Lesson Four: How Serious is Covenant?

At the beginning of our time together, we reviewed everything that we've learned about covenant.

• karath beriyth means to cut covenant by going through two pieces of flesh
• The exchanging of robes symbolized the exchanging of identities and dying to self
• The exchanging of weapons symbolized the protection that can be found under the umbrella of covenant. Also, we're to take a stand against the enemies of our covenant partner (so, taking a stand against the Satan and the world).
• The exchanging of belts symbolized strength

Then, we went through each of the Scriptures we looked at over the past week. Note that I didn't include page numbers as I am going from the PUP study and don't have the in and out study to reference. If you have any questions you can email us or just leave a comment!

Genesis 15:9-10 God initiates a covenant with Abram and animals died and were split in two for the purposes of covenant. So, how serious is God about covenant? When death of God's creation involved, it's serious. 

Genesis 15:17-18 God is binding himself to the covenant. Essentially, he is saying because he loves Abram (and consequently us) so much he'll do almost everything; all He asks for is obedience. So, how serious is God about covenant? He calls us to obedience and binds the covenant to Himself.

Genesis 17:9-14 Abraham was circumcised. So, how serious is God about covenant? He required the men have a physical cut close to where the seed was to remind them of the covenantal promises that were made.

Exodus 4:24-26 If a man was not circumcised, you were cut off from the protection and blessing of the covenant. So, how serious is God about covenant? Again, he is requiring obedience. Disobedience gets you cut off from the people and that's serious.

1 Samuel 20:12-17 We see lovingkindness mentioned as part of the discussion for covenant. If the covenant was broken, Jonathan said "God, kill me!" That's a pretty serious commitment. David is promised protection and promises kindness to Jonathan and his family. Each was prepared to die. So, how serious is God about covenant? He requires you to die to self.

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Exodus 24:3-9 God's presence is on the mountain and they say "we'll obey whatever you ask us to do, God!" The blood is split between the basins and the people. Remember, there are millions of people; that's a lot of blood. So, how serious is God about covenant? There was a lot of blood and death involved; that's serious.

Deuteronomy 30:15-19 The first generation had not been obedient and they were judged (and die) because of it. This seems harsh, BUT GOD IS SERIOUS ABOUT COVENANT. He told them when they entered into it that they were to choose life (by way of obedience) or choose death (through disobedience). 

What propels God to enter into covenant with us? His love for us and all He asks is that we obey. The same principle is found in the Old Testament (Old Covenant) and New Testament (New Covenant): love and obey! God's promises regarding breaking the covenant are as binding as his promises for keeping it.

The last thing we looked at was a word study on the words "belief" and "faith."

• We learned they come from the same root word (belief = pisteuo (a verb) and faith = pistes (a noun))
• The idea here is that "a firm conviction that results in a personal surrendering of our life/will" is what true faith/belief is.
• The conduct inspired by a personal surrender is action required
• Dead faith is belief without action. Understand that this isn't saying works are necessary for salvation; it is saying that obedience is a part of the covenantal requirements and if there is no obedience, there is no being part of the covenant.

I'm not sure how the other discussion groups go, but here are the notes from Rebecca's:

Matthew 26:26-28 is the institution of the Lord's supper set up as a remembrance. Again, we see death involved (blood poured out) and we are reminded of the seriousness of the covenants.

1 Corinthians 11:17-34 In this passage, they were incorporating the Lord's Supper into their party and forgetting the seriousness of what the Bread and the Cup were signifying. Because of this, many were weak and sick, and some were even dying. (Again, God takes this VERY SERIOUSLY!) Paul was telling them to examine themselves before they came to take the elements.

Romans 2:1-11 God is the only judge; and the last thing she left us with was this question: Is unbelief disobedience? 

Week 3 :: The Exchanging of Weapons and Belt

In case you missed our time together last night or this morning, here's a small recap of what you missed in the teaching time. We reviewed Lessons 1-2 and then went over Lesson 3 a little more in depth. As always, we hope you were able to complete the homework, but don't ever NOT COME to our weekly meetings if you didn't.

Rebecca provided us with a handout which I've filled in below. We looked at What Items Were Exchanged, What They Symbolized, What God's Actions are and Our Responsibilities.



A couple of points:

• Remember, all the rituals of covenant are never to be taken past Scripture's intentions and all of the covenantal signs are never shown all at the same time.
• The word "wait" actually means bind together and the word "renew" means to change, substitute, or change for the better. Doesn't that give a WHOLE new meaning to Isaiah 40:31?
• In life, we are constantly focused on living out life using our strengths? But what if we identified our weaknesses and asked God to do something big there?

Week 2 :: The Exchanging of Robes

In case, you missed our time together last night or this morning, or if you missed something during the teaching time, you've come to the right place. This week, we reviewed week one quickly and jumped right into this week's lesson. 

First, we listened to the hymn, The Solid Rock (Edward Mote, 1984) performed by Charlie Hall (and the Passion Worship Band). Make sure and pick up a copy next week to have for your binder. Underlined portions are covenantal themes.

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus' blood and righteousness

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on Jesus' name

Chorus: 

On Christ the solid Rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand

When darkness seems to hide His face

I rest on His unchanging grace

In every high and stormy gale

My anchor holds within the veil

His oath, His covenant, His blood

Support me in the whelming flood

When all around my soul gives way

He then is all my Hope and Stay

When He shall come with trumpet sound

Oh may I then in Him be found

Dressed in His righteousness alone

Faultless to stand before the throne

Next, we had the demonstration of Jonathan and David exchanging robes described in 1 Samuel 18:1-4. Jonathan, the higher presence and initiator of the covenant removed his royal robe and put it on David, the shepherd. He (Jonathan) then takes David's robe and wears it.

