Scripture References: Exodus 34:5-8; Hebrews 10:19-25; Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:20; John 13:34-35
Intro: Welcome. Speaker Mike continues the Exodus series on redemption. Recalling our brokenness (idolatry, sin), we affirm our only hope is Jesus. We can't "redeem ourselves." Our hope rests solely on God's unchanging character and His covenant promises. Today focuses on God renewing His covenant after the golden calf (Exodus 34) and how this points to the New Covenant we have in Christ (Hebrews 10).
Key Points:
- Context: Broken Covenant (Ex 32-34): Israel quickly broke the Sinai covenant by worshiping the golden calf. Before they could move forward, the relationship needed renewal. God tells Moses to cut new tablets.
- Understanding Covenant: More than a mere promise. God's covenants are unilateral – He initiates, sets terms, confirms (often with blood), gives blessings, and requires responsibilities. We are recipients, not equal partners.
- God Reveals His Character First (Ex 34:5-8): Before restating rules, God descends and proclaims His Name (character) to Moses: "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness... forgiving iniquity..." Key Insight: Our hope isn't in our ability to keep the covenant, but in the Covenant Keeper's faithful, forgiving nature. He knows we will fail, yet He remains steadfast.
- The Struggle to Believe: Though we know God is faithful, we often live as if we still have to earn His favor or fix ourselves. We think we're still paying the bill for our lives. (Frozen yogurt illustration: If someone else pays, we'd take more!).
- Knowing God = Freedom: Truly knowing God's character—that He is faithful, gracious, and has paid the bill through Jesus—releases us from anxiety, pressure, and shame. Our circumstances may not change, but our confidence shifts from self to Him.
- The New Covenant (Last Supper & Hebrews): Jesus inaugurated a New Covenant in His blood, fulfilling the Old. This covenant secures definitive blessings:
- Forgiveness of Sins (Matthew)
- Kingdom Hope (Mark/Luke)
- Family/Community (John)
- Confidence in the New Covenant (Heb 10:19-22): Because of Jesus' blood and His priestly work, we have confidence to enter God's presence. Our access is based entirely on His work, not ours.
- Our Response (Heb 10:22-25): Living in light of this covenant confidence means we:
- Draw Near: Approach God freely with sincere hearts, assured by faith (our conscience cleansed).
- Hold Fast: Cling unswervingly to the hope we profess (His promises, His kingdom), because He who promised is faithful.
- Stir Up: Spur one another on toward love and good deeds, meeting together regularly to encourage each other.
- Responding, Not Earning: We do these things because the price is paid, not to pay it. We are free to "fill up the cup," run hard, live boldly, because there's no condemnation. We don't shrink back.
Conclusion: Our only hope for redemption rests on the unchanging, merciful character of God, our Covenant Keeper. He revealed His faithfulness even when renewing the broken Old Covenant. Through Jesus, He established a New Covenant, paid our debt entirely, and gives us confident access to Himself. Our response isn't striving, but gratefully drawing near, holding fast to hope, and stirring up love within His family.
Call to Action: Stop trying to redeem your
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