Understanding the New Covenant and God's Promises
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor discussing the concept of the new covenant as mentioned in the book of Jeremiah. He explains that this covenant is unique as it is written in the minds and hearts of the people, rather than being based solely on actions. The pastor then references Isaiah, where God speaks about a servant who will be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham. The pastor emphasizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of these covenants, being of the line of David and reigning at God's right hand forever. He also fulfills the role of Moses as the perfect priest offering the perfect sacrifice.
The pastor then discusses the concept of faith and its connection to the promises of God. He refers to Paul's explanation of the Gospel in Romans, emphasizing that faith makes a person right with God. The pastor then brings up the story of Abraham and how he questioned God's promise of possessing the land. Despite his doubts, Abraham believed God, and his faith was credited to him as righteousness. However, Abraham still sought assurance and asked God how he could know that the second part of the promise would come true. The pastor highlights the unusual response from God, who instructs Abraham to bring specific animals for a covenant ceremony. This symbolic act represented the seriousness and commitment of the covenant.
The pastor then discusses the significance of the New Covenant and how it fulfills the obligations of the law. He emphasizes that the New Covenant is not based on the written word, but on the Holy Spirit living in our hearts. The pastor also highlights how Jesus fulfills the promises made to Abraham and Noah. The pastor explains that followers of Jesus are considered spiritual descendants of Abraham and receive a circumcision of the heart, rather than the flesh. Additionally, the pastor briefly mentions how Noah prefigures Christ and how salvation is found only through Jesus. The pastor concludes by emphasizing that the New Covenant is a covenant of grace, where God offers salvation to all who respond to the gospel, not based on their own actions but through the blood of Jesus.
The pastor then discusses the continuation of the Covenant between God and Abraham. God appears to Abraham again and declares that he will be the father of many nations and that his name will be great. God establishes this Covenant as an everlasting one between Himself and Abraham and his descendants for generations to come. The pastor highlights that this is a reiteration of the Covenant mentioned in chapter 15, emphasizing that it will be the offspring of Sarah who will fulfill the promise. However, God introduces an obligation on Abraham and all his male descendants to be circumcised, which serves as a physical sign of the Covenant.
The pastor concludes the sermon by discussing the covenants that God made with the people of Israel. He highlights that while God's covenant with Israel was not limited to the Ten Commandments, they serve as a summary of the obligations God placed on them in order to receive the promised land and be their God. The pastor also emphasizes the significance of observing the Sabbath as a lasting sign of the covenant between God and the Israelites. The pastor encourages the congregation to understand that God's dwelling place is now among the people, and that He will dwell with them. This fulfillment of God's purpose in all the covenants is expressed through the unity of God being our God and us being His people, dwelling together in harmony.
Key Takeaways:
- The New Covenant is unique as it is written in the minds and hearts of the people, rather than being based solely on actions. Jesus is the fulfillment of these covenants, being of the line of David and reigning at God's right hand forever. He also fulfills the role of Moses as the perfect priest offering the perfect sacrifice. [12:45]
- Faith makes a person right with God. Despite his doubts, Abraham believed God, and his faith was credited to him as righteousness. However, Abraham still sought assurance and asked God how he could know that the second part of the promise would come true. The pastor highlights the unusual response from God, who instructs Abraham to bring specific animals for a covenant ceremony. This symbolic act represented the seriousness and commitment of the covenant. [24:30]
- The New Covenant is not based on the written word, but on the Holy Spirit living in our hearts. Followers of Jesus are considered spiritual descendants of Abraham and receive a circumcision of the heart, rather than the flesh. The New Covenant is a covenant of grace, where God offers salvation to all who respond to the gospel, not based on their own actions but through the blood of Jesus. [36:15]
- God establishes an everlasting Covenant with Abraham and his descendants for generations to come. This is a reiteration of the Covenant mentioned in chapter 15, emphasizing that it will be the offspring of Sarah who will fulfill the promise. However, God introduces an obligation on Abraham and all his male descendants to be circumcised, which serves as a physical sign of the Covenant. [48:20]
- God's covenant with Israel was not limited to the Ten Commandments, they serve as a summary of the obligations God placed on them in order to receive the promised land and be their God. The pastor also emphasizes the significance of observing the Sabbath as a lasting sign of the covenant between God and the Israelites. The fulfillment of God's purpose in all the covenants is expressed through the unity of God being our God and us being His people, dwelling together in harmony. [59:30]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
```
1. Romans 4:3: "What does Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.'"
2. Genesis 17:7: "I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the god of your descendants after you."
3. 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.'"
```
Observation Questions:
1. What does Romans 4:3 reveal about the nature of Abraham's faith and how it was recognized by God?
2. In Genesis 17:7, what does God promise to Abraham and his descendants? What does this suggest about the nature of God's covenant?
3. According to Jeremiah 31:33, how is the new covenant different from the previous ones? What does this imply about the relationship between God and His people?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the faith of Abraham, as described in Romans 4:3, relate to the concept of righteousness?
