Bible is a Covenant

TITLE:  Steps in the New Covenant
TEXT:  Ephesians 4:22-24
PROPOSITION:  If we are in covenant with Christ, we must take the same steps.
QUESTION:  How?
KEY WORD:  Steps
SCRIPTURE READING:  Same

 INTRODUCTION:

  1. We have studied the 9 steps involved in making a covenant in the OT.
  2. What about us today, under the New Covenant?
  3. Study these passages with a new insight.

 Exchange Coats – representing our whole self

  1. Sinners are like filthy rags – Isaiah 64:6
  2. We must take off the old – Ephesians 4:22-23
  3. Read Colossians 3:1-11
  4. Put on the new coat of righteousness – Colossians 3:12-25

 Exchange belts – representing our power, weapons

  1. We exchange our “cork pop gun” for the power of God
  2. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 Our weapons are not carnal, but mighty in God
  3. Ephesians 6:10-17 Put on the whole armor of God

 Cut Covenant – Bloodshed to make covenant binding (Instead of an animal)

  1. Sinful man was given a substitute – Jesus
  2. Jesus shed his blood for us – we were IN Christ’s blood
  3. Hebrews 9:28 – Christ was offered once for the sins of many
  4. Isaiah 53:4-6 – He was wounded for our transgressions

 Mix Blood – Raise arms and touch wounds

  1. His life became our life

  2. Philippians 2:5-11 – Jesus left heaven, came as a man, died, for us

 Exchange names

  1. Christian – Acts 11:26

  2. Friends – John 15:12-17

  3. Suffer in this name – 1 Peter 4:16

 Make a Scar – the visible sign of the covenant

  1. John 20:20 – Jesus shows them the wounds in hands and side

  2. Holy Spirit is our “seal” – permanent mark as genuine

  3. When Satan comes – show him the scar

 Give Covenant Terms

  1. Christ gives the terms of His Covenant

    1. I will take your sins, sickness, sorrows

    2. I will become sin for you

    3. I will forgive your sins, forget your iniquities

    4. I will clothe you with righteousness

    5. I will give you my name

    6. You will become part of me, I will live in your heart

    7. You will be adopted

    8. You will eat at my table in my house

    9. You will be a citizen in my Kingdom

    10. You will live and reign with me

    11. You will dwell with me forever in heavenly mansions

  2.         If you don’t know the terms, you will not enjoy the benefits

  3.         You can accept or reject

     Eat Memorial Meal

    1. The Lord’s Supper – Communion is the memorial meal of the covenant

    2. Matthew 26:28 – My blood of the new covenant

    3. Revelation 3:20 – Stand at door and knock – open, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me

     Plant a Memorial

    1. The tree (cross) was planted as a constant reminder of the covenant

    2. When you see a cross – you are reminded of the covenant

     Conclusion:

    1. You are invited to enter this covenant

    2. John 6:53-57 – Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood, has life

    3. You have the choice – Accept Jesus on His terms – OR – Reject the offer

     

    Bible is a Covenant