The Davidic Covenant: Christ's Fulfillment and Our Peace

 

Summary

The sermon titled "The Davidic Covenant" delves into the profound significance of the covenant God made with King David and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The speaker, whose name is not discernible from the title, begins by discussing the various activities and resources available to the congregation, including an online program, a celebration of life service, and a Christmas party for the Senior's Ministry. The importance of prayer and giving, particularly to the Go Re-Entry Ministry's Christmas party, is also emphasized.

The central theme of the sermon is the revelation of Christ in the Old Testament and the anticipation of His coming. The Davidic Covenant is highlighted as a promise of a ruler who would reign on David's throne, a role ultimately fulfilled by Jesus. The speaker stresses the importance of Jesus reigning in one's heart and the transformative power of acknowledging Him as Lord. The different names of Jesus, such as Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace, are explored in relation to individual needs and experiences.

The speaker humorously touches on personal anecdotes, including their own hesitation to wear purple as suggested by their wife and a story about children in a Christmas play. The sermon then shifts to the disciples' confusion about the establishment of Jesus' kingdom and the contrast between the Old and New Covenants. The Old Covenant is associated with the law, while the New Covenant is characterized by grace and mercy, empowering believers to live for Jesus without the burden of legalism.

Jesus' role as an advisor and counselor is emphasized, along with the peace that comes from having a relationship with God. The speaker invites those who do not know the Lord to receive Christ and experience forgiveness. The difference between the old and new covenants is further discussed, with the new covenant focusing on the heart's motivation rather than mere actions.

The inclusion of four women in Jesus' genealogy is highlighted as a testament to God's grace and the elevation of women's dignity. The speaker also encourages the congregation to invite friends to the Christmas Eve service and to participate in the upcoming annual prayer and fasting period.

The sermon concludes with a discussion on the everlasting Kingdom promised to David and the fulfillment of this promise in Jesus. The genealogies in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke are examined to show that Jesus is the legal son of Joseph and a blood descendant of David, thus fulfilling the Davidic Covenant. The speaker also addresses the significance of Jesus being the legal son of Joseph, which allowed Him to inherit the right to rule without being under a curse passed down through the Royal Line.

Key Takeaways:

- The Davidic Covenant is a central theme in the Bible, promising a ruler from David's lineage to reign forever. This covenant, made centuries before Christ, finds its fulfillment in Jesus, who is declared greater than Solomon. Jesus' eternal reign is a testament to God's faithfulness and the certainty of His promises, akin to the steadfastness of the sun and moon. [01:02:57]

- The genealogies of Jesus, as presented in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, serve a crucial purpose in establishing Jesus' legal and natural right to the throne of David. Matthew's account appeals to Jewish believers by tracing Jesus' lineage through Joseph, while Luke's account reaches out to Greek believers by tracing Jesus' lineage through Mary. Both genealogies converge to affirm Jesus as the Messiah, the son of David, and the seed of Abraham. [01:15:34]

- The New Covenant, as opposed to the Old Covenant of the law, emphasizes the transformation of the heart and the empowerment of believers through God's grace. This covenant liberates from legalism and motivates followers of Christ to live lives pleasing to God, not as a license to sin, but as a response to the grace they have received. [01:27:19]

- The inclusion of women with questionable backgrounds in Jesus' genealogy is a powerful demonstration of God's grace. It shows that God's redemptive plan extends to all, regardless of past actions or societal status. This inclusion challenges cultural norms and underscores the transformative power of God's love and forgiveness. [01:34:14]

- The concept of Jesus as the Prince of Peace is especially relevant in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty. The peace that Jesus offers transcends human understanding and is available to all who acknowledge Him as Lord. This peace is not only a personal experience but also a call to live at peace with others, reflecting the character of the Everlasting Father. [01:43:48]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Davidic Covenant

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 (NIV)
> "When your days are over and you go to be with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. I will never take my love away from him, as I took it away from your predecessor. I will set him over my house and my kingdom forever; his throne will be established forever."

