Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet
The Covenant Renewed
Bryan Schneider · January 29, 2022
Joshua 5
sharonrpc.org/sermons/the-covenant-renewed
Summary
- Before Israel fights in the land, God renews covenant signs that the wilderness generation had neglected under discipline.
- Circumcision marks the new generation as belonging to the covenant Lord and calls them to obedient faith despite vulnerability and cost.
- Passover remembers that deliverance comes through the blood of the provided lamb, not Israel's merit or strength.
- The end of manna and first meal from Canaan's produce show God's faithful providence moving his people into the promised inheritance.
- Baptism and the Lord's Supper direct the new-covenant church to Christ, seal his promises, and call households and generations to own the faith personally.
- Older believers must tell God's works, disciple the young, and support parents so covenant memory becomes living faith rather than empty custom.
Reflection and discussion
- Do I receive covenant signs with obedient faith, or presume upon them while tolerating lawlessness?
- How do baptism and the Lord's Supper direct my faith to Christ rather than to the outward sign itself?
- Have I told my children or younger believers what God has done and what their baptism means?
- Where can an older Christian intentionally disciple and encourage the next generation?
Key terms
- Covenant renewal
- God's people receiving his covenant signs again and recommitting themselves to live as those who belong to him.
- Circumcision
- The old-covenant sign marking Israel and pointing to the need for a heart cleansed and renewed by God.
- Passover
- The covenant meal remembering deliverance from judgment through the blood of the lamb and anticipating Christ.
- Sacrament
- A sign and seal appointed by God to represent Christ and his benefits and confirm covenant promises to believers.