Resting in God's Covenant: Freedom Through Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound truth of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We began by reflecting on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, where their eyes were opened to their nakedness and shame after disobeying God. This led to a discussion on how Jesus, through His resurrection, opened the eyes of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, revealing Himself as the Tree of Life. This revelation is crucial for us today: God is for us, not against us, and He has made a way for us through Jesus.
We then delved into the concept of covenant, emphasizing that our relationship with God is not something we achieve but something we receive. This covenant is based on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, making us forever a "10" in God's eyes. We are in right standing with God not because of our actions but because of what Jesus has done. This truth liberates us from the captivity of trying to earn God's approval through our efforts.
We also discussed the dangers of comparing ourselves to others and trying to measure our closeness to God. Such comparisons lead to captivity, not freedom. Instead, we should rest in the covenant God has established with us through Jesus. This covenant is not dependent on our ability to obey but on God's ability to fulfill His promises.
The sermon concluded with a call to trust in God alone, to stop striving and start resting in the finished work of Christ. We were encouraged to renew our minds, to see ourselves as God sees us—complete, loved, and righteous in Christ. This transformation leads to true freedom and a life that reflects God's love and grace.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Tree of Life and Our Eyes Opened: Just as the disciples' eyes were opened to see Jesus as the Tree of Life, we need our eyes opened to see that God is for us and has made a way through Jesus. This revelation brings freedom and wholeness, as we rest in the completed work of Christ. [14:12]
2. Covenant Relationship: Our relationship with God is not achieved by our efforts but received through Jesus' sacrifice. This covenant makes us forever a "10" in God's eyes, freeing us from the need to earn His approval. We are in right standing with God because of Jesus, not our actions. [37:28]
3. Freedom from Captivity: Comparing ourselves to others and trying to measure our closeness to God leads to captivity. True freedom comes from resting in the covenant God has established with us through Jesus. This covenant is based on God's ability, not ours. [45:41]
4. Renewing Our Minds: Transformation comes from renewing our minds and seeing ourselves as God sees us—complete, loved, and righteous in Christ. This shift in identity leads to true freedom and a life that reflects God's love and grace. [55:08]
5. Trusting God Alone: Trusting in God alone, rather than our efforts, leads to true freedom. We are called to rest in the finished work of Christ, knowing that we are loved and accepted by God. This trust transforms our lives and frees us from the bondage of trying to earn God's favor. [01:06:09]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [14:12] - The Road to Emmaus: Eyes Opened
3. [15:23] - Communion: The Tree of Life
4. [16:13] - Prayer and Praise
5. [21:48] - Praying for the Nation
6. [22:33] - Call to Discipleship
7. [23:28] - Praying for Israel
8. [24:00] - Attendance and Voting Encouragement
9. [30:16] - Offering: Act of Worship
10. [35:38] - Misconceptions in Faith
11. [37:28] - Covenant Relationship with God
12. [45:41] - Freedom from Captivity
13. [55:08] - Renewing Our Minds
14. [01:06:09] - Trusting God Alone
15. [01:10:20] - Closing Worship and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 24:30-31 (NIV): "When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight."
2. Ephesians 2:12-13 (NIV): "Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ."
3. Galatians 5:1 (NIV): "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
### Observation Questions
1. What did the disciples on the road to Emmaus realize when Jesus broke the bread? ([14:12])
2. According to Ephesians 2:12-13, what changed for those who were once far away from God?
3. What does Galatians 5:1 say about the purpose of Christ setting us free?
4. In the sermon, what was the significance of the covenant relationship with God? ([37:28])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus illustrate the concept of having our eyes opened to see Jesus as the Tree of Life? ([14:12])
2. What does it mean to be brought near to God through the blood of Christ, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:13?