2. Psalm 89:3-4 (NIV)
> "You said, 'I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations.'"

3. Luke 1:32-33 (NIV)
> "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end."

#### Observation Questions
1. What promise did God make to David in 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 regarding his lineage and kingdom?
2. According to Psalm 89:3-4, how long did God say David's line and throne would last?
3. In Luke 1:32-33, what titles and roles are given to Jesus, and how do they relate to the Davidic Covenant?
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of genealogies in establishing Jesus' legal and natural right to the throne of David. How do the genealogies in Matthew and Luke serve this purpose? [01:06:18]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise in 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 about David's offspring and kingdom find its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ? [01:02:57]
2. What is the significance of Jesus being referred to as "greater than Solomon" in Matthew 12:42, and how does this relate to the Davidic Covenant? [01:01:02]
3. The sermon highlighted the difference between the Old and New Covenants. How does the New Covenant, characterized by grace and mercy, empower believers differently than the Old Covenant of the law? [01:27:19]
4. The inclusion of women with questionable backgrounds in Jesus' genealogy was emphasized in the sermon. What does this inclusion tell us about God's grace and the nature of His redemptive plan? [01:34:14]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the Davidic Covenant, how does the promise of an eternal kingdom through Jesus impact your understanding of God's faithfulness and the certainty of His promises? [01:02:57]
2. The sermon discussed the importance of Jesus reigning in one's heart. What steps can you take to ensure that Jesus is truly reigning in your heart and life? [01:41:01]
3. Considering the transformative power of acknowledging Jesus as Lord, how has your life changed since you accepted Jesus, and in what areas do you still seek transformation? [01:43:48]
4. The New Covenant emphasizes the transformation of the heart. How can you focus more on the motivations of your heart rather than just your actions in your daily walk with Christ? [01:27:19]
5. The sermon mentioned the peace that comes from having a relationship with God. In what ways can you seek and maintain this peace in your life, especially in times of chaos and uncertainty? [01:43:48]
6. The inclusion of women with questionable backgrounds in Jesus' genealogy shows God's grace. How can you extend grace to others in your life, regardless of their past actions or societal status? [01:34:14]
7. The sermon encouraged inviting friends to the Christmas Eve service. Who in your life could benefit from hearing about the peace and hope found in Jesus, and how can you invite them to church or share your faith with them? [57:06]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Faithfulness in the Davidic Covenant
God's unwavering promise to David, fulfilled in Jesus, exemplifies His faithfulness and the certainty of His word. The Davidic Covenant, established centuries before Christ, was a divine assurance of a ruler from David's lineage who would reign eternally. This covenant, finding its fulfillment in Jesus, demonstrates that God's promises are as steadfast as the sun and moon, providing believers with a foundation of hope and trust in God's plan. [01:02:57]

2 Samuel 7:12-13 - "When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever."
Reflection: How does the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant in Jesus strengthen your trust in God's promises for your life?

Day 2: Jesus' Rightful Place on David's Throne
The genealogies in Matthew and Luke are not mere historical records; they are theological declarations of Jesus' rightful claim to David's throne. By tracing Jesus' lineage through both Joseph and Mary, the Gospels affirm His legal and natural right to rule as the Messiah. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the authenticity of Jesus' messianic claim and His role as the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for humanity. [01:15:34]

Luke 3:31-32 - "The son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon."
Reflection: In what ways does understanding Jesus' genealogy enhance your appreciation of His messianic role and His work in your life?

Day 3: The Transformative Power of the New Covenant
The New Covenant, established through Jesus Christ, emphasizes a transformation that begins in the heart, liberating believers from the constraints of legalism. This covenant of grace and mercy empowers followers to live lives pleasing to God, not as an obligation but as a joyful response to the grace they have received. It is a call to internal change that manifests in outward actions, reflecting the love and forgiveness of God. [01:27:19]

Jeremiah 31:33 - "This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to experience the transformative power of the New Covenant, and how can you allow God to work in that area?

Day 4: God's Grace Extends to All
The inclusion of women with complex backgrounds in Jesus' genealogy is a profound demonstration of God's inclusive grace. It reveals that God's redemptive plan is not limited by past actions or societal status, but is available to everyone. This intentional inclusion challenges cultural norms and powerfully illustrates the transformative impact of God's love and forgiveness, which restores dignity and purpose. [01:34:14]

Ruth 4:13-14 - "So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The elders and all the people at the gate said, 'We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel.'"
Reflection: How can you extend God's grace to those who may feel excluded or marginalized in your community?

Day 5: Embracing Jesus as the Prince of Peace
In a world rife with turmoil, the peace that Jesus offers as the Prince of Peace is a beacon of hope and stability. This divine peace surpasses all understanding and is accessible to anyone who acknowledges Jesus as Lord. It is not only a personal experience but also a call to action, encouraging believers to live in harmony with others and to reflect the character of the Everlasting Father in their daily interactions. [01:43:48]

Isaiah 9:6-7 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to cultivate the peace of Jesus in your relationships and spread His peace in your community?

Quotes

"It's a promise that we treasure, the greatest news ever; it's amazing, no, it's better. It's the great story of a little baby, a world that couldn't get to Him, so He came down to us." [48:12] (Download)

"Before we fast, there's a season of feasting, right? We are in the feasting season, the Christmas season, but we're getting ready to head into fasting. It's never too late to be present and enjoy what God is doing right here in the now, but also plan and prepare." [50:23] (Download)

"The thing about Christmas musicals with kids is always what wasn't planned that's the best part about it." [55:50] (Download)

"Understanding that You alone are worthy of our praise, God, so we give You our attention and our focus as we move into a time of the word." [54:41] (Download)

"Only by having peace with God can we live at peace with men." [01:43:48] (Download)

"The Lord has given me a message that will resonate with anyone but specifically someone that's an unbeliever, to relate to the peace of God and why it's impossible to experience that outside of Christ." [57:42] (Download)

"Thank God we don't live in the old Covenant. Jesus says this is the New Covenant in my blood. So we have the old Covenant but we also have the New Covenant, the Covenant of God's grace, amen." [01:26:40] (Download)

"The New Covenant is a covenant of Liberty. Liberty is not a license to sin, but God's grace now empowers you to live for Jesus." [01:29:29] (Download)

"Jesus is the king of human history. I know we think we're the center of the story, but can I just remind you, Jesus is the center of it all." [01:41:01] (Download)

"What good is it for him to reign in a kingdom if he's not reigning on the throne of what matters most—your heart?" [01:41:42] (Download)

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