Experiencing the Joy of the New Covenant

In our journey through the New Covenant, we are reminded of the profound truth that God has provided something better for us than the external miracles and blessings of the Old Covenant. Hebrews 11 recounts the miraculous deeds of Old Testament figures, yet Hebrews 12 reveals that we are called to a higher standard. This better thing is not about external prosperity or miraculous signs but about living in the presence of God, experiencing the fullness of joy that comes from being in His presence. This joy is not contingent on our circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with God.

To experience this better thing, we must lay aside every sin and encumbrance that hinders our spiritual race. Sin acts as a chain, and unnecessary weights slow us down. By looking unto Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, we find our example. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, which was the joy of being in the Father's presence. This is the joy we are invited to pursue, a joy that surpasses all earthly pleasures and achievements.

The New Covenant calls us to follow in Jesus' footsteps, who committed no sin and spoke no deceit. This is not an impossible standard but a promise of what is possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is a call to maturity, moving beyond the temporary and external to the eternal and internal. Our focus should be on the life of Jesus, not merely on doctrinal correctness or external righteousness. True transformation comes from a heart that fears God and seeks His revelation.

In this journey, we are reminded that the life of Jesus is the light of men. It is not our doctrines or external appearances that bring light but the life of Christ within us. We are called to value this life above all else, recognizing that it is the essence of the New Covenant. As we pursue this life, we are encouraged to look unto Jesus continually, allowing His life to transform us from the inside out.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The New Covenant offers us something better than the Old Covenant's external blessings. It invites us into a life of joy found in God's presence, which surpasses all earthly achievements and pleasures. This joy is rooted in our relationship with God and is not dependent on our circumstances. [02:29]
• 2. To experience the fullness of the New Covenant, we must lay aside every sin and weight that hinders our spiritual race. Sin acts as a chain, and unnecessary weights slow us down. By looking unto Jesus, we find our example and strength to run the race set before us. [06:17]
• 3. Jesus is our example in the New Covenant. He committed no sin and spoke no deceit, showing us what is possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is not an impossible standard but a promise of transformation for those who follow Him. [15:47]
• 4. The life of Jesus is the light of men. It is not our doctrines or external appearances that bring light but the life of Christ within us. We are called to value this life above all else, recognizing that it is the essence of the New Covenant. [68:19]
• 5. True transformation comes from a heart that fears God and seeks His revelation. It is not about doctrinal correctness or external righteousness but about a heart that is right with God. This is the path to experiencing the better thing God has provided for us. [01:05:54]
  ** [65:54]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:35] - Introduction to the New Covenant
• [00:51] - Heroes of Faith in Hebrews 11
• [01:42] - The Old Covenant's External Miracles
• [02:29] - Something Better for Us
• [03:34] - Understanding the Better Thing
• [05:13] - The Cloud of Witnesses
• [06:17] - Laying Aside Sin and Weights
• [07:22] - The Joy Set Before Jesus
• [09:02] - Living in God's Presence
• [10:18] - Taking Up the Cross Daily
• [11:23] - Maturity vs. Spiritual Childhood
• [12:28] - Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
• [15:03] - Following in Jesus' Steps
• [17:35] - Walking as Jesus Walked
• [68:19] - Life as the Light of Men

1. Hebrews 11:39-40
2. Hebrews 12:1-2
3. Psalm 16:11

1. What are some of the miraculous deeds mentioned in Hebrews 11 that the Old Testament figures accomplished? How do these compare to the "better thing" mentioned in Hebrews 12? [00:51]
2. According to Hebrews 12:1-2, what are the two things we must lay aside to run the spiritual race effectively? How does the sermon describe these hindrances? [06:17]
3. In Psalm 16:11, where is the fullness of joy found, and how does this relate to the joy set before Jesus as mentioned in the sermon? [07:22]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between the Old Covenant's external blessings and the New Covenant's internal transformation? [01:59]

1. What does it mean to "look unto Jesus" as the author and perfecter of our faith, and how does this focus help us in our spiritual journey? [07:22]
2. How does the sermon explain the concept of laying aside "every sin and weight"? What might these weights represent in a believer's life today? [06:17]
3. The sermon mentions that true transformation comes from a heart that fears God and seeks His revelation. How does this differ from merely having doctrinal correctness? [39:55]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the idea that the life of Jesus is the light of men, and why is this life more important than external appearances or doctrines? [01:08:19]

1. Reflect on your current spiritual race. Are there any "weights" or sins that you need to lay aside to run more effectively? What steps can you take this week to address these? [06:17]
2. The sermon emphasizes the joy found in God's presence. How can you prioritize seeking God's presence in your daily life, especially when faced with challenges? [09:02]
3. Consider the example of Jesus, who committed no sin and spoke no deceit. How can you strive to follow His example in your interactions with others this week? [15:47]
4. The sermon calls us to value the life of Jesus above all else. What practical changes can you make in your life to focus more on living like Jesus rather than merely adhering to doctrines? [01:08:19]
5. How can you cultivate a heart that fears God and seeks His revelation, rather than just focusing on external righteousness? What specific practices can help you grow in this area? [39:55]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of not despising others, even when they are imperfect. Is there someone in your life you struggle to accept? How can you work towards seeing them through God's eyes this week? [56:07]
7. Reflect on the idea that true joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in a relationship with God. How can you remind yourself of this truth during difficult times? [09:35]