Understanding God's Covenants: Grace, History, and Community

Devotional

Day 1: The Importance of Historical Context

Understanding the geographical and historical settings of the Bible, such as the Fertile Crescent and the timeline of key figures, enriches our comprehension of Scripture. This context helps us see the Bible as a cohesive narrative rather than isolated stories. By delving into the historical context, we can better appreciate the interconnectedness of biblical events and the overarching story of God's relationship with humanity. This deeper understanding can transform our reading of Scripture from a series of disjointed tales to a unified, divine narrative.

The Fertile Crescent, often referred to as the "Cradle of Civilization," is a region that played a significant role in the development of early human societies and the events recorded in the Old Testament. By studying the movements of key figures like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David within this geographical context, we gain insights into the cultural and historical backdrop of their lives. This knowledge not only enhances our understanding of their stories but also helps us see how God's plan unfolded through different generations and locations. [19:28]

Genesis 12:1-3 (ESV): "Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'"

Reflection: How does understanding the historical and geographical context of a biblical story change your perspective on its message? Can you think of a specific story where this deeper context might provide new insights?

Day 2: Covenants and God's Promises

The suzerain-vassal covenant between God and Israel at Mount Sinai illustrates how God uses familiar structures to communicate His promises. God, as the suzerain, grants land and protection, while Israel, the vassal, is called to obedience and worship. This covenant is foundational to understanding God's relationship with His people. The concept of covenants in the Bible is crucial because it reveals the nature of God's commitments and expectations. By using a familiar framework, God made His promises and requirements clear to the Israelites, ensuring they understood the gravity and significance of their relationship with Him.

The covenant at Mount Sinai, where God gave the Ten Commandments, is a prime example of this suzerain-vassal relationship. God, as the sovereign ruler, provided the Israelites with laws to guide their lives and promised to protect and bless them if they remained faithful. This covenant not only established a legal and moral framework for the Israelites but also underscored the importance of obedience and worship in maintaining their relationship with God. Understanding this covenant helps us appreciate the depth of God's commitment to His people and the responsibilities that come with being in a covenant relationship with Him. [26:12]

Exodus 19:5-6 (ESV): "Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel."

Reflection: Reflect on a promise or commitment you have made to God. How does understanding the concept of a suzerain-vassal covenant help you see the importance of keeping that promise?

Day 3: Grace Before Obedience

God's liberation of Israel from Egypt before they accepted His covenant is a powerful example of grace. This mirrors the New Testament grace where Jesus' sacrifice precedes our acceptance. It teaches us that our obedience to God is a response to His love and grace, not a prerequisite for it. The story of the Exodus highlights God's initiative in rescuing His people and offering them a covenant relationship. This act of grace demonstrates that God's love and mercy are not contingent on our actions but are freely given.

In the New Testament, we see a similar pattern with Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Jesus offered Himself for our sins before we could do anything to earn or deserve it. This grace invites us into a relationship with God, where our obedience is a response to His love rather than a means to earn it. Understanding this principle helps us approach our faith with gratitude and humility, recognizing that everything we do is a response to the grace we have already received. [29:42]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Reflection: Think about a time when you felt God's grace in your life. How did that experience influence your desire to obey and follow Him?

Day 4: The Role of Remembrance

Regularly revisiting God's covenant, as instructed in Deuteronomy, ensures that each generation understands and remembers their commitments. This practice of remembrance is crucial for maintaining a faithful relationship with God and understanding the blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience. The act of remembering God's covenant and His past actions helps us stay grounded in our faith and aware of our responsibilities as His people.

In Deuteronomy, Moses repeatedly emphasizes the importance of remembering God's laws and the events of the Exodus. This practice was meant to keep the Israelites focused on their relationship with God and the consequences of their actions. By regularly recalling God's faithfulness and their own commitments, the Israelites could maintain a strong and vibrant faith. This principle applies to us today as well. By continually reflecting on God's promises and our own spiritual journey, we can stay connected to Him and live out our faith more fully. [34:17]

Deuteronomy 6:12 (ESV): "Then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery."

Reflection: What are some practical ways you can incorporate the practice of remembrance into your daily life? How can this help you stay faithful to your commitments to God?

Day 5: The New Covenant in Christ

The communion table symbolizes the new covenant established by Jesus, which simplifies the laws to loving God and our neighbors. This act of communion reminds us of the grace and redemption we receive through Christ, encouraging us to live in unity and love, continually confessing our shortcomings and striving to do better. The new covenant, established through Jesus' sacrifice, shifts the focus from a complex set of laws to the core principles of love and grace.