3. Why is it important to understand that our relationship with God is received and not achieved, according to the sermon? ([37:28])
4. How can comparing ourselves to others lead to captivity, and what is the alternative presented in the sermon? ([45:41])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How does the truth that you are brought near by the blood of Christ change your perspective? ([42:20])
2. In what ways have you tried to earn God's approval through your actions? How can you shift your mindset to rest in the finished work of Christ? ([37:28])
3. Have you ever found yourself comparing your spiritual journey to others? How did it affect your relationship with God? What steps can you take to focus on your unique covenant with God? ([45:41])
4. What are some practical ways you can renew your mind to see yourself as God sees you—complete, loved, and righteous in Christ? ([55:08])
5. Identify an area in your life where you are striving rather than trusting in God. What can you do this week to rest in God's promises and the finished work of Christ? ([01:06:09])
6. Think of a specific situation where you need to trust God alone. How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness and provision in that situation? ([01:06:09])
7. How can you encourage someone else in your life to understand and rest in the covenant relationship with God through Jesus? What specific actions can you take to share this message? ([37:28])
Devotional
Day 1: Seeing Jesus as the Tree of Life
Our relationship with God is transformed when we see Jesus as the Tree of Life. Just as the disciples' eyes were opened on the road to Emmaus, we too need our eyes opened to the profound truth that God is for us and has made a way through Jesus. This revelation brings freedom and wholeness, allowing us to rest in the completed work of Christ. When we understand that Jesus is the source of life and sustenance, we can fully embrace the freedom He offers and live in the wholeness He provides. This understanding shifts our perspective from striving to resting in His finished work.
[14:12]
"And the Lord God said, 'Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—' therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken." (Genesis 3:22-23, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to stop striving and start resting in the completed work of Christ? How can you remind yourself daily that Jesus is your source of life and sustenance?
Day 2: Receiving the Covenant Relationship
Our relationship with God is not something we achieve but something we receive through Jesus' sacrifice. This covenant makes us forever a "10" in God's eyes, freeing us from the need to earn His approval. We are in right standing with God because of Jesus, not our actions. This truth liberates us from the captivity of trying to earn God's approval through our efforts. Understanding this covenant relationship allows us to live in the freedom and assurance of God's love and acceptance, knowing that our worth is not based on our performance but on Jesus' finished work.
[37:28]
"And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you." (Genesis 17:7, ESV)
Reflection: How does knowing that you are in right standing with God because of Jesus change the way you approach your daily life? What steps can you take to remind yourself of this truth when you feel the need to earn God's approval?
Day 3: Freedom from Comparison
Comparing ourselves to others and trying to measure our closeness to God leads to captivity. True freedom comes from resting in the covenant God has established with us through Jesus. This covenant is based on God's ability, not ours. When we stop comparing ourselves to others and rest in the truth of God's covenant, we experience true freedom and peace. This freedom allows us to focus on our unique relationship with God and grow in our faith without the burden of comparison.
[45:41]
"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself comparing your spiritual journey to others? How can you shift your focus to rest in the unique covenant relationship God has established with you through Jesus?
Day 4: Renewing Our Minds
Transformation comes from renewing our minds and seeing ourselves as God sees us—complete, loved, and righteous in Christ. This shift in identity leads to true freedom and a life that reflects God's love and grace. When we renew our minds with the truth of who we are in Christ, we begin to live out our true identity and experience the fullness of God's love and grace. This transformation impacts every area of our lives, allowing us to live in the freedom and purpose God has for us.
[55:08]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take to renew your mind with the truth of who you are in Christ? How can you remind yourself daily that you are complete, loved, and righteous in Him?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Finished Work
Trusting in God alone, rather than our efforts, leads to true freedom. We are called to rest in the finished work of Christ, knowing that we are loved and accepted by God. This trust transforms our lives and frees us from the bondage of trying to earn God's favor. When we fully trust in God's finished work, we experience the peace and freedom that comes from knowing we are secure in His love and acceptance. This trust allows us to live confidently in our identity in Christ and walk in the freedom He provides.
[01:06:09]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to trust in God's finished work? How can you take a step of faith today to trust Him more fully in that area?
