God’s Covenant shows His commitment to us as He reveals His nature and character, promising His blessing and favour.
The Lord made Covenants with His people (Noah, Genesis 6:18, 9:8-17; Abram, Genesis 15:9-21, 17; Moses, Exodus 19-20; David, 2 Samuel 7:5-16 and the New Covenant, Jeremiah 31:31-34). Also God’s people entered into Covenants with God and one another (Nehemiah 9:38).
As Jesus celebrated the Passover, in what we now call The Last Supper, He said;
This cup is the New Covenant in My blood.
Do this, as often as you drink it,
in remembrance of Me.
The precious Covenant of Jesus’ sacrificial death allows for the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul wrote this to the newly established church in Philippi.
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy because of
your Partnership in the Gospel.
(Philippians 1:4-5 NIV)
1. Protecting Unity
1.1 By acting in Love toward the Fellowship
Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. (Colossians 3:12-14)
- How have you shown compassion, patience, and kindness?
- Forgiveness or choosing not to take offense are daily choices. Over what kinds of issues have you made these choices recently?
1.2 By Refusing to Gossip
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. (Ephesians 4:29)
- How would you recognise a conversation as gossip?
- If you have encountered gossip what was your immediate response?
1.3 By Supporting the Leaders
Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
- In what ways have you up-held your leaders?
2. Sharing Responsibilities
2.1 By Praying for Church Growth
We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3)
- In what circumstances have you prayed for people in your church and for its growth?
2.2 By Sharing Jesus with Others
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
- How and with whom have you have shared Jesus in the last month?
2.3 By Warmly Welcoming Guests
Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. (Romans 15:7)
- To whom, in church, have you recently introduced yourself?
3. Serving the Ministry
3.1 By Discovering my Spiritual Gifts and Human Talents
God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. (1 Peter 4:10)
- What gifts are you, or others, discerning in you?
3.2 By being Equipped by my Leaders to Serve
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-12)
- In what ways do you see yourself or others being equipped?
3.3 By Developing a Servant Heart
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. (Philippians 2:4-5)
- How have you put the interests of others before your own recently?
4. Supporting the Ministry
4.1 By Attending Faithfully
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near. (Hebrews 10:25)
- Where in your list of priorities does meeting together for worship feature?
- How is this being worked out in your life?
4.2 By Living a godly Life
Above all, you must live as Citizens of Heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. (Philippians 1:27)
- How are you seeing transformation in your thoughts and conduct?
4.3 By Giving Regularly
On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. (1 Corinthians 16:2)
- How are you seeing an increase in your generosity?
- How are you discerning God’s blessing over your finances?
