North Charlottesville church of Christ

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Lesson 1B - the Blessing of Having a Covenant with God

Larry Rouse
12/18/24 - Wed Bible Study

Series: The Covenants of God

Meeting Purpose

To study the covenants of God, focusing on their importance, characteristics, and implications for relationships with God.

Key Takeaways

• Covenants define and structure relationships between God and humans, providing promises, rules, and a framework for forgiveness.
• God's covenants are gracious gifts, not negotiated agreements, reflecting His character and holiness.
• Understanding God's covenants helps appreciate His faithfulness, mercy, and the need for sacrifice in approaching Him.

Topics

Review of Covenant Concepts

• Definition: A covenant defines a relationship with God, including promises and expectations
• Need: Humans need covenants for forgiveness, guidance, and relationship with their Creator
• False concepts: Misunderstanding God's character can lead to viewing covenants as burdensome rules rather than blessings

Covenant with Noah

• Reaffirmed God's commitment to creation despite human sin
• Rainbow as a sign of covenant with all living creatures
• Demonstrated God's faithfulness in preserving humanity

Covenant with Abraham

• Promised blessings to Abraham's descendants and all nations
• Circumcision as a physical sign of the covenant
• Continued to bless Israel even after periods of unfaithfulness

Mosaic Covenant

• Established Israel as a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation"
• Ten Commandments and detailed laws given at Mount Sinai
• Blood sacrifice used to ratify the covenant, foreshadowing Christ's sacrifice

New Covenant in Christ

• Fulfills and supersedes the old covenant
• Based on Christ's sacrifice, providing once-for-all forgiveness
• Extends God's covenant blessings to all who believe, not just ethnic Israel

Next Steps

• Continue studying the covenants, focusing on the New Covenant next week
• Reflect on personal application of covenant concepts in relationship with God
• Consider how understanding Old Testament covenants enhances appreciation of Christ's work