Divine Covenant

November 19, 2025

God's covenant with us depends on His faithfulness, not our performance.

Today, let's explore the profound truth about God's covenant with us and how our faith journey mirrors Abraham's experience. This isn't about striving or performing; it's about understanding that God has already done everything necessary for us to walk in His promises. Prepare to be encouraged as we discover how belief, not works, activates God's miraculous power in our lives.

Abraham's Journey of Faith

Abraham, whom we call the father of faith, wasn't always the perfect example of unwavering belief. His journey was marked by questions, doubts, and even failures. When God promised him the land as an inheritance, Abraham asked a very human question: "Lord God, by what proof will I know that I will inherit it?"

"But Abram said, 'Lord God, by what proof will I know that I will inherit it?'" - Genesis 15:8

God's response was extraordinary. He instructed Abraham to bring specific animals for a covenant ceremony, a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtle dove, and a young pigeon. In ancient times, covenant-making required both parties to walk between the divided sacrifices, symbolizing their mutual commitment.

The Divine Covenant

Something remarkable happened during this covenant ceremony. As the sun set, God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Abraham. In this supernatural state, Abraham received visions of the future, including prophecies about his descendants' 400-year journey in Egypt.

"When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, there appeared a smoking furnace and a flaming torch that passed between these pieces." - Genesis 15:17

Notice what didn't happen: Abraham never walked between the pieces. Only God, represented by the smoking furnace and flaming torch, passed through the sacrifice. This covenant depended entirely on God's faithfulness, not Abraham's performance.

God knows you will have moments of doubt, but His promises don't depend on your perfection.

The New Covenant Through Christ

This same principle applies to us today. Through Jesus Christ, God has made a covenant that depends entirely on His finished work, not our efforts. We don't need to earn God's promises or prove our worthiness. The blood has been shed, the covenant has been made, and all we need to do is believe and receive.

"All the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." - 2 Corinthians 1:20

You are not a human doing; you are a human being. Stop trying to accomplish what God has already accomplished for you.

Signs and Wonders Within You

Often, we look for external signs to confirm God's promises, but Scripture reveals a beautiful truth: we are the signs and wonders. God doesn't want us constantly searching the sky for proof of His faithfulness.

"Here am I and the children whom the Lord has given me! We are for signs and wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, who dwells in Mount Zion." - Isaiah 8:18

When you walk into a room, people should sense God's presence. When you speak, your words should carry life and hope. You don't need to look for signs and wonders because you are the sign and wonder that others need to see.

Faith Over Works

The apostle Paul asked the Galatians a penetrating question that applies to us today: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by keeping religious laws or by believing the message of salvation? The answer is clear, it came through faith, not works.

"This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" - Galatians 3:2

Why would we foolishly try to finish by our own efforts what God began by His Spirit? The miracles, the breakthroughs, the supernatural provision, none of these come through our performance but through our faith in God's finished work.

Conclusion

Like Abraham, God is patiently convincing you of His faithfulness. Every challenge you face is an opportunity for Him to demonstrate His covenant love. You don't need to see the wind or the rain to know that your valley will be filled with water. God has countless ways to fulfill His promises in your life. Trust in His covenant, believe in His finished work through Christ, and watch as He transforms you into a living sign and wonder for His glory.

Reflect on This

1. In what areas of your life are you trying to earn God's promises instead of simply believing and receiving them?

2. How can you begin to see yourself as a sign and wonder that brings hope and encouragement to others?

   
   

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the covenant You have made with me through Jesus Christ. I declare that Your promises are yes and amen in my life. I am not striving to earn what You have already given me. I believe in Your finished work and receive all that You have prepared for me. I am Your sign and wonder in this world, carrying Your presence wherever I go. Thank You for convincing me of Your faithfulness just as You convinced Abraham. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Key Takeaways

• God's covenant with us depends entirely on His faithfulness, not our performance.

• We receive God's promises through faith and belief, not through works or striving.

• We are called to be signs and wonders in this world, reflecting God's goodness to others.

• Like Abraham, God patiently convinces us of His promises through our journey of faith.

• All of God's promises are available to us through Jesus Christ's finished work.

  
  

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To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.