How can we ensure faithfulness to God's covenant in our lives today? Taking God’s Covenant Seriously Ezekiel 16:59 reminds us, “For this is what the Lord GOD says: I will deal with you according to what you have done, since you have despised the oath by breaking the covenant.” - God treats covenant breaking as oath-despising treachery. - He responds personally and justly: “I will deal with you.” - Our first safeguard is to keep the gravity of covenant in view. “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.” (Galatians 6:7) Resting in the Covenant Christ Secured - Jesus announced a new covenant “in My blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:20) - He mediates this better covenant, “so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.” (Hebrews 9:15) - Faithfulness today begins with trust in His finished work, not our own strength. Habitual Practices That Sustain Faithfulness - Daily Scripture intake: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) - Persistent prayer: “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) - Regular gathered worship: “Do not neglect meeting together.” (Hebrews 10:25) - Obedience in practical holiness: “Be doers of the word.” (James 1:22) - Generous stewardship: “Honor the LORD with your wealth.” (Proverbs 3:9) - Active service: “Through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13) Guarding the Heart Against Covenant Contempt - Watch compromise in small things; it dulls conscience. - Refuse worldly friendships that erode obedience (1 Corinthians 15:33). - Keep covenants in human relationships—marriage, church commitments, contracts—because they mirror our bond with God. Quick Repentance, Constant Cleansing - When failure comes, return swiftly: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” (1 John 1:9) - God delights to restore; Ezekiel 16 moves on to promised renewal (vv. 60-63). Depending on Spirit-Empowered Obedience - God promised, “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes.” (Ezekiel 36:27) - Ask the Spirit to make obedience both possible and joyful (Philippians 2:13). Displaying the Covenant Publicly - Baptism marks belonging (Romans 6:4). - The Lord’s Supper proclaims His death “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). - Loving unity in the church signals we are truly His disciples (John 13:35). Living With Future Accountability in View - “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:10) - Faithfulness now yields reward then; unfaithfulness brings loving but firm discipline (Hebrews 12:6). By treasuring Christ’s covenant, practicing daily obedience, and relying on the Spirit, we choose loyalty over contempt and ensure faithfulness to God’s covenant in every season of life. |
    |