The next thing we pointed out was that covenant requires 3 things: a sign, sacrifice and solemn oath. We also looked at Galatians 3:26-29. In light of the demonstration of 1 Samuel 18:1-4, this now has a deeper meaning. Christ put on our flesh and our sin and we are to put on His identity. Then, we looked at our handout for the week. Remember, pick yours up next week so you can fill it in!

The PUP study also looked at two more verses: Philippians 2:5-8 and Hebrews 2:9, 14-18. Philippians gave us the bigger picture of Jonathan/David and how it reflects what Christ did for us. Hebrews tells us that Christ became a man and we can identify with Him and He understands us. He didn't sin, but wore our sin.

If you have any questions, leave a comment or email us. Looking forward to the week ahead! 

Week 1 Teaching Time Handout

In case you missed our time together last night or this morning or if you missed something during the teaching time, we've got you covered! We went over the first week of homework which familiarized us with some various references of covenant in Scripture, particularly Genesis. Hopefully, you were able to complete your homework; but if you didn't, press on! It's a new week and a new start!

Anne provided us with a fabulous handout (with matching fonts, of course; I'm sorry that these don't have the matching font! You can always pick up the sheet at the next study and fill in accordingly) that helped us compare and contrast the covenants that we discussed in Week 1. We looked at God & Man covenants and Man & Man covenants.

First up, we have the Covenants between God & Man:


Next, we talked about the covenants between Man & Man:

PS: I'm checking on the correctness of the "Conditions" row, so I'll get those posted as soon as I can!

A few points that were discussed:

• God initiated covenants to protect and bless; man initiated covenants out of fear
• The New Covenant was made because the Israelites couldn't keep the condition of the covenant made with Moses. They were disobedient.
• Although there isn't a lot of application this week (because we're laying the foundation), one thing to think about is this: these covenants were made to men who passed them on. What kind of things are you passing on in your family? No one is perfect, but are you laying foundations that are strong in the Lord or shaky?

If you have any questions about anything, leave us a comment or email us! Looking forward to seeing you next week and what God teaches you through this week's portion of our study!

A new women's Bible study is beginning in Wichita Falls!

We are beginning a city-wide women's Bible study in September here in Wichita Falls!  Our study will cover God's amazing faithfulness to us and how we can be secure in what He says in Scripture.  We will study through both the Old and New Testament to gain insight into the concept of covenant (His everlasting promise to us) and explore Biblical truth regarding God's promises.  We are excited for this opportunity and hope you will join us.  Please email questions to: wfbiblestudy@gmail.com.

Who:    All women!  This study is for any age, any denomination, any woman who desires to grow in her relationship with Christ.  Whether you are a new Christian, a seasoned believer, or seeking to learn about God, this study is for you!

What: An 11-week, Inductive Bible Study on Knowing God’s Covenant. 

What is an Inductive Bible Study?  It is a method of studying Scripture using the Bible as your primary source to learn about God and what He teaches.  You will discover Truth for yourself using three skills: observation, interpretation, and application.  These skills will aid in your study of God’s Word in the future.  (For more information on Inductive Bible Study see http://www.precept.org/about_inductive_bible_study.)

What are God’s covenants and why are they important in my life?  Our study of how God enters into binding agreements with His people and always keeps His promises will transform the way you read Scripture!  Study His covenants from Genesis through Revelation and learn to trust Him as your Covenant Partner.  Trusting Him frees us from the bondage of worry and anxiety.  

When:  Orientation for the Bible study will be on Tuesday, September 4^th for both the morning and evening class times.  Due to the Labor Day Holiday, our normal Monday night class will meet for orientation on Tuesday, September 4^th at 8:00 p.m. at the Forum. 

Our evening class will meet on Monday nights, beginning on September 10^th – November 19^th, 2012 from 8:00 – 9:30 p.m.  Our morning class (with childcare available) will meet on Tuesday mornings, beginning on September 11^th – November 20^th, 2012 from 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Where: Our Monday evening study will meet at Wichita Falls Women’s Forum, 2120 Speedway, Wichita Falls.  Our Tuesday morning study will meet in Room 350 of First Baptist Church, 1200 9^th Street, Wichita Falls.  Childcare is available for the Tuesday morning study.  

               

Why:    To learn how to study God’s Word and become established in and transformed by His Truth.

How:   Depending on your schedule, you have two options of study which are parallel and will

allow for women to come and discuss God’s Word together during our weekly discussion

group meetings.

Option 1:  In & Out – designed to meet the needs of those who might not be able to commit to lengthy homework requirements.  The In & Out lessons require about 1 hour of home study time per week.  Cost of workbook: $20

Option 2:  Precept Upon Precept – a more in-depth study which incorporates approximately 3-4 hours of individual study time per week that enable you to dig deeper into God’s Word.  Cost of workbook: $25

             You will be able to pick up and purchase your workbook at orientation!  We have         
             ordered extras for everyone.

How do I register?  See the tab marked “Registration Form” at the top of this webpage and follow the prompts to register for a study time and study type.

Still want to find out more?  Feel free to email us at wfbiblestudy@gmail.com or call one of the following ladies to get more information or to answer any questions:

                
                Heather Ashcraft             940.232.4603

                Anne Harrison                 940.782.7728

    Rebecca Schrass              940.613.5804

                Jodie White                       940.882.9376

We look forward to studying God’s Word with you!

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. -2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)