Living in Covenant Today, pt. 2
WEEK 12: Living in Covenant Today - A Personal Application
Primary Texts
Deuteronomy 7:9
2 Timothy 2:13
Hebrews 13:20–21
Romans 15:8–13
Expositional Outline
I. God’s Covenant Faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:9; 2 Timothy 2:13)
Deut. 7:9 – God is faithful to His covenant of love to a thousand generations.
2 Tim. 2:13 – Even if we are faithless, He remains faithful — He cannot deny Himself.
II. The Whole Story in Brief
Trace each covenant and how it builds toward fulfillment:
Noahic – God’s faithfulness to creation (Gen. 9)
Abrahamic – God’s mission to bless all nations (Gen. 12, 15, 17)
Mosaic – God’s law and call to holiness (Ex. 19–24)
Davidic – God’s kingdom promise (2 Sam. 7)
New – Internal transformation through Christ (Jer. 31, Luke 22, Heb. 8–10)
III. Fulfillment in Christ (Romans 15:8–13)
v.8 – Christ became a servant to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs.
vv.9–12 – The inclusion of the Gentiles fulfills the Abrahamic vision.
v.13 – Covenant faith leads to joy, peace, and hope by the power of the Spirit.
IV. Our Covenant Life Now (Hebrews 13:20–21)
v.20 – Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant.
v.21 – God equips us to do His will — covenant obedience is Spirit-empowered.
Original Language Insights
אָמֵן (amen) – Used in Romans 15:13 and throughout biblical prayers. A response of covenant trust: “Yes, it is true.” Our amen is a form of covenant assent (cf. 2 Cor. 1:20).
בְּרִית עוֹלָם (berit olam) – “Eternal covenant” (Heb. 13:20). Not just unending in time, but ultimate in quality. This is the final covenant that subsumes all others.
Cross-References and Intertextual Threads
Genesis 3:15 → Revelation 21:3 – From promise of redemption to God dwelling with His people again.
Psalm 103:17–18 – God’s hesed continues for those who keep His covenant.
Revelation 5:9–10 – Jesus’ blood purchased a people from every nation — echoing Abrahamic and Davidic themes.
Hermeneutical Summary
Historical-Grammatical
Each covenant must be understood in its original setting, but not kept there — they form a unified story when read in sequence.
Canonical
The storyline of Scripture is covenantal from beginning to end. The Bible is not merely a collection of truths, but a covenantal drama.
Redemptive-Historical
Every covenant points toward Christ and finds its fulfillment in Him — and through Him, we are now active participants in God’s mission and people.
Theologically Rich Insights
God Never Abandons a Covenant He Initiates
Even in judgment (e.g., exile), God preserves a remnant and renews His promises. Covenant history is a story of divine pursuit, not human performance.
Covenants Always Include Response
Obedience doesn’t earn grace, but it expresses covenant faithfulness. In Christ, we’re not just rescued — we’re commissioned.
You’re Part of a Much Bigger Story
The Bible’s covenants span centuries, but they include you. Your baptism, your faith, your mission — all are expressions of God’s ongoing covenant fulfillment.
Teaching or Preaching Application
Hook: Ask, “What kind of story are you living in?” Then lay out how covenant shapes our understanding of identity, purpose, obedience, and hope.
Application Points:
Identity – You are part of a holy people, called by name and sealed by blood.
Obedience – God’s Spirit enables what the law could not: heart-level transformation.
Mission – The covenant mission is still active: to proclaim, disciple, and live as a light among nations.
Hope – God keeps His word. Every broken thread in our lives finds renewal in Christ, the covenant-keeper.
Discussion Questions:
Which covenant most challenged or encouraged you in this series?
What does it mean for you to live as a covenant partner with God?
How will this understanding of covenant affect your relationships, church life, and witness?
Optional Series Wrap-Up Ideas
Visual Summary: A chart or timeline showing how each covenant unfolds and connects.
Testimonies: Invite members to share how their view of Scripture or their own story has shifted.
Communion Focus: Revisit Luke 22 with a time of communion to reflect on Jesus’ covenant sacrifice.