When we partake in communion, we are reminded of Jesus' ultimate act of love and the new covenant He established. This new covenant calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. By embracing these principles, we can live out our faith in a way that reflects the grace and redemption we have received. Communion serves as a regular reminder of this commitment, helping us stay focused on what truly matters in our spiritual journey. [40:57]

Hebrews 8:10 (ESV): "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

Reflection: How does participating in communion help you remember and live out the new covenant established by Jesus? What steps can you take to better love God and your neighbors in your daily life?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the interconnected narratives of Scripture, focusing on the historical and spiritual significance of the Old Testament. We began by acknowledging the importance of prayer and community, especially in light of our nation's recent Independence Day celebrations. We thanked God for the freedoms we enjoy and remembered the sacrifices made by those in the armed forces.

We then delved into the historical context of the Old Testament, specifically the Fertile Crescent, and how understanding the geography and timeline of biblical events can deepen our comprehension of Scripture. We revisited the five key figures—Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David—and their movements, which help us organize the biblical narrative.

The sermon highlighted the patriarchal structure of ancient Israel and how it influenced their laws and governance. We explored the concept of covenants, particularly the suzerain-vassal relationship, and how God used this familiar framework to communicate His promises to Israel. The covenant at Mount Sinai, where God gave the Ten Commandments, was a prime example of this. God, as the suzerain, granted land and protection to Israel, the vassal, in return for their obedience and worship.

We also discussed the grace inherent in God's actions, noting that He liberated Israel from Egypt before they accepted His covenant, much like the grace offered through Jesus Christ in the New Testament. This grace underscores that our obedience to God stems from His love for us, not from a place of fear or obligation.

As we transitioned to the communion table, we reflected on the new covenant established by Jesus, which simplifies the laws to loving God and our neighbors. This act of communion serves as a reminder of the grace and redemption we receive through Christ, encouraging us to live in unity and love.

###

Key Takeaways

1. XWdQ95ek&t=1168s'>[19:28]
2. Covenants and God's Promises: The suzerain-vassal covenant between God and Israel at Mount Sinai illustrates how God uses familiar structures to communicate His promises. God, as the suzerain, grants land and protection, while Israel, the vassal, is called to obedience and worship. This covenant is foundational to understanding God's relationship with His people.

3. Grace Before Obedience: God's liberation of Israel from Egypt before they accepted His covenant is a powerful example of grace. This mirrors the New Testament grace where Jesus' sacrifice precedes our acceptance. It teaches us that our obedience to God is a response to His love and grace, not a prerequisite for it.

4. The Role of Remembrance: Regularly revisiting God's covenant, as instructed in Deuteronomy, ensures that each generation understands and remembers their commitments. This practice of remembrance is crucial for maintaining a faithful relationship with God and understanding the blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience.

5. The New Covenant in Christ: The communion table symbolizes the new covenant established by Jesus, which simplifies the laws to loving God and our neighbors. This act of communion reminds us of the grace and redemption we receive through Christ, encouraging us to live in unity and love, continually confessing our shortcomings and striving to do better.

### [19:28]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[13:06] - Prayer and Thanksgiving
[19:28] - The Fertile Crescent and Biblical Context
[20:11] - Key Figures and Movements
[21:46] - Patriarchal Structure and Governance
[22:53] - Covenants and Their Significance
[24:25] - The Exodus and Mount Sinai
[26:12] - Suzerain-Vassal Covenant
[27:58] - The Ten Commandments
[29:42] - Grace Before Obedience
[34:17] - The Role of Remembrance
[35:58] - Witnesses and Consequences
[40:57] - The New Covenant in Christ
[44:36] - Communion Instructions
[54:35] - Closing Remarks and Prayer
[55:09] - Bible in a Year Meeting
[55:34] - Final Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What is the significance of the Fertile Crescent in the biblical narrative? ([19:28])
Who are the five key figures mentioned in the sermon, and what are their movements? ([20:11])
How does the suzerain-vassal covenant structure explain God's relationship with Israel? ([26:12])
What unique aspect of God's covenant with Israel is highlighted in Exodus 20:2? ([29:42])

Interpretation Questions

How does understanding the historical and geographical context of the Old Testament enhance our comprehension of Scripture? ([19:28])
In what ways does the suzerain-vassal covenant reflect God's grace and expectations for Israel? ([26:12])
How does the concept of "grace before obedience" in the Old Testament compare to the grace offered through Jesus Christ in the New Testament? ([29:42])
Why is the practice of regularly revisiting God's covenant important for maintaining a faithful relationship with Him? ([34:17])

