This Bible study is all about how we can be a servant of the Lord, just as Moses was.
What would it look like if you lived a life so fully surrendered to God that your greatest title wasn’t leader, parent, or influencer—but servant? In Deuteronomy 31–34, we see the final moments of Moses’ life. He had led Israel through wilderness and rebellion, victory and heartbreak, and yet, at the end of it all, Scripture remembers him simply as the servant of the Lord. This Bible study explores what it means to live with that same heart posture. Moses’ journey reminds us that faithfulness often looks like quiet obedience, daily trust, and surrender to God’s greater plan—even when the outcome isn’t what we expected. Let’s look to his example and consider: are we willing to follow wherever God leads?
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Read all about how to be a servant of the Lord, following in Moses’ footsteps, before reflecting on it below.
Deuteronomy 31-34
Fear results when we take our eyes off Jesus
Again and again, Moses reminded the Israelites that God Himself would go before them. He would fight on their behalf, remain with them, and never leave or forsake them. Though Moses wouldn’t be the one to lead them into the Promised Land, God would still be with them every step of the way. The Israelites needed to remember that their true leader, deliverer, and protector was not Moses—but God. If they placed their confidence in a person instead of the Lord, fear would keep them from stepping into the land God had promised.
Who are you looking to for your security today? Are your eyes fixed on God as your faithful leader and provider, or are you trusting in someone or something else (Jeremiah 17:5-8)?
God wants All people to come to repentance
Part of the job of the Levites was to read the law of God to the people at the end of every seven years. The Levites were scattered all throughout Israel so that everyone would hear the words of the Lord. This reading would instruct everyone in how to continue their relationship with God, but it was also so that those who had not heard the law would hear it and turn to God. It was important for everyone to have the same opportunity for salvation.
God wants all people to come to repentance. How can you help be His minister and share his words with others (Romans 10:17)?
Testified against
The Israelites knew the Word of God. They wore it on their garments, had it written on their doorposts, read it every sabbath, and listened to it in its entirety every seven years. The Word of God was close to their hearts and it should have brought great comfort in times of sorrow and joy in times of prosperity. Instead, God knew that the Israelites would turn to other gods and forsake Him. When this happened, they would have the song taught to them by Moses to remind them that it was because of their unfaithfulness that they lacked peace.
The Israelites had a routine of hearing and reciting God’s word, but their hearts did not always reflect their words. This led to them wandering away from God. Is God’s Word something you carry in routine only, or do you let it shape your heart and actions (Joshua 1:8)?
The song of Moses
The Song of Moses is both a confrontation and a comfort. It calls out Israel’s failure, but more importantly, it reveals the unshakable faithfulness of God. Resembling a dance between Israel and their Creator, the song begins with Moses proclaiming the greatness of God – stirring praise. Then comes the rhythm: though Israel forgets that God is their Father, He never forsakes them.
The song recounts God’s faithful care in the past—His provision, protection, and presence. Yet Israel responds by turning away. God, in perfect justice, could reject them. But instead, He loves them. He warns them of the consequences of rebellion, yet holds out the hope of restoration. The song ends with a glimpse of future grace—not just for Israel, but for all nations, fulfilled in Jesus.
Do you let God’s conviction lead you to condemnation – or to the faithful arms of a loving God who calls you back (2 Timothy 2:13)?
The words of law are life
After hearing the song of Moses, the Israelites might be tempted to treat it like an entertaining performance which can quickly be forgotten. Moses warns them that God’s law does not consist of idle words which are futile for the Israelites. Instead, the words of God’s law is life for all who hear it. God’s Word gives freedom, peace, and wisdom to all who take it seriously. It is daily bread, a light for our path, and strength for the weary.
Do you read God’s Word with anticipation of the life it brings, or do you treat it as something optional – even unimportant (2 Timothy 3:16-17)?
God’s glory is His love
All throughout the Bible we see the glory of God displayed in His awesome and miraculous works – everything from parting the Red sea, to keeping Daniel alive in the lion’s den. But that is not the only evidence of His glory. It is also seen in His love and care for His people. The Hebrew Word for love (חָבַב) that is used in Deuteronomy 33:3 is in a form that is continuous – it encompasses the past, present and future. God’s love for his people is perpetual.
Do you see God’s glory revealed in His deep, ongoing love for you (1 John 4:9-10)?
There is no one like our God
The end of Deuteronomy 33 turns back to reflection on God. Moses reflects on the incomparable nature of God, seen in His majesty and His mercy alike. God rides through the heavens not to impress, but to intervene for His people. He is not distant or detached, but loving and caring. He is personal, active, and compassionate. Here, Moses gives a final reminder that the same God who parted seas and thundered from Sinai still watches over them, giving them refuge under His wings. He was still – and forevermore – their help. Just like He still is ours. In times that we feel weak or overwhelmed, we can look to the God who fills the skies with majesty and still stoops to carry His people.
Do you trust in God’s power to help you personally—or do you view Him as distant, majestic but removed from your everyday struggles (Psalm 68:33-35)?
Moses is the servant of the Lord
Moses’ life ends uneventfully. There is no long list of accomplishments or accolades. Instead, he is given a simple title: “the servant of the Lord”. He wasn’t called a hero or a leader, even though he was one. He was called a servant. This is a title that demonstrates his humility and his willingness to listen to God with his whole heart and let God lead. He followed, he obeyed, and he trusted – even when it was hard or it meant giving up control or recognition. Moses saw the Promised Land from a distance, but never stepped into it. Still, he was content to be God’s servant. He trusted God’s plan was good, even if it didn’t align with his own.
Today’s world tells us to build our own name, control our outcomes, and chase more. Are you satisfied being known simply as God’s servant? Do you quietly trust God to lead, or do you struggle to surrender control and let God write your story (Luke 1:38)?
Reflect on the life of Moses
Moses stood on the precipice of the Promised Land, knowing he would never enter. Yet he got to enter something greater as his role of servant came to an end. Moses was able to enter into God’s presence with the quiet knowledge that he had been faithful in service. His walk with God may not have always been perfect, but God doesn’t call for perfect servants. He simply calls for us to trust Him and follow His commands while living in the grace that Jesus gives.
How can you embrace servanthood today?
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