The New Covenant
We all struggle to get rid of old worn out and comfortable things. For some of us, we get used to clothing and keep wearing it after it’s worn out because it’s comfortable. Sometimes we stay in a situation that we should be leaving because we’re comfortable and afraid to change. Life deals out a new hand of cards all the time, we can either cling to the old ones or embrace the new. The point remains though that the old ones will disappear anyway no matter what we choose.. We may as well keep moving while we have the chance.
The book of Hebrews was written just before the Temple in Jerusalem and all the ways people worshipped there were removed by the Romans. The book of Hebrews prepares Jewish Christians for change, change that had already happened but that they were not embracing. They were longing to return to how it was before, comfortable and familiar. We’re called in the same way to keep moving with God’s plan for the Church. The Church will never be destroyed, but big changes come from time to time. We can chose to embrace them, or end up clutching the remains of what we grew accustomed to.
Scripture
Hebrews 8:7-13 ESV For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second. [8] For he finds fault with them when he says: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, [9] not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord. [10] For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [11] And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. [12] For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” [13] In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
Bible Study Questions
The Holy Spirit warns that the Old Covenant was not a perfect and permanent solution, where did the fault lie with it? (Hebrews 8:8)
Which Covenant is the Old Covenant that God replaced, with whom did He make this Old Covenant and how did they respond? (Hebrews 8:9)
Who does God make a New Covenant with, and what two critical things will God achieve with those people who enter into His New Covenant? (Hebrews 8:10)
What is the outworking of the New Covenant? (Hebrews 8:11)
What prevents us from a deep, growing and eternal relationship with God, and what will God do about this problem in those who enter His New Covenant? (Hebrews 8:12)
What would happen to the Old Covenant, whether the Jewish Christians embraced the New or not? (Hebrews 8:13)
How is the New Covenant relevant to us? (Romans 9:24-26) What can we learn from the change in Covenants about God and the way He relates to His people, both Jew and Gentile?
Worship
Just the time I feel, that I've been caught in the mire of self
Just the time I feel, my mind's been bought by worldly wealth
That's when the breeze begins to blow, I know the Spirit's call
And all my worldly wanderings, just melt into His love
Oh, I want to know You more, deep within my soul I want to know you
Oh, I want to know You, to feel your heart and know Your mind
Looking in Your eyes, stirs up within me
Cries that say, "I want to know You, oh, I want to know You, more
And when my daily deeds ordinarily lose life and song
My heart begins to bleed, sensitivity to Him is gone
I've run the race but set my own pace and face a shattered soul
Now, the gentle arms of Jesus, warm my hunger to behold
Oh, I want to know You more, deep within my soul I want to know You
Oh, I want to know You, to feel Your heart and know Your mind
Looking in Your eyes, stirs up within me
Cries that say, "I want to know You, oh, I want to know You
And I would give my final breath
To know You in Your death and resurrection
Oh, I want to know You more
Oh, I want to know You, to know You more
Oh, I want to know You more
Steve Green
Serving
The Church will never fail, but it has undergone many trials and changes over the last two thousand years. We need to study the Scriptures closely to discern which practices will remain unchanged - and which need to move on from where they currently are. Sometimes what we’re doing doesn’t accord with Scripture and must be change to bring it in line with God’s Holy Word. Sometimes what we’re doing doesn’t contradict Scripture, but is no longer the best way to remain faithful and obedient to God’s instructions, because of changing circumstances. Pray for God to show us what to cling to, and what to be ready to change, He is faithful. We are in His Covenant and can trust Him to fulfil all His promises.