The Nature of Covenant

August 4, 2017

Daily Reading (Click to read each Scripture)

Romans 9:6-13
Psalm 17:1-7, 15
This week’s sermon text: Romans 1:1-17

Field Notes
One of the most important concepts in all of Biblical theology is the concept of “covenant.” Simply defined, a covenant is a promise made within the bounds of a relationship with God. There are a few important concepts to know about when it comes to Covenant.

First, a covenant is a promise. The first covenant was given by God to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. Indeed, God kept this promise and the Israelite people became a great nation.

Second, a covenant is made within the bounds of a relationship. When the Hebrew people were delivered out of slavery in Egypt, God sought to continue the relationship with his people that had started with Abraham. To do this, God gave the people boundaries (through the Torah); these boundaries kept the people’s focus on God and on necessity of loving their neighbors.

Finally, a covenant is made within the bounds of a relationship with God. In the church, we call the marriage ceremony a covenant – it’s not just a couple’s expression of love for each other but also their expression of love for God and God’s love for them. A covenant is always holy and set apart.

The good news for all of us is that God, through Jesus Christ, expanded the covenant to all people of the earth. We are all able to experience and grow in the bounds of a relationship with God because of Christ.

Questions for the Field

• What covenants have you entered into?
• How accountable are you within each?

Family Field Talk

• Talk about the importance of God’s promises to all people. The most important promise is that God will always love us.

Prayer Guide
God, you have promised to always be with us and to always save us. We accept the love of Christ in our hearts and rejoice in your saving grace.