Living in Covenant: Obedience, Sacrifice, and Transformation
Summary
The sermon focuses on the theme of God's covenant with His people, emphasizing the importance of obedience, sacrifice, and the transformation of the heart. The speaker begins by referencing Exodus, where God promises to carry the descendants of Israel on Eagle's Wings and make them His special treasure if they obey His covenant. The family institution is highlighted as crucial, with the speaker noting that societal moral corruption first impacts the family. The eternal and unchanging nature of God's word is contrasted with the ever-changing world.
Obedience and sacrifice are central to the sermon, with Jesus' example of obedience and surrender leading to the redemption of the world. The speaker challenges the congregation to consider their sacrifices to God and how they stand out as holy and righteous people. The importance of being set apart for God's purposes is emphasized, with the belief that the world will be saved when believers stand out.
The congregation is called to be priests in a Priestly Kingdom, offering their blessings back to God as worship. The speaker prays for God's blessing upon the congregation and recognizes Jesus as the one who has given them the power to create wealth. The sermon concludes with a message of grace, love, and fellowship.
The speaker also discusses the importance of standing out and being authentic, reminding the audience that they are God's masterpieces. The sermon poses the question of whether the listeners are among the called or the chosen, urging them to respond to God's call and surrender their lives to Him. The speaker invites the audience to reflect on their relationship with God and to respond to His call.
Believers are called to offer spiritual sacrifices to God every day, keeping the Covenant alive. The speaker emphasizes that the sacrifices that please God are a broken spirit and a contrite heart. Covenant people do not truly own anything, as everything they possess belongs to God. The concept of sacrifice is defined as letting go of what one loves for what God loves.
The speaker addresses the importance of discerning Jesus' sacrifice and having a relationship with Him. They encourage the congregation to examine themselves and repent of any sin, focusing on Jesus' sacrifice rather than their own worthiness. The significance of Jesus' actions during the Last Supper is highlighted, with the congregation encouraged to remember Jesus' sacrifice through communion.
The sermon calls believers to live as a holy and separate people, fulfilling their assignment on Earth. The speaker prays for boldness to declare their righteousness in God and emphasizes the importance of giving as an act of worship. Obedience is key to being God's treasured people and experiencing His goodness.
The speaker discusses the importance of examining oneself before communion, warning against partaking unworthily and inviting God's judgment. They emphasize the need to honor the body of Christ and the significance of Jesus' sacrifice.
The family is presented as the foundation of society, with the speaker using their own marriage as an example. The Covenant of marriage is highlighted as the first commandment given by God. The consequences of breaking the covenant of marriage are discussed, with the speaker asserting that when men are in their rightful place, the world will be right.
The speaker prays for individuals to be recognized as covenant people of God, set apart for Kingdom work. They praise God for His uniqueness and pray for the congregation to live obediently and differently from the world.
The concept of being a "holy nation" is discussed, with the speaker emphasizing the need to follow God's commandments and transform the heart. The New Testament's portrayal of all believers as priests is also mentioned.
The speaker expresses gratitude for Jesus and leads the congregation in a prayer of gratitude and self-forgiveness. They encourage the congregation to praise and worship Jesus for who He is and for His sacrifice.
The importance of the family unit is reiterated, with the speaker emphasizing the need to address and strengthen the family to prevent the spread of corruption. The interconnectedness of everything around an individual is highlighted, and the need to prevent the spread of corruption by strengthening the family unit is emphasized.
The speaker expresses gratitude to God for the upcoming year and the importance of thanking and praising God. The significance of Jesus' presence in their fellowship is discussed, with the congregation encouraged to remember Jesus' sacrifice through communion.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a heart of flesh and yielding to the spirit of God. Obedience is stressed as an action word, and the need to not only hear God's instructions but also to do them is highlighted.
The speaker expresses a desire to glorify Jesus and exalt His name, leading the congregation in a prayer of thanksgiving. The importance of love and surrendering one's heart to God is emphasized, with the speaker encouraging the audience to pray a prayer of faith and inviting Jesus into their hearts.