Application Questions

How can you incorporate the practice of understanding the historical context of the Bible into your personal study? ([19:28])
Reflect on a time when you experienced God's grace before you felt obligated to obey Him. How did that impact your relationship with God? ([29:42])
The sermon mentioned the importance of remembering God's covenant. What are some practical ways you can regularly remind yourself of God's promises and your commitments to Him? ([34:17])
How does the new covenant established by Jesus simplify the laws to loving God and our neighbors? How can you apply this in your daily life? ([40:57])
During communion, we are reminded of the grace and redemption we receive through Christ. How can this act of remembrance encourage you to live in unity and love with others? ([40:57])
The sermon discussed the patriarchal structure of ancient Israel and its influence on their laws and governance. How can understanding these structures help you better interpret Old Testament laws and narratives? ([21:46])
Think about the concept of "grace before obedience." How can you extend grace to others in your community before expecting anything in return? ([29:42])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for outreach

1. "Our founding fathers gave us the freedom of religion, the freedom of speech, and the freedom to gather and so those freedoms give us this ability so we're thankful for that but we're also thankful for the men and women who continue to fight to keep us in those freedoms so let's join together as we ask God to continue to bless our worship but also thank him for all those who have given us these liberties." [13:06] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The truth of redemptive history is that we obey because we have been loved. Think about that for a second. How many of you have heard or read or thought that the Old Testament God is a God of wrath and not loving and there's no grace in the Old Testament? Anybody? It's okay. You can say it. You've read the Old Testament and gone, man, that is such a different God than the New Testament. That God has no love and grace and forgiveness." [30:38] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "He sets them free without any requirements. That's grace without question. So then he goes on with the stipulations and the obligations. He is going to ask something in return. He is the suzerain. He wants the vassal to honor the suzerain. And you could go in. I'm not going to read all of this because there is a lot into the obligations. We have the Ten Commandments, which is 20, the rest of chapter 20." [31:43] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "He is our Savior and Lord. He accepts all people. And he gave the grace before we ever knew we needed it. His rules and regulations. That we love him. We try to do our best. And we say I didn't do as well today Jesus as I could have. Could we try again? To love our neighbor as ourself. And to love our Lord our God with our heart, mind, soul and strength. Those are his rules." [40:57] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The only requirement God has of us. When we come here and partake in the covenant of Jesus. Is that we do confess our sins. The table is for people of all places and all times and all languages. But we just have to approach this. Bread and this cup. With an open heart and an open mind. So that we can receive him with all that we are." [41:50] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for members

1. "So, we have been talking about the narratives of Scripture and how they're all interconnected. And then also unpacking things of this time period that we may not understand. So, I'm going to remind us what we've been learning. The first thing was that everything happened in a real place. And that real place of these stories was called, the Fertile Crescent. Y'all remember the Fertile Crescent, right? We called it the Fertile Crescent because it is shaped like a? Crescent. And the land is? Fertile." [19:28] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The suzerain gives the land. As long as the vassal honors and obeys. And if the vassal stops honoring the covenant. The suzerain takes it back. That wasn't new or unique or different. That's how all of them worked. All suzerains and vassals. They all said that. They also all said you only get one suzerain. So when God said you only get one God. That was how every suzerain agreement was." [37:23] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "But there's grace friends. Because he continues to liberate them. And redeem them. And come back to them. No matter how many times they break the covenant. There's a lot of rules in it. But he kept saving them. He kept returning to help them. The whole Old Testament. Is built upon this foundation. God is trying to live within this system that was already in place. That he used to communicate with Israel. But they struggled with honoring him." [38:41] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "It makes me wonder. Do we struggle with those things today? In different ways. Are there things that we hold back from God? Are there things that he has given to us. That we're supposed to set free. That we haven't given to him yet? Is he asking for more deeper worship. And we haven't given the worship to him? Is he asking for us to give something that we haven't given? Is he wanting an homage that we haven't given that homage?" [39:29] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "As we come to the table. This communion table is our image of covenant. I know there was a lot of big pieces of information in today. But if we think about how Jesus made a covenant with us. He is our Savior and Lord. He accepts all people. And he gave the grace before we ever knew we needed it. His rules and regulations. That we love him. We try to do our best. And we say I didn't do as well today Jesus as I could have. Could we try again?" [40:57] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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