God’s Story: Covenant
Pastor Tim focuses on God's overarching narrative in the Bible. He explains this narrative through the lenses of creation, the curse of sin, and, primarily, covenants. He highlights two key covenants: the unilateral covenant with Abraham, emphasizing God's unconditional promises of land, descendants, and blessing; and the bilateral Mosaic covenant, focusing on God's laws and Israel's failures to uphold them. The sermon concludes by emphasizing God's unwavering faithfulness despite humanity's shortcomings, ultimately pointing towards Jesus as the fulfillment of these promises. The overarching theme is God's grace and persistent commitment to redeeming the world.
Deep Dive Podcast
God's Story: Covenant
Short Answer Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
What is Pastor Tim's summary statement of the storyline of the Bible?
What are the two main types of covenants discussed in the sermon? Explain the difference between them.
What are the three key elements of the covenant God makes with Abraham in Genesis 12?
Describe the significance of land in the context of the Abrahamic covenant.
Explain the concept of the "blood path" and its role in covenant making during Abraham's time.
What animals does God instruct Abraham to bring in Genesis 15? What is the symbolism behind this action?
How does Genesis 15 foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus?
What is the central focus of the Mosaic Covenant?
What does Pastor Tim say about the nature and purpose of the Old Testament laws?
How does understanding the concept of covenant help us understand the Old Testament as a whole?
Short Answer Quiz: Answer Key
Pastor Tim's summary statement is: "You and I have been invited to be a part of God's story, and his story is about redeeming our broken world."
The two types of covenants are bilateral and unilateral. Bilateral covenants involve both parties making promises and fulfilling obligations, while unilateral covenants are promises made by one party, regardless of the actions of the other party.
The three key elements of the Abrahamic covenant are: many offspring (a great nation), land, and a blessing that will come to the whole world through Abraham's family.
Land held significant importance during Abraham's time, representing stability, inheritance, and a connection to one's family and history. God's promise of land to Abraham signifies a lasting blessing and a place for his descendants to thrive.
The "blood path" was a ritualistic practice in covenant-making. It involved sacrificing an animal and having both parties walk through the animal's blood, symbolizing their commitment and the consequences of breaking the covenant.
God instructs Abraham to bring a heifer, a female goat, a ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon. These animals were sacrificed and cut in half, creating a blood path that symbolized the seriousness of the covenant being made.
God himself, symbolized by the smoking fire pot and torch, passes through the blood path in Genesis 15. This act foreshadows Jesus' sacrifice, where his blood was shed to fulfill the covenant and bring redemption to the world.
The Mosaic Covenant focuses on the laws and commandments given by God to Moses, which were to guide the Israelites in their relationship with God and provide a framework for their life as a nation.
Pastor Tim emphasizes that the Old Testament laws are good and intended to guide the Israelites towards a life of flourishing. He argues that these laws had practical purposes, such as promoting health and social well-being, and ultimately pointed towards a deeper relationship with God.
Understanding the concept of covenant provides a framework for interpreting the Old Testament narratives and laws. The Old Testament can be seen as a story of God's faithfulness to his covenants, even amidst the Israelites' failures and disobedience.
Essay Questions
Analyze the significance of the unilateral nature of the Abrahamic Covenant. How does it demonstrate God's character and his commitment to fulfilling his promises?
Compare and contrast the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants. What are their similarities and differences, and how do they contribute to the overall narrative of the Old Testament?
Discuss how the concept of covenant shapes our understanding of God's relationship with humanity throughout the Bible. What implications does this have for our own faith and relationship with God?
Explore the theme of redemption as it unfolds through the covenants in the Old Testament. How do these covenants point towards the ultimate redemption offered through Jesus Christ?
Analyze the significance of the "blood path" imagery in Genesis 15. How does it foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus and the establishment of the New Covenant?
Glossary of Key Terms
Covenant: A binding agreement between two parties, often involving promises and obligations. In the Bible, covenants are typically established between God and humanity.
Bilateral Covenant: An agreement where both parties make promises and have responsibilities to fulfill.
Unilateral Covenant: A promise made by one party, regardless of the actions or fulfillment of the other party.
Abrahamic Covenant: The covenant God made with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants, land, and a blessing that would extend to all nations.
Mosaic Covenant: The covenant God made with the Israelites through Moses, giving them laws and commandments to guide their lives and relationship with God.
Blood Path: A ritualistic practice in covenant making where an animal was sacrificed and both parties walked through its blood, symbolizing their commitment and the consequences of breaking the agreement.
Redemption: The act of delivering someone from sin and its consequences. In the Bible, redemption is ultimately accomplished through Jesus Christ's sacrifice.
Grace: God's unmerited favor and love towards humanity.
This study guide provides a framework for your review of Pastor Tim's sermon. Use the quiz, essay questions, and glossary to deepen your understanding of the material and prepare for further study and discussion.