The Word of God becoming flesh is discussed, with the speaker explaining that victory and abundance come when the Word becomes flesh. The importance of having a heart of flesh that yields to the Spirit is emphasized.
The speaker expresses gratitude for the congregation's obedience and sincerity, offering a prayer for God's will to be done in their lives. They pray for the Holy Spirit to fill every aspect of the congregation's lives and for them to live a victorious, abundant, and obedient life.
The concept of having a new heart is discussed, with the speaker explaining that the old heart is self-seeking and deceitful, while the new heart allows individuals to walk in God's statutes and keep His judgments.
Key Takeaways:
- The covenant relationship between God and His people is predicated on obedience and the willingness to be set apart for His purposes. This relationship is not static but requires continuous sacrifice and a heart that is responsive to God's instructions. The transformation from a heart of stone to a heart of flesh signifies a genuine change in one's ability to follow God's commandments and live a life that reflects His holiness. [01:34:40]
- The family unit is foundational to societal health and the strength of the church. When the family adheres to God's covenant, it becomes a model for others and contributes to societal stability. Conversely, when the covenant within the family is broken, it leads to widespread negative consequences, underscoring the importance of maintaining the sanctity of marriage and family relationships. [01:14:14]
- True worship and sacrifice are matters of the heart rather than external actions. God values a broken spirit and a contrite heart over material offerings. This internal posture of humility and repentance is what God seeks in His covenant people, as it reflects a genuine relationship with Him and a life surrendered to His will. [01:24:09]
- Communion is a profound act of remembrance and proclamation of Jesus' sacrifice. It is not about personal worthiness but about honoring Jesus' body and blood, which were given for the redemption of humanity. Proper discernment and self-examination are necessary to partake in communion in a manner that is respectful and reflective of its significance. [57:09]
- The distinction between hearing and doing God's word is crucial. Obedience is an active response to God's instructions, not merely an acknowledgment of their existence. Living out God's commandments demonstrates a heart that is aligned with His will and a life that is set apart from the patterns of the world. [01:41:16]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 19:3-6 (NIV)
> Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”
2. 1 Corinthians 11:24-29 (NIV)
> And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.
3. Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NIV)
> I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
### Observation Questions
1. What promise does God make to the family of Jacob and the descendants of Israel in Exodus 19:3-6?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 11:24-29, what should believers do before partaking in communion?
3. What transformation does God promise in Ezekiel 36:26-27?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being a "kingdom of priests" and a "holy nation" in Exodus 19:3-6 relate to the idea of being set apart for God's purposes? [01:07:05]
2. In 1 Corinthians 11:24-29, what does it mean to partake in communion "in an unworthy manner," and why is self-examination important before communion? [54:02]
3. What is the significance of God giving a "new heart" and a "new spirit" in Ezekiel 36:26-27, and how does this relate to the transformation of believers' lives? [01:34:40]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Exodus 19:3-6, how can you actively live out your role as part of God's "kingdom of priests" in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to be set apart for God's purposes? [01:07:05]
2. Before taking communion, what steps can you take to ensure you are partaking in a worthy manner? How can you incorporate regular self-examination and repentance into your spiritual practice? [54:02]
3. In what ways can you strengthen your family unit to reflect God's covenant and prevent moral corruption? Are there specific areas in your family life that need attention or improvement? [01:14:14]
4. How can you cultivate a "broken spirit and a contrite heart" that pleases God, as mentioned in the sermon? What practical steps can you take to maintain humility and repentance in your relationship with God? [01:24:09]
5. Considering the transformation from a heart of stone to a heart of flesh in Ezekiel 36:26-27, what areas of your life need a change of heart? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in those areas? [01:34:40]
6. How can you ensure that your worship and sacrifices to God are genuine and from the heart rather than mere external actions? What changes can you make to your worship practices to reflect true devotion? [01:24:09]
7. Reflect on the importance of obedience as an action word. What specific instructions from God have you heard but not yet acted upon? How can you take steps to obey God's commands more fully in your life? [01:41:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Obedience Births Divine Treasures
Obedience to God's covenant is the key to becoming His treasured possession. It is not merely about following rules but about a heart transformation that aligns with God's will. This obedience is a continuous journey of sacrifice, reflecting a life that is set apart and dedicated to God's purposes. [01:34:40]
Ezekiel 36:26-27 - "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice obedience to God's commandments today that you have been neglecting?
