What responsibilities do we have today as part of God's covenant people? Scripture Focus “The LORD our God made a covenant with us at Horeb.” (Deuteronomy 5:2) The Covenant’s Ongoing Reach • Deuteronomy 5:3 reminds Israel that the covenant belongs to “all of us who are alive here today.” • Jeremiah 31:31–34 and Hebrews 10:16 show the covenant written on hearts through the New Covenant in Christ. • Matthew 26:28—Jesus calls His blood “the blood of the covenant,” extending Horeb’s promise and responsibility to every believer. Why Covenant Matters Today • Covenant means belonging: God binds Himself to a people, not merely individuals (1 Peter 2:9). • Covenant means responsibility: privilege and duty travel together (Exodus 19:5–6). Our Present-Day Responsibilities as God’s Covenant People 1. Loyalty to the Lord Alone • “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Deuteronomy 5:7) • 1 John 5:21—keep yourselves from idols. 2. Whole-Hearted Love • “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5) • John 14:15—love expressed through obedience to Christ’s commands. 3. Joyful Obedience to His Word • Deuteronomy 5:32—“Be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you.” • Matthew 5:17–19—Jesus upholds every stroke of God’s moral law. 4. Set-Apart Holiness • Leviticus 19:2—“Be holy, because I, the LORD your God, am holy.” • 1 Peter 1:15–16 calls believers to the same standard. 5. Regular, Reverent Worship • Deuteronomy 5:12–15—Sabbath principle: rhythm of rest and worship. • Hebrews 10:25—do not neglect meeting together. 6. Justice and Compassion • Deuteronomy 10:18–19—care for the fatherless, widow, and foreigner. • James 1:27—pure religion includes visiting orphans and widows in their distress. 7. Transmission to the Next Generation • Deuteronomy 6:6–7—teach these words diligently to your children. • 2 Timothy 2:2—entrust truth to faithful people who will teach others. 8. Grateful Remembrance • Deuteronomy 5:15—remember deliverance from Egypt. • 1 Corinthians 11:24–26—remember Christ’s deliverance at the Lord’s Table. 9. Gospel Witness to the Nations • Deuteronomy 4:6–8—obedient Israel draws nations’ attention. • Matthew 28:18–20—go and make disciples of all nations. Living It Out Daily • Begin each day affirming: “I belong to the Lord; His covenant defines me.” • Read a portion of Scripture, noting one command or principle to obey that day. • Choose one practical act of compassion each week (visit, give, encourage). • Schedule consistent corporate worship; treat it as non-negotiable. • Share one gospel conversation or testimony this week. • Review God’s past faithfulness regularly—keep a journal of answered prayer. • Teach or mentor someone younger in the faith; pass the covenant forward. Key Companion Verses for Quick Reference • Exodus 19:5–6 – treasured possession, kingdom of priests • Deuteronomy 6:4–9 – love and teach diligently • Micah 6:8 – act justly, love mercy, walk humbly • Matthew 22:37–40 – love God and neighbor summarize the Law • 2 Corinthians 6:16–18 – “I will be their God, and they will be My people” • 1 Peter 2:9–12 – proclaim His excellencies through holy living The covenant announced at Horeb still shapes our identity and guides our daily steps. Grasp its privileges, and step gladly into its responsibilities. |
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