February 13, 2011

Sunday School Brief

2 Corinthians 3:1-18

Paul talks about not bragging or boasting of ourselves but of God in us that causes us to triumph.
Our only power and success comes from God.

The Old Covenant verses the New Covenant

• A physical covenant based on physical promises - Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 28; Leviticus 26 (Old Covenant)
• A spiritual covenant based on spiritual promises and eternal life - John 3:16; Hebrews 8:6, 9:15; Romans 8; Luke 18:29-30 (New Covenant)
• Physical circumcision - Genesis 17:9; Exodus 12:48; John 7:22 (Old Covenant)
• Repentance circumcision of the heart through baptism - Acts 2:38; 3:19; Romans 2:25-29; Philippians 3:3; Jeremiah 4:4; Colossians 2:11-13 (New Covenant)
• At institution of Old Covenant and earthly tabernacle, blood of animals used for consecration - Hebrews 9:18-23; Exodus 24:3-8; 40:1-38 (Old Covenant)
• At institution of New Covenant and heavenly tabernacle, blood of Jesus used for consecration - Luke 22:19-22; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32; Hebrews 9:14-28; 10:5-14 (New Covenant)
• No direct access to God the Father - Hebrews 9:6-8; 10:19 (Old Covenant)
• Direct access to the Father through Jesus - Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 4:14-16; Ephesians 7:25-27; John 16; Galatians 4:6-7; Romans 8:15; Ephesians 2:18 (New Covenant)

The new covenant provides the motivation to obey God's laws, extends forgiveness when we don't, and results in an intimate relationship with God for all eternity through the blood of Jesus Christ.