Remembering Our Identity Through Covenant and Scripture
Summary
In our journey through the Gospel in Genesis, we have explored the profound object lessons that the book offers, each pointing us toward the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. We began with creation, which reminds us of our Creator, and moved through the fall, the flood, the confusion of languages, and the promise of a multitude of descendants as numerous as the stars. Today, we conclude with the object lesson of circumcision from Genesis 17, a topic I have not preached on in 18 years of ministry.
Circumcision was a physical sign of the covenant God made with Abraham. It was a mark that signified belonging to God, a reminder of God's promises, and a call to live in obedience to Him. This covenantal sign was given to every male in Abraham's household, extending the promise to all nations, not just his natural descendants. It was a daily reminder of their identity, their God, and their mission.
However, in the New Covenant, physical circumcision is no longer required. Christ has come, fulfilling the promises and rendering the old sign unnecessary. Instead, we have baptism, which, although it does not leave a physical mark, signifies our inclusion in God's family. Yet, baptism alone does not provide a daily reminder of our identity in Christ. This is where the Word of God becomes essential.
The Book of James exhorts us to be doers of the word, not merely hearers. Regular engagement with Scripture is crucial for remembering who we are in Christ. Some churches, unfortunately, question the authority of Scripture, which is a dangerous path. We must find a church that submits to Scripture as its authority.
As we age, we may feel the world devalues us, but God's valuation of us is based on His love and the sacrifice of Christ. Our worth is not diminished by age or worldly standards. We are reminded of this every time we hear our name, just as Abraham was reminded of his covenant with God every time he heard his new name.
In conclusion, the practice of circumcision in the Old Testament was a powerful, daily reminder of God's promises and our identity as His people. Today, we have baptism and the Word of God to remind us of who we are in Christ. Let us commit to immersing ourselves in Scripture, that we may always remember our identity and live out our calling as disciples of Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
- Circumcision in Genesis served as a constant, physical reminder of one's covenant with God. As Christians, we no longer rely on physical marks, but on the transformative power of baptism and the enduring truth of Scripture to affirm our identity in Christ. The Word of God is our daily reminder of who we are and to whom we belong. [49:33]
- The value we possess is not determined by worldly standards but by the immeasurable love of God, demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. No matter our age or status, our worth in the eyes of God remains constant, for we are His beloved children, redeemed and called for His purpose. [27:42]
- The authority of Scripture is paramount in our walk with Christ. Churches and believers must submit to the Bible as the ultimate guide and teacher, not as a text to be judged or cherry-picked. The integrity of our faith depends on our trust in the inspired Word of God. [47:50]
- Baptism is a sacrament that marks our entry into the covenant family of God. While it does not leave a visible mark like circumcision, it serves as a spiritual milestone, signifying our cleansing from sin and new life in Christ. We must cherish and remember the significance of our baptism. [23:36]
- Engaging with Scripture is akin to a maturing relationship; it starts with awkwardness and grows into a deep, abiding connection where the setting becomes irrelevant. Our focus shifts to the content of God's Word, which consistently brings us to the foot of the cross, revealing our sin, our Savior, and our calling. [51:29]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 17:1-14
2. Romans 5:8
3. James 1:22-24
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of circumcision in Genesis 17, and who was required to undergo it? ([24:52])
2. How does the sermon describe the transition from circumcision to baptism in the New Covenant? ([45:22])
3. According to the sermon, what role does the Word of God play in reminding us of our identity in Christ? ([47:09])
4. How does the sermon illustrate the value God places on us, regardless of age or worldly standards? ([27:42])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize the importance of regular engagement with Scripture for Christians? ([47:09])
2. How does the sermon explain the shift from physical circumcision to spiritual reminders in the New Covenant? ([45:22])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the dangers of questioning the authority of Scripture? ([47:50])
4. How does the sermon use the example of Abraham's name change to illustrate our identity in God? ([30:23])
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon mentions that baptism does not provide a daily reminder of our identity in Christ. What practical steps can you take to remind yourself daily of your identity in Christ? ([45:22])
2. Reflect on a time when you felt devalued by worldly standards. How can you remind yourself of your worth in God's eyes, as described in the sermon? ([27:42])
3. The sermon stresses the importance of finding a church that submits to the authority of Scripture. How can you evaluate whether your church or a church you are considering does this? ([47:50])
4. How can you incorporate regular Bible reading into your daily routine to ensure you are reminded of who you are in Christ? ([47:09])
5. The sermon uses the analogy of a maturing relationship to describe our engagement with Scripture. What stage do you feel you are in, and what steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God's Word? ([49:01])
6. How can you use your baptism anniversary as a spiritual milestone to reflect on your journey with Christ and renew your commitment to Him? ([23:36])
7. The sermon mentions that our value is based on God's love and the sacrifice of Christ. How can you practically live out this truth in your interactions with others this week? ([27:42])
Devotional
Day 1: Identity Affirmed in Christ
Circumcision in the Old Testament was a tangible sign of the covenant between God and His people, specifically with Abraham and his descendants. It was a daily, physical reminder of their unique identity and relationship with God. In the same way, Christians today are marked by baptism and the truth of Scripture, which serve as spiritual affirmations of their identity in Christ. While baptism is a one-time event, the Word of God continues to be a daily reminder of one's belonging to God and the transformative journey of faith. It is through regular engagement with Scripture that believers are constantly reminded of their new identity in Christ and their mission to live as His disciples. [49:33]
Colossians 2:11-12 - "In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you also were raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead."
