. DeRusci frames this through Israel's rebellious nature and the law's purpose to point to Christ's perfect obedience. He then provides a four-step method for preaching Christ from Deuteronomy: celebrating Christ's fulfillment of the law, identifying him as the prophet like Moses from Deuteronomy 18, seeing him as the agent of Israel's ultimate restoration, and applying the law's principles of love through the lens of Christ. The host asks for resource recommendations, and Dr. DeRusci suggests works by Daniel Block and Gary Millar, noting their different emphases. The episode concludes with a final exhortation to preach Deuteronomy to magnify Christ's justifying obedience and empowering love.

As heard by us

Deuteronomy's law, exile, and transformed-heart promise are framed for preaching through Christ.

Preaching Deuteronomy treats the book as a sustained tension between gift and failure. Moses proclaims a good law, yet also anticipates Israel's disobedience, exile, and eventual renewal through transformed hearts.

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Why you'd press play

You want Deuteronomy with its hard law, exile horizon, changed hearts, and final turn toward Jesus kept in one thoughtful preaching conversation.

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