2. What does the everlasting covenant in Genesis 17:7 suggest about God's commitment to His people? How does this covenant relate to the promises made to Abraham?
3. In Jeremiah 31:33, what does it mean for God's law to be written in the minds and hearts of His people? How does this change the way God's people relate to Him and His laws?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own faith journey. Can you identify a moment when, like Abraham, you chose to believe in God's promises despite doubts or uncertainties? How did that experience shape your relationship with God?
2. God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17:7 was everlasting and passed down through generations. How can you honor and uphold this covenant in your daily life and interactions with others?
3. Jeremiah 31:33 speaks of a new covenant where God's law is written in our hearts and minds. What is one practical way you can allow God's law to guide your thoughts and actions this week?
Devotional
Day 1: The Heart of the New Covenant
The New Covenant is a unique agreement, etched not on stone tablets but on the hearts and minds of believers. Jesus, the descendant of David, fulfills this covenant, reigning eternally at God's right hand. He also embodies the role of Moses, serving as the perfect priest offering the perfect sacrifice. [12:45]
Jeremiah 31:33 - "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
Reflection: How can you actively live out the New Covenant in your daily life? Can you identify one specific way in which you can embody the teachings of Jesus today?
Day 2: Faith and Assurance
Faith is the cornerstone of our relationship with God. Even Abraham, despite his doubts, believed in God's promises, and his faith was credited to him as righteousness. When seeking assurance, God responded with a covenant ceremony, symbolizing the seriousness and commitment of His promise. [24:30]
Romans 4:20-21 - "No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised."
Reflection: What doubts or uncertainties are you wrestling with today? How can you lean into your faith and trust in God's promises?
Day 3: The Spirit-Led Covenant
The New Covenant is not a written contract but a spiritual bond, guided by the Holy Spirit living within us. As followers of Jesus, we are considered spiritual descendants of Abraham, receiving a spiritual circumcision of the heart. This covenant of grace offers salvation to all who respond to the gospel, not based on their actions but through the blood of Jesus. [36:15]
Ezekiel 36:26 - "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit's guidance in your life today? Can you identify one area where you need to surrender more fully to God's grace?
Day 4: The Everlasting Covenant
God established an everlasting covenant with Abraham and his descendants, a promise reiterated in the birth of Sarah's offspring. This covenant included a physical sign - circumcision, symbolizing their commitment to God. [48:20]
Genesis 17:7 - "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."
Reflection: How does the concept of an everlasting covenant impact your understanding of God's faithfulness? Can you identify one way in which you can honor God's covenant in your life today?
Day 5: The Covenant of Unity
God's covenant with Israel was more than the Ten Commandments; it was a promise of a relationship. Observing the Sabbath served as a lasting sign of this covenant. The ultimate fulfillment of God's purpose in all covenants is the unity of God and His people, dwelling together in harmony. [59:30]
Exodus 31:13 - "Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: 'Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you.'"
Reflection: How can you honor the Sabbath in a meaningful way this week? Can you identify one specific action that will help you experience a deeper sense of unity with God?
Quotes
"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." This new covenant, as promised by God in Jeremiah, goes beyond mere actions and physicality. It is a covenant that transforms the mind and heart, bringing a deeper connection with God. [29:35]
"I will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles." In Isaiah, God speaks of a servant who will not only bring blessings to the people but also be a light for the Gentiles. This servant, who is Jesus, fulfills the promise made to Abraham, bringing the New Covenant to all nations. [30:25]
"Jesus is the Fulfillment of those covenants we've been thinking about." Jesus fulfills the covenants made with David and Moses. As the descendant of David, he reigns at God's right hand forever, establishing the eternal throne. Additionally, Jesus is the perfect priest who offers the perfect sacrifice, meeting all the requirements of the Mosaic covenant. [31:09]
"The New Covenant is in our hearts, not in the written word, and it is through the blood of His son that God gives salvation to all who are willing to receive." [32:53]
"Jesus fulfills Abraham, and as followers of Jesus, we are the spiritual descendants of Abraham. We receive a circumcision not in the flesh but of the heart, and we are called to be a blessing to the Nations." [31:56]
"The New Covenant surpasses all previous covenants of God. It is a Covenant of Grace where God gives salvation, sanctification, and enables us to live by faith through the blood of His own son." [33:44]
"Despite his doubts, Abraham believed God, and his faith was credited to him as righteousness." This quote underscores the importance of faith in God's promises, even in the face of doubt, as demonstrated by Abraham. [28:05]
"Followers of Jesus are considered spiritual descendants of Abraham and receive a circumcision of the heart, rather than the flesh." This quote highlights the spiritual transformation that followers of Jesus undergo, becoming spiritual descendants of Abraham through faith. [29:06]
"The fulfillment of God's purpose in all the covenants is expressed through the unity of God being our God and us being His people, dwelling together in harmony." This quote emphasizes the ultimate purpose of God's covenants, which is to establish a harmonious relationship between God and His people. [30:07]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?