Reflection: How does your daily engagement with Scripture reinforce your identity as a follower of Christ?
Day 2: Valued Beyond the World's Measure
The world often measures worth by fleeting standards such as youth, beauty, or wealth, but the value God places on each person is based on His eternal love and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. This divine valuation is unchanging and not subject to the world's whims. As believers grow older, they may feel marginalized by society, yet in God's eyes, their worth is as significant as ever. This understanding of value rooted in God's love and Christ's sacrifice offers profound comfort and purpose, regardless of one's stage in life. [27:42]
Isaiah 43:4 - "Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life."
Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself and others of their true worth as defined by God, especially when society suggests otherwise?
Day 3: Scripture as Ultimate Authority
The authority of Scripture is a cornerstone of Christian faith. It is not merely a historical document or a collection of moral teachings but the inspired Word of God that guides and shapes the life of a believer. Churches and individuals must approach the Bible with reverence and submission, allowing it to challenge, correct, and direct their lives. Questioning the authority of Scripture or selectively adhering to its teachings undermines the integrity of faith and the transformative power of God's truth. [47:50]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper respect for the authority of Scripture in your personal life and in your church community?
Day 4: Baptism as Covenantal Entry
Baptism is a sacred act that signifies a believer's entry into the covenant family of God. Unlike circumcision, which left a visible mark, baptism represents a spiritual cleansing and rebirth. It is a milestone in the Christian journey, symbolizing the washing away of sin and the beginning of a new life in Christ. The significance of baptism extends beyond the moment of immersion; it is a lifelong reminder of the believer's transformation and commitment to follow Jesus. [23:36]
Romans 6:4 - "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: What does your baptism mean to you, and how does it shape the way you live out your faith daily?
Day 5: Scripture Engagement as Relationship Growth
Engaging with Scripture is not a static activity but a dynamic process that mirrors the growth of a relationship. Initially, it may feel unfamiliar or challenging, but over time, it becomes a source of deep connection and understanding. As believers immerse themselves in the Bible, they encounter God's character, recognize their own sinfulness, and are drawn to the foot of the cross. This consistent engagement with God's Word is essential for maturing in faith and living out the calling to be disciples of Jesus. [51:29]
Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God through daily Scripture reading, and how can this practice influence your actions and decisions?
Quotes
1) "The Genius of circumcision as a mark of the Covenant is that it would be a reminder to the person who is circumcised what their identity is, who their God is, what he has done for them and what he will do for them every time they use the bathroom." [40:38](Download | Download)
2) "God does not see our value the way the world does, and we know that our value does not come within ourselves, what we think our value is, what other people think our value is, but the value rather that God says that we have." [27:42](Download | Download)
3) "It's like that with the Bible; at first, spending time in the Bible is awkward... but then you get to the point where the setting doesn't matter because you know that God's word... will bring you to the foot of the cross, show you your sin, your savior, your identity, your calling, and your destiny." [50:51](Download | Download)
4) "It's irresponsible at best and downright evil at worst that some Churches... see it as their calling, their right to sit in judgment on the veracity of the word of God, claiming that some of the Bible is true but some of it is false." [47:50](Download | Download)
5) "There is no better way to remind yourself who God has made you to be, what he has done, and what he will do than by spending time in his word daily... get you into the word of God, the Bible, learning it, even memorizing it." [47:09](Download | Download)
6) "If you believe in Jesus, you cannot say you love your children if you don't make them part of his Covenant family, if you don't desire for them to follow him, and if, as much as is possible, lead them in discipleship." [36:57](Download | Download)
7) "The longer you believe that there's errors in scripture, the harder it is to trust what scripture says when it comes to those core tenants of the faith." [48:27](Download | Download)
8) "Every time Abraham would hear his name spoken, he would be reminded who it is that gave him his name and that he belonged to God." [32:44](Download | Download)
9) "The world doesn't want to build you up with the truth; it wants to destroy you with lies. Listening to the world has led many Christians to believe that they have little if no value at all." [26:59](Download | Download)
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