First Step to Failure - Deuteronomy 10-12

 Deuteronomy 12:32 (ESV)

“Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.

Short verse, big message!   This verse confronts a problem that will persist through out Israel’s day and beyond into the Church-age.    Mankind simply has an evil habit of taking away God’s word, diminishing its power and purpose.  Or, adding to God’s word, deluding its meaning and message.   Notice where Moses already told them this same commandment: 

 Deuteronomy 4:2 (ESV)

You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you.

We also read the same theme in these verses:

Joshua 1:7 (ESV)

Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.

Proverbs 30:5-6 (ESV)

Every word of God proves true;

he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Do not add to his words,

lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

And even though John was speaking mostly about his prophecy in Revelation, he stated the same theme and principle here:

Revelation 22:18-19 (ESV)

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

God’s Word is holy and pure.   It is not to be diminished or expanded.   God gave us His Word to obey.  When we diminish and damage it, we lose our way.   In the Garden of Eden, Satan did just this.  He caused Eve to question the fidelity of God’s Word.   That is the first and greatest step to our demise.   In 2 Peter 3 we read that in Peter’s day mockers came mocking the promise of Christ’s return.  This is the first step to becoming a reprobate toward God:  Questioning the promises of God!    Moses is telling the nation that as they enter the promise land, don’t question the promises of God.   This is the first and only step toward disobedience.