The New Covenant

The New Covenant: Luke 22:7-20

 

A covenant is more intimate than a contract and more formal than a promise. It is a bond between two parties based on the most serious of commitments.

 

According to Jeremiah 31:31-34, the new covenant is the bond between God and His people based on His promise to do the following through Jesus Christ:

 

1. Write His law in their hearts.

2. Forgive their transgressions.

 

Here's a two-question quiz to help you determine if you're in the new covenant:

 

1. Have you had an encounter with Jesus that has changed your desires? Do you now want to do what pleases God more than yourself? People in the new covenant have God's law engraved into their desires. They aren't perfect; but their deepest craving is to become what God wants them to become.

2. Have you had an encounter with Jesus that has freed you from condemnation or do you live under a weight of guilt and shame? People in the new covenant have been forgiven, their sin forgotten, thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. People outside of the new covenant are still under the condemnation of their sins.

 

 

1. Read Jeremiah 31:33 and Ezekiel 36:26-27. Have you seen evidence of this 'new-heartedness' in your life?
2. Discuss the difference between new-hearted Christianity and dutiful religion. Which describes your relationship with God right now?
3. If God writes His law in our hearts, why read and teach the Bible? (2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Hebrews 4:12-13 for hints)
4. Read Jeremiah 31:34. If God forgives our sin and forgets it, why strain so hard to avoid sinning? (Romans 6:1-7 helps here)

5. How can you serve each other in light of this passage?

6. How can your group pray for you this week?