Covenant of Grace - Message outline 11/6/06

The following are the outline of today’s message:
A. The binding nature of covenant in Ancient Near East
Our God is a Covenant keeping God
Example: Genesis 12 & 15 – Covenant with Abraham. See Also Joshua chapters 2 & 9 – Rahab & the Gibeonites

B. The story of Mephibosheth ( 2 Samuel 9:1-13)
Mephibosheth means “shameful thing” probably due to his crippled feet.
He lived in “Lo-debar” – a dry desolate place, in virtual exile
His carers were Mackir (sold), and Ziba who was after his inheritance
He had been told from young that King David was after his life!
Imagine the fear, now David summoned him to come to Jerusalem!
What treatment did Mephibosheth received instead?

C, In a sense, Mephibosheth represents all fallen humans
-We’ve lost our princely status due to our forebear’s disobedience
-We are powerless and disabled from the fall
- We are being a sold a lie that the Heavenly King is out to get us!
- Most Christians are living a dry and unfruitful life (Lo-debar)

D. Covenant to be honoured even if entered into by deception
In Joshua 9:3-16, the Gibeonites deceived the Israelites – saying that they were from a very far country by wearing old clothing and stale food. The unsuspecting Israelites made covenant to spare them.
Generations later, God make the Israelites accountable after King Saul killed some of them. (See 2 Sam 21).

Application & Discussion Questions
1.Try defining “grace” and “covenant” in your own words
2.Why is grace so crucial to the Christian gospel? Read (Eph 2:8)
3.How and why did we lose our original status of princes & princesses?
4.How was our original status restored to us?
5.The fact that we are invited to dine with the King (Rev. 3:20) speaks volumes about the “New Covenant” that Jesus has wrought for us; How should we live as recipients of such wonderful grace/unmerited favours?
6.Are you content to live in “Lo-debar” (a dry, desolate and unfruitful place)?
7.We know that God looks past our disabilities and imperfections, how should we treat other similar imperfect humans?
8.When the “King” is temporary absent, how do we continue to be faithful, even in adversity, so that one day we will be vindicated and rewarded?