The Covenant - Next Step

Message Summary

Relationships matter. Friends, family, coworkers, even strangers, all have relational places in our lives. Some relationships are extremely informal, and some are clearly defined. Often a clearly defined relationship is describe by an agreement, or covenant. God has used covenants since the beginning of time to define the relationship humanity has with Him. This week, we examined one of the very first covenants, made to Abram (Later named Abraham), and what we can learn from about our relationship with Jesus?

How would you describe a covenant?

Pastor John reminded us that there are two types of covenants, conditional and unconditional. What is the difference between the two?

Where do you see covenant relationships today?

Read Genesis 12:1-5

What does God ask Abram to do

What does God promise to Abram

How would you describe the relationship between God and Abram

Verse 4 points out that Abram was seventy-five years old at this time. Why do you think that is significant?

Does Abram receive that which God promised him right away? Why is that important for us to embrace?

Read Genesis 15:1-21

What did God promise Abram in this covenant?

How did this covenant confirm, or build upon, the previous covenant in chapter 12?

Did God ask Abram to do anything gain this covenant? Why do you think that’s important?

Abram set up sacrifices to the Lord (vs.9-10). How did God seal this covenant (vs. 17)? Why is this significant?

Read Genesis 17:1-27

How does this covenant build upon the previous covenants described in chapter 12 and 15?

What is the purpose of this covenant?

What was to be the sign of this covenant?

It is in this covenant that the God gives Abram and Sarai new names. What is the significance of the new names?

In Abraham, we see God making a covenant relationship. Abraham didn’t always do the right thing (see Genesis 12:10-20, Genesis 16, Genesis 20). He often tried to take God’s place and fulfill the covenant promises himself. Yet, God was still faithful and fulfilled His promises to Abraham. Jesus ultimately issued a new covenant by his death on the cross and resurrection (Luke 22:19-20, 23:26-24:12; Hebrews 9:15).

Why is it important for us to remember that we don’t have to be perfect to hold on to the promises of God?

What lies about your relationship with God do you need to let go

What truths about your relationship with God do you need to hold onto

Moving Forward

Spend some time reviewing these verses and how they help us understand our responsibility to help those in need.

Jeremiah 31:31
Luke 22:19-20
2 Corinthians 3:4-6
Galatians 3:15-22
Hebrews 8:1-13
Hebrews 9:15