28 November 2010

I HAVE LOVED YOU WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE

I HAVE LOVED YOU WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE
Text: Jeremiah 31

Series:
The Love of God

Message Notes

(I) DECLARATION OF GOD’S LOVE

Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt…

Jeremiah 31:3-4

1. I have loved you with an everlasting love

a) From the very beginning of God’s relationship with Israel (Deuteronomy 7:8)

b) Through Israel’s apostasy and its subsequent demise as a nation

2. With lovingkindness I have drawn you

a) God kept a faithful remnant alive

b) He continued to keep watch over those who were faithful to Him with great lovingkindness

3. Again I will build you and you shall be rebuilt

a) Restoration was in mind

b) Reconstruction of Israel as a nation was God’s goal

c) Promise of success in rebuilding was given to assure the faithful

(II) SPECIAL CONTEXT OF THE NEW COVENANT

Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah…
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: ‘I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Jeremiah 31:31, 33

This cup is the New Covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

Luke 22:20

1. Features of the New Covenant

a) God’s everlasting love

b) God’s special work in our hearts and minds

i) He will put His law in our mind

ii) He will write His word on our hearts

c) Jesus is the Mediator in the New Covenant

And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death,
For the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

Hebrews 9:15

i) Through Christ’s death the new covenant was confirmed

ii) We have been fully redeemed from all our sins

iii) We have the promise of an eternal inheritance

2. Appropriate Response to God’s everlasting love

a) Deep gratitude

b) Determination to abide in the love of the Lord