UNDERSTANDING THE COVENANT

UNDERSTANDING THE COVENANT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 17:1-9
Supporting Texts: Exodus 19:5-6, Deuteronomy 7:9, Psalm 89:34, Hebrews 8:6-13

INTRODUCTION:
A covenant is a divine agreement between God and humanity, establishing the terms of relationship and responsibility. It is a powerful bond that involves promises, obligations, and blessings. Understanding the covenant allows believers to walk confidently in the promises of God and live in alignment with His will. In this teaching, we will explore the meaning, types, and significance of God’s covenant with His people.

1. THE MEANING OF A COVENANT

a) Definition of a covenant
A covenant is a binding agreement or promise between two parties (Genesis 17:2).

b) God's covenantal nature
God is a covenant-keeping God who honours His word (Deuteronomy 7:9).

c) Components of a covenant
Includes promises, responsibilities, and signs (Genesis 9:13).

d) Eternal nature of God's covenant
God’s covenant is unchanging and everlasting (Psalm 89:34).

e) Biblical Example: God made a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again (Genesis 9:8-17).

2. TYPES OF COVENANTS IN THE BIBLE

a) The Noahic Covenant
A promise of preservation after the flood (Genesis 9:9-17).

b) The Abrahamic Covenant
A promise of blessing, land, and descendants (Genesis 12:1-3).

c) The Mosaic Covenant
A covenant of the law with Israel at Sinai (Exodus 19:5-6).

d) The New Covenant
A covenant of grace through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 8:6-13).

e) Biblical Example: Jesus established the New Covenant through His blood, granting salvation and eternal life (Luke 22:20).

3. THE PURPOSE OF GOD'S COVENANT

a) To establish relationship
God’s covenant is His way of drawing humanity into fellowship with Him (Jeremiah 31:33).

b) To reveal His character
God’s faithfulness and love are displayed through His covenants (Exodus 34:6).

c) To grant blessings and protection
The covenant ensures provision and security for God's people (Deuteronomy 7:12-15).

d) To set His people apart
The covenant marks believers as God’s chosen ones (Exodus 19:5-6).

e) Biblical Example: Israel was set apart as God’s people through the covenant at Sinai (Exodus 24:7-8).

4. BENEFITS OF LIVING IN GOD'S COVENANT

a) Divine protection
God shields those who are in covenant with Him (Psalm 91:1-4).

b) Access to blessings
The covenant opens doors to God’s abundant provision (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).

c) Eternal inheritance
Believers share in the promise of eternal life (Galatians 3:29).

d) Assurance of God’s presence
The covenant guarantees God’s abiding presence (Matthew 28:20).

e) Biblical Example: Abraham’s obedience led to the fulfilment of God’s promises in his life (Genesis 22:16-18).

5. OUR RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE COVENANT

a) Obedience to God’s word
Obedience is a requirement for covenant blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1).

b) Faithfulness to God
Believers must remain loyal to the covenant (Joshua 24:24).

c) Walking in holiness
Covenant demands a lifestyle that honours God (1 Peter 1:15-16).

d) Trust in God’s promises
Believers must rely on God’s faithfulness (Hebrews 11:8-9).

e) Biblical Example: The Israelites’ failure to keep God’s covenant led to consequences, but restoration came through repentance (Nehemiah 9:32-33).

CONCLUSION:
Understanding and walking in God’s covenant is essential for every believer. It connects us to God’s promises, sets us apart for His purposes, and guarantees His faithfulness in our lives. As we uphold our responsibilities in the covenant, we will experience its blessings and live in alignment with His will.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for Your covenant of grace through Jesus Christ.

2. Lord, help me to understand and walk in the covenant You have established with me.

3. Father, grant me the grace to obey and fulfil my responsibilities in Your covenant.

4. Lord, let the blessings of Your covenant manifest in my life.

5. Father, keep me faithful to the terms of Your covenant.

6. Lord, protect me as I walk in the covenant of Your promises.

7. Father, open my eyes to the depth of Your covenantal love.

8. Lord, establish Your covenant blessings in my family and generation.

9. Father, let Your covenant bring breakthroughs and restoration into my life.

10. Lord, teach me to trust and depend on Your unchanging promises.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will walk in the fullness of God’s covenant blessings.

2. The covenant of grace will speak for you in every area of your life.

3. God’s faithfulness will establish you in all His promises.

4. The covenant of protection will shield you from every harm.

5. Divine breakthroughs will locate you through the covenant of blessings.

6. Your relationship with God will deepen as you embrace His covenant.

7. The promises of God’s covenant will manifest in your life speedily.

8. You are marked for greatness through the covenant of God’s favour.

9. No weapon formed against you will prosper because of God’s covenant.

10. You will be a living testimony of God’s unchanging covenant of love.

In Jesus' name, Amen!