Transformative Power of the New Covenant in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Salvation as Transformation, Not Just Rescue

The New Covenant centers on Jesus saving us from sin, not just hell. This distinction is crucial because true salvation involves a transformation that leads to victory over sin, which is the essence of the New Covenant. The mission of Jesus, whose name means "Savior," is to save us from the power of sin, which ultimately leads to salvation from hell. This understanding shifts the focus from merely avoiding eternal punishment to experiencing a profound change in our lives here and now. The New Covenant invites believers to experience victory over sin, which is a greater miracle than any physical healing. This victory is not about external manifestations but about an internal transformation that reflects the life of Jesus. [02:27]

Hebrews 9:14 (ESV): "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to experience transformation rather than just seeking rescue? How can you invite Jesus to bring about this change today?

Day 2: From Faith to Transformation

Hebrews 11 and 12 highlight the transition from Old Testament faith to New Covenant living. While the Old Testament focused on external miracles, the New Covenant emphasizes overcoming sin by looking to Jesus as our example. Hebrews 11 recounts the faith of Old Testament figures who witnessed God's power through miraculous events. However, Hebrews 12 shifts the focus to Jesus, who embodies the New Covenant's promise of victory over sin. By looking to Jesus, believers are encouraged to lay aside every weight and sin that entangles them, running the race with endurance. This transition from external miracles to internal transformation is the hallmark of New Covenant living. [07:22]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith."

Reflection: What "weights" or sins are entangling you today? How can you look to Jesus as your example to overcome them?

Day 3: Jesus, Our Sinless Example

Jesus lived as a man and was tempted like us, yet without sin. This truth removes any excuse for our sin and invites us to approach the throne of grace for help in our time of need. Jesus' life demonstrates that it is possible to live victoriously over sin through dependence on God. As believers, we are called to follow His example, recognizing that He understands our struggles and offers us grace and strength to overcome. By approaching the throne of grace, we find the help we need to live a life that reflects His glory. [12:35]

Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: In what areas do you find yourself making excuses for sin? How can you draw near to the throne of grace for help today?

Day 4: Pursuing the Glory of God

Sin is defined as falling short of the glory of God, which is the life of Jesus. The Christian life is a pursuit of living like Jesus, made possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. This pursuit requires a deep thirst for righteousness and a constant dependence on God, much like a branch depends on the tree for life. As believers, we are called to reflect the glory of God in our daily lives, striving to live in a way that honors Him. This is not about following rules but about embodying the life of Jesus through the Spirit's power. [26:30]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper thirst for righteousness in your life? What steps can you take to depend more on the Holy Spirit today?

Day 5: Internal Transformation Over External Adherence

Overcoming sin involves recognizing Jesus' presence in our daily lives and choosing to suffer in the flesh, which leads to ceasing from sin. This path is about internal transformation, not just external adherence to laws. The journey to victory over sin requires dying to self and embracing the presence of Jesus in every aspect of life, especially in our homes and relationships. By choosing to suffer in the flesh, believers experience a deeper transformation that results in a life of victory over sin. This internal change is the essence of the New Covenant, reflecting the life of Jesus in us. [46:07]

1 Peter 4:1-2 (ESV): "Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God."

Reflection: In what ways can you recognize and invite Jesus' presence into your daily life? How can you choose to suffer in the flesh to overcome sin today?

Sermon Summary

Understanding the New Covenant is crucial for every believer. The New Covenant, unlike the Old, offers a profound transformation through Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament comprises three-quarters of the Bible, the New Testament introduces a new era with Jesus at its center. Jesus' name, meaning "Savior," signifies His mission to save us from sin, not just from hell. This distinction is vital because salvation from sin leads to salvation from hell, but the reverse is not necessarily true. The New Covenant emphasizes victory over sin, a concept often overlooked in favor of supernatural manifestations like healing. However, the true power of the New Covenant lies in overcoming sin, which is a greater miracle than any physical healing.

Hebrews 11 and 12 illustrate this transition from the Old to the New Covenant. While Hebrews 11 recounts the faith of Old Testament figures, Hebrews 12 introduces the concept of laying aside sin and looking to Jesus as our example. Jesus, though God, lived as a man and was tempted in every way we are, yet without sin. This truth removes any excuse for our sin and invites us to approach the throne of grace for help in our time of need.

