Scripture References: Romans 8:31-39; Ephesians 5:25-33; Revelation 5:9-10; Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Jude 24-25
Intro: Good morning, and welcome to this week's sermon. Still processing the power of Easter? The reminder of God's faithfulness, how He pursues us, leaving the 99 for the one? Last week's baptisms were a powerful picture of public commitment to Jesus. Today, let's flip that and reflect on God's unwavering commitment to us. We often think of commitment like a contract – an exchange based on performance. But God operates differently. He commits to us through covenant. Let's explore the depth and security of His covenantal love.
Key Points:
- Contract vs. Covenant: Our culture is full of contracts (leases, phone plans) – conditional agreements based on mutual performance. If one side fails, the deal's off. Marriage, however, is meant to be a covenant – an unconditional giving of self ("for better or worse, sickness and health"). God's relationship with us isn't a fragile contract; it's a steadfast covenant. (Ref: Ephesians 5 - Christ/Church).
- God Initiated & Sustains His Covenant: This covenant wasn't our idea; God initiated it. He "ransomed people for God from every tribe... by [His] blood" (Rev 5:9). He "obtained" the church "with his own blood" (Acts 20:28). This incredible price wasn't a down payment He might default on; it proves His absolute commitment to see it through. He doesn't just start the relationship; His covenant sustains it.
- The Unshakeable Security of God's Covenant (Romans 8): If God gave His Son, won't He give us all things? Who can condemn us when God justifies? Nothing can separate us from His love – not trouble, hardship, persecution, demons, the future, nothing in all creation!
- Justified Past, Present & Future: Christ's sacrifice covered all our sins – past, present, and future. He knew every failure, every broken promise you'd ever make before He went to the cross, and He chose you anyway. This isn't a license to sin ("how far can I push it?"). Who, having received such radical love, would want to?
- Freedom, Not Fear: Understanding this covenant frees us. When we stumble (and we will), we don't have to hide or run away in fear of breaking the "contract." We can run to Him, knowing His covenant love holds firm. He made provision for our stumbles.
- He Keeps Us (Jude 24-25): God is "able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy." He fulfills both sides – purchasing us and enabling/covering us by His Spirit.
Conclusion: God's commitment isn't a conditional contract based on our ability to hold up our end. It's an unbreakable covenant, sealed by the blood of Christ. He doesn't just shake our hand; He takes our hand and walks with us, sustaining us by His grace. He who began this good work will be faithful to complete it. His love is relentless and His grip is secure.
Call to Action: This week, consciously reflect on God's covenant love. See His commitment not as a fragile contract, but as His unwavering promise sealed in Jesus. When you sin, reject the urge to run away and instead run to Him, embracing the scandalous grace that covers you. Perhaps memorize Jude 24-25 as a reminder: "Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling..." Let this truth anchor your heart in His faithfulness.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.