Day 2: The Family as a Covenantal Pillar
The health of society is deeply rooted in the strength of the family unit. When families operate within the covenant established by God, they become a beacon of stability and righteousness. Conversely, the breakdown of this covenant can lead to moral decay that extends beyond the home. [01:14:14]
Malachi 2:15 - "Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth."
Reflection: How can you contribute to strengthening your family's adherence to God's covenant in your daily life?
Day 3: Worship in Spirit and Truth
True worship is characterized by a heart that is broken and contrite before God. It is not the grandeur of our offerings that pleases Him, but the sincerity and humility with which we approach Him. This internal posture is the essence of the sacrifices that God desires from His covenant people. [01:24:09]
Psalm 51:17 - "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
Reflection: What does a 'broken spirit and contrite heart' look like in your daily walk with God?
Day 4: Communion as Sacred Remembrance
Communion is a sacred act that calls for introspection and reverence. It is a time to remember and proclaim the sacrifice of Jesus, and it requires us to examine our hearts and lives to partake worthily. This remembrance is central to the Christian faith and must be approached with the utmost respect. [57:09]
1 Corinthians 11:28-29 - "Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves."
Reflection: Before your next communion, what steps will you take to examine yourself and ensure you are partaking in a worthy manner?
Day 5: Active Obedience to God's Word
Hearing God's word is not enough; it must be followed by action. Obedience is an active response that demonstrates a life transformed by God's love and commandments. It is through this active obedience that believers can truly live out their calling and stand out as a holy nation. [01:41:16]
James 1:22-24 - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can move from being a hearer of the Word to a doer of the Word today?
Quotes
"Jesus obeyed and sacrificed his flesh, denied the cravings and all that come with it. His flesh tried to boycott, tried to walk away, but he'd rather die for men than to see them perish in sin." [01:44:51] (Download)
"What is on your altar? What are you offering to God every single day and night? As a priest, you need to have something on the altar, something that stands out, that is different from the rest of the world." [01:47:05] (Download)
"We are called to be a Priestly Kingdom and a holy nation, set apart for Him. As we see the day of Jesus quickly coming, this is how the world is going to be saved: When We Stand Out Among many, when we are different from the rest." [01:47:50] (Download)
"We are not counterfeits, we are not copies, we are not duplicates; we are God's Masterpiece, we are authentic, we are Originals, we are the most precious treasured people on the Earth." [01:48:34] (Download)
"The way you know that you are chosen is when you respond to the instructions, when you act right according to the word that he has given you, when you do everything he commands you to do." [01:49:54] (Download)
"Obedience and keeping His Covenant, then we will be His treasured people and He will reveal Himself to us. Only if you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land." [01:32:18] (Download)
"When you have a heart of flesh, you can easily yield to God, you can easily give whatever God calls you to give. So don't just keep the law, do it; don't just hear God's instructions, but hear them and do them." [01:42:47] (Download)
"Obedience is not just another word; it's an action word. When you obey, it means that you are doing what you are asked to do. You don't say 'I heard you'—obeying means taking action on what you've heard." [01:44:07] (Download)
"Covenant people have nothing of their own; when God has your heart, he has everything that you have. Whatever you treasure becomes God's, so that anything God asks you to offer, you wouldn't even need to think twice." [01:27:57] (Download)
"The sacrifices of God are a broken Spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, this, O God, you will not despise. Whenever we come before Him and render our hearts, God will receive this offering." [01:26:17] (Download)
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