The essence of the New Covenant is not just in following rules but in living a life that reflects the glory of God, which is the life of Jesus. Sin is defined as falling short of this glory. Therefore, the Christian life is a pursuit of living like Jesus, which is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. This requires a deep thirst for righteousness and a constant dependence on God, much like a branch depends on the tree for life.

The journey to overcoming sin involves recognizing the presence of Jesus in our daily lives, especially in our homes and relationships. It is about dying to self and choosing to suffer in the flesh, which leads to ceasing from sin. This path is not about external adherence to laws but about an internal transformation that results in a life of victory over sin.

Key Takeaways

1. The New Covenant centers on Jesus saving us from sin, not just hell. This distinction is crucial because true salvation involves a transformation that leads to victory over sin, which is the essence of the New Covenant. [02:27]
2. Hebrews 11 and 12 highlight the transition from Old Testament faith to New Covenant living. While the Old Testament focused on external miracles, the New Covenant emphasizes overcoming sin by looking to Jesus as our example. [07:22]
3. Jesus lived as a man and was tempted like us, yet without sin. This truth removes any excuse for our sin and invites us to approach the throne of grace for help in our time of need. [12:35]
4. Sin is defined as falling short of the glory of God, which is the life of Jesus. The Christian life is a pursuit of living like Jesus, made possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. [26:30]
5. Overcoming sin involves recognizing Jesus' presence in our daily lives and choosing to suffer in the flesh, which leads to ceasing from sin. This path is about internal transformation, not just external adherence to laws. [46:07]
** [46:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:14] - Importance of the New Covenant
[00:51] - Transition from Old to New Testament
[01:34] - Meaning of Jesus' Name
[02:27] - Salvation from Sin, Not Hell
[03:17] - Personal Testimony of Defeat and Victory
[04:32] - Hebrews 11 and 12: Old vs. New Covenant
[06:10] - Supernatural vs. Victory Over Sin
[07:22] - Something Better: Overcoming Sin
[09:47] - Inner Life vs. External Life
[12:35] - Jesus as Our Example
[14:18] - Throne of Grace
[20:19] - Recognizing Jesus' Presence
[26:30] - Definition of Sin
[30:00] - Living Like Jesus
[36:08] - Thirst for Righteousness
[46:07] - Suffering in the Flesh to Overcome Sin

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding the New Covenant

Bible Reading:

Matthew 1:21
Hebrews 11:39-12:2
Romans 6:14

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Observation Questions:

According to Matthew 1:21, what is the significance of Jesus' name, and how does it relate to His mission? [02:09]
In Hebrews 11:39-12:2, what transition is highlighted between the Old Testament faith and New Covenant living? [07:22]
How does Romans 6:14 describe the relationship between sin and grace in the life of a believer? [40:11]
What does the sermon suggest is the "something better" that God has provided, as mentioned in Hebrews 11:40? [06:10]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the understanding of Jesus saving us from sin, rather than just hell, change the perspective of salvation in the New Covenant? [02:38]
What does it mean to "lay aside every encumbrance and sin" as described in Hebrews 12:1, and how does this relate to looking unto Jesus? [07:22]
How does the sermon explain the concept of Jesus being tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin, and what implications does this have for believers? [12:35]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that recognizing Jesus' presence in our daily lives can lead to overcoming sin? [20:19]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on the distinction between being saved from sin versus being saved from hell. How does this understanding impact your daily walk with Christ? [02:38]
Hebrews 12:1 encourages believers to lay aside sin and look to Jesus. What practical steps can you take this week to focus more on Jesus as your example? [07:22]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus' presence in our homes and relationships. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of His presence in your daily interactions? [20:19]
Romans 6:14 speaks about living under grace rather than law. How can you shift your mindset from trying to follow rules to living in the freedom of grace? [40:11]
The sermon discusses the need for a deep thirst for righteousness. What specific area of your life do you feel called to pursue righteousness more fervently, and how will you do this? [36:08]
Consider the idea of suffering in the flesh to overcome sin. What does this look like in your life, and how can you embrace this path of internal transformation? [46:07]
The sermon suggests that living like Jesus is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. What steps can you take to rely more on the Holy Spirit in your pursuit of Christlikeness? [26:30]

