
The Final Word Before the Fight
In this sermon, Pastor Devon Ortiz reflects on Moses’ final address to the children of Israel found in Deuteronomy 32, emphasizing the gravity and spiritual richness of one’s final words before a great transition or challenge. As the Israelites stood on the edge of the Promised Land, Moses, knowing his time was near, delivered a heartfelt message rooted in praise, doctrine, and warning—a final word before the fight.
Moses reminds the people of God’s unchanging character. In verse 4, he declares, “He is the Rock, His work is perfect.” Pastor Ortiz breaks this down as a reminder that God’s character is the foundation upon which believers must stand. While people and emotions fluctuate, God remains steady, righteous, and dependable. Trust in Him is not only encouraged—it is demanded by His nature.
The sermon underscores the importance of doctrine—the spiritual truths Moses had gathered through a lifetime of walking with God. Moses’ reference to doctrine falling like rain (v.2) points to how God’s Word must saturate every area of the believer’s life. Pastor Ortiz stresses that this spiritual nourishment is vital for growth, strength, and readiness for the inevitable battles of life.
Through humorous and heartfelt anecdotes, including his own struggles in school and early life, Pastor Ortiz paints a relatable picture of how God’s power, Word, and character equip believers to face their personal “fights.” Whether it’s brokenness, temptation, spiritual weakness, or external trials, the believer’s defense is a life grounded in God’s Word and His unwavering presence.
The congregation is reminded that just as Moses addressed a new generation—those who hadn’t seen the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, or the slavery in Egypt—we too must pass on the truths of Scripture to the next generation. We must not only read the Bible, but allow it to read us, correct us, and furnish us with wisdom and maturity.
The sermon closes with a call to trust. If we trust God with our eternity, why not trust Him with our daily needs—our health, finances, and decisions? God’s ways are higher, His judgments are true, and His timing perfect. The power of God, Pastor Ortiz affirms, is for usward—for believers who abide in Him. Trusting in Jesus, the name above all names, brings peace, direction, and unshakable security in a turbulent world.