Quotes
1. "We need to have our eyes open to see the tree of life. God is for us, He's not against us. He's made a way where there wasn't a way. What the law could not do, He has done. And He's completed it, and we need to rest in And in the night in which Christ was betrayed, He took the bread, and giving thanks, He blessed it, and then He broke it. And He said these words, this is my body, broken for you. You." [15:23] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "My relationship with Jesus is not achieved it is received as a result of that I am and forever attend attend not based on comparing myself to anyone but based on the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ I am in right standing with God hear this this is absolutely so important that we need to hear this my relationship with God is established in a covenant that God made on my account it is established based on the principles or the precepts that I'm willing to obey or able to obey it is not built on my ability it is built on God's ability in Jesus Christ this is a covenant that God made through the shed blood of Jesus Christ I am and will be forever attend" [39:20] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Bible says that when we were at our worst, God gave his very best. While we were still in sin, God did for us what we did not deserve. You with me? It is a covenant relationship that God himself has established with you, but apart from you doing. Oh boy. Listen, this is so important because I know that there are people in this room that are struggling and struggling and struggling and doing and clicking and getting entangled with things and into stuff because you don't have the freedom Christ has brought to you." [42:20] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It was for freedom that Christ set you free. Did you get that? He wants you not living in captivity. He wants you living in freedom. The freedom that knows that I am blessed of God, that everything I put my hand to, God is going to prosper, that God is going to give, and God wants to bless me more than I want to be blessed. But I don't have to be subject again to a yoke of slavery. I've begun by faith and I will end in faith. It starts with grace, it ends with grace, and it's all grace in between. And by the way, grace is a person, and the person is Jesus Christ." [55:08] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You fall from grace when you try to do what's already been done. Look, that's captivity. Man, I don't know. I don't know. I'm preaching myself. But here's the thing. God wants us to build an altar. He wants us to build an altar that is his design, not our design. It says in Romans chapter 12, Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. You think, wait a minute, wait a minute. That sounds like I'm doing. No, you're not doing. You're basically, all this is saying is, that you got to the end of yourself, and you know that in your flesh, you can't do what he's already done, and so you put yourself, and you put that flesh, which is now holy and acceptable to God, on an altar, and you stop getting off of it. That's where freedom is." [59:26] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Holiness is understanding who you are positionally in God and being saved, not from activity, but from misidentification. Please hear this. If you try to change the activity without changing your identity, you end up in the futility of someone who's going after the fruit and has never addressed the root. See, the fruit is your behavior. The root is your identity. And Jesus has come to save us from misidentification, that we are children of the Most High, that he is for us and not against us." [01:01:38] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The challenge is, is that we have to have this flesh and we put our confidence in Christ, not ourselves. And it's a fight of faith, to stay in faith and to believe that God is with me, God is for me, that when bad things happen, listen, it could be that I did a self-inflicted wound, but even this, he will cause it to work for good. He can give what the locusts have eaten, and he will give back what the locusts have eaten. And I know that my God can, I know that my God will, because my God already has, and I'm going to rest in God my Savior. That's the challenge, to stay in faith." [01:02:19] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "There's somebody in this room, you've been living in bondage for such a long time, and you have such a misidentification of who you truly are. You identify with a behavior. You are not the behavior. You are a child of God. And when you believe that you're a child of God, he will take care of the behaviors. Oh man, I hope people hear this. We get on sin. Stop that. Start this. Can't you just stop doing that? And the truth is, I couldn't. If I could, I would. But I can't. And the only way that I can is to not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of my mind that I am a child of God, that he loves me, that he's for me." [01:03:22] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When you trust in Jesus, when you fully trust in Jesus, you know it says, many will come to me on that day. Jesus said these words, many, many will come to me on that day. And they're going to give a resume. And they're going to say, I, I did this, and I did this, and I did this. And Jesus will say, depart from me, I never knew you. Because they came on the basis of themselves. But wasn't I pleasing? Look at my resume, I was pleasing. And I lived in this house of captivity, where I had to wear a mask, and I had to fake it, and I just talked Christianese, and I patted people on the back, and they patted me on the back, and they thought I had it all together, but inside, man, I was dying. But when you got on the path of trusting God, it led to the house of grace, where nobody had to wear a mask." [01:06:09] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Rest finds grace. When you rest from your striving, when you rest from your doing, when you rest, when you take the posture of an Abraham, who is sleeping while God is working, you need to know that God works even while you sleep. That God is for you. He is an ever present help. He loves you. Thank God. Thank God it's not up to us. Amen? Do you understand? Now, how many of you today would say, you know what? I think I've been running with some wrong information and I feel kind of like I've been living in a little bit of captivity because I've been putting myself in this equation with God and it really has been leading to something that I'd really less than what I anticipated it to be. And today, man, this is speaking to me today." [01:08:12] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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