Sermon Clips

The name meaning of the name Jesus is savior I mean save from what? He'll save you from your sin, that comes on the very first page of what we call the New Covenant. [00:03:04]

The reason I emphasize this so much has been the main emphasis of my Ministry for 47 years, and the reason is because I Was Defeated for so many years even after I was born again, like many Believers my life was defeated not externally externally my testimony was perfect but you know in thoughts anger, discouragement, condemnation all these things judging others things that other people don't take seriously gossiping, speaking evil which most Christians don't even think are serious I had all these things even though my external life was clear. [00:03:40]

Hebrews 11 is full of these fantastic things that it's entirely old Covenant and a person who is challenged by all those external things will only go for external things sorry this is all experience of these people who'd had Faith but their faith was of a different kind, Old Testament faith it was Faith to split the Red Sea and to pull down the walls of Jericho and have a son when you're 100 years old and it's all wonderful things, but then at the end of that you read in verse 40 God has provided something better. [00:05:16]

Do you know that that is something better than everything written in the Old Testament, everything written in Hebrews 11. it's better than raising the Dead, splitting the Red Sea, everything you've got to go to better than everything that everyone experienced in the Old Testament, and that's why Jesus said the greatest person in the Old Testament by the way is not mentioned in Hebrews 11. is John the Baptist. [00:07:41]

I really began to overcome sin when I saw Jesus as my example, and for many years the devil hindered me from following because he would always say Jesus is God. I know he's God I worship Him, but I always had the impression that he was God on Earth so he could live in a way that I cannot possibly live because I'm not God, till one day God opened my eyes to see that Jesus lived on earth 100 like a man, he was tempted in every single point exactly like me. [00:11:11]

We don't have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weakness, but someone who is tempted in every single area exactly as we are. What is the sin you fall into most frequently? Jesus was tempted in that area too, discouragement anger, to condemn yourself to look down on others to judge others whatever it is never apologize because Jesus didn't need to because he didn't sin, but we need to. [00:12:39]

Therefore let's come to the throne of grace, to the same throne of grace that Jesus came to as a man, and Jesus got Grace there we need mercy and grace mercy is forgiveness for our past Jesus did not need that because there was no sin in his life, but the grace that we receive is what he received too, that's how he overcame that's the point here. [00:14:13]

I want to encourage you to recognize the presence of Jesus more and more in your home, more and more as you I believe it will change it'll change the way you speak to your wife or the way you speak to your husband if you recognize that Jesus is actually there in your home, in that same room, it's helped me to control my tongue and control more than more than my tongue to control the flesh that seeks to get upset and discouraged and disturbed by so many things which are not serious. [00:20:23]

What is the clearest definition of sin, and I had many definitions of sin and there are different definitions of sin in the Bible, for example, it says in Romans 14 and verse 23 the last part whatever is not from faith is sin, it's quite a high standard, faith is dependence upon God, and to say that if I live my life without recognizing my dependence upon God I'm living in sin. [00:21:50]

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God that I have found is the finest definition of sin in the New Testament or in the whole Bible, it is coming short of the glory of God that is sin, conscious unconscious all included in this statement, so then I wanted to discover, I'm talking about my own journey of discovery, what is the glory of God. [00:26:18]

The glory of God is here described not as some bright light, something more practical down to earth, John 1 14 the word that is God God is called a word in verse one became flesh referring to Jesus, and there we saw his glory, the glory of God we saw in Jesus Christ with a balance of Grace and Truth there was a balance in Jesus life of strictness and mercy, not just one, it was both there he was not only strict he was not only merciful, he was not only Grace it was truth and that that is the glory of God. [00:28:43]

Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourself with the same purpose because if you suffer in the flesh you cease from sin what does that mean, it doesn't mean getting a sickness, it doesn't mean getting persecuted, because he's not talking to about this physical flesh, is talking about that inward self-life which the Bible calls the flesh, because suffering there which I choose to accept will make me stop sinning. [00:46:06]

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Transformative Power of the New Covenant in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Salvation as Transformation, Not Just Rescue

Day 2: From Faith to Transformation

Day 3: Jesus, Our Sinless Example

Day 4: Pursuing the Glory of God

Day 5: Internal Transformation Over External Adherence

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Transformative Power of the New Covenant in Christ

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