THE REAL YOU INTRODUCTION Have you ever cut

THE REAL YOU INTRODUCTION: Have you ever cut a deal with someone? This is fairly common phraseology. Where did this idea of cutting a deal come from? Anyone know? • While the source of this expression is somewhat uncertain. • There is considerable evidence that it comes from the Old Testament practice of making a covenant or agreement on a matter. • Specifically it likely comes from the account in Genesis 15. • Today we want to look at this account to learn one thing about our relationship to the Lord today

FINDING YOUR TRUE IDENTITY � Image of God (Foundation #1) � Inside Out (Foundation #2) � Identity Recovered (Romans 6) � Identity Tested (Romans 7) � Incredible Treasure (Romans 8) � Inheritance of God (Ephesians 1) � In Christ (Ephesians 1) � Identity – God’s Possession (Exodus 3) Identity – Revealed in the Old (Genesis 15; Exodus 24)

Part 9 Identity – Revealed in the Old THE REAL YOU “Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, . ” Hebrews 13: 20

Identity – Revealed in the Old Background: We have been focusing on our identity in Christ Contrary to what you may think, the Old Testament historical and geographical events reveal much about our identity in Christ Today I want to look at two Old Testament and one New Testament Covenants to see this. A Biblical Covenant is like a contract between parties or like a last will and testament. This was a feature of the way God dealt with man mainly in the Old Testament. [~300 re the Old, and 6 in the New] “the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. ”

Identity – Revealed in the Old I. ABRAHAM: EXPERIENCING GOD’S PROMISE Background: Promise made to Abraham – Genesis 12, 13, 14 Promise confirmed by covenant in blood – Genesis 15 Why a Covenant: Was God’s promise not enough? He had made and reiterated His promise to Abraham 3 times Abraham needed some physical sign of what God promised (vs. 8) He needed to experience God’s promise – see something tangible I think it was also in some cases to show us aspects of His nature

Identity – Revealed in the Old I. ABRAHAM: EXPERIENCING GOD’S PROMISE Cutting the Covenant: Ancient practice of cutting a covenant a blood covenant They cut one or several animals in two (vs. 10; Jer. 34: 18 -19) The 2 parties walked barefoot between the pieces in the blood Signified that if I fail to keep the terms I would be like these Examples: Native American Indians mingling their blood – blood brothers Maybe like up our way eating the heart of a deer newly killed to gain the deer's characteristics

Identity – Revealed in the Old I. ABRAHAM: EXPERIENCING GOD’S PROMISE Only one party to the Covenant: Notice only one party that passed through God in the appearance of the burning torch that passed through The Lord God was binding Himself to His promise to Abraham It was not dependent upon Abraham keeping his end of the bargain It was only dependent upon the Lord. Unconditional: Maybe like a last will and testament Not dependent upon the recipient of the blessing In this case a very visible sign to Abraham

Identity – Revealed in the Old I. ABRAHAM: EXPERIENCING GOD’S PROMISE The positional revelation: How does this relate to the new? The new is made by God alone The terms are dependent only upon God – not upon us keeping our part We have entered into this solely by faith Example: Like an inheritance Some unknown relative leaves you as inheritance You could refuse or accept it. There is no condition placed upon you. You do not have to perform some feat to get it. You only have to accept it.

Identity – Revealed in the Old II. MOSES: ENJOYING GOD’S PRESENCE The Contract: This was a conditional covenant The people promised to do their part and God would do His. Israel signed their name to the contract. (Ex. 19: 8) But as we know eventually they failed miserably. But there is an interesting thing we see about this agreement

Identity – Revealed in the Old II. MOSES: ENJOYING GOD’S PRESENCE Their sin separated them from God’s Presence: Even though they had signed the deal Even though they had consecrated themselves to God (made holy) they could not approach God there was something missing Just like when God told Moses at the burning bush – don’t come near The mountain was aflame with fire and smoke and trembled (19: 16, 18) Bounds were set (19: 12, 13) The penalty was instant death if they went near. Do you know what was missing?

Identity – Revealed in the Old II. MOSES: ENJOYING GOD’S PRESENCE The Missing Ingredient: The young men sacrificed young bulls to the Lord (24: 5) Moses sprinkled the blood on the altar, the book, and the people Before they could not approach God (24: 1) Now they entered God’s very presence (10) They saw God (11); ate and drank with Him (11) Positional Revelation: The blood of Jesus allows us to enter into the very presence of God We can now enjoy His presence – fellowship and communion with God Once afar off but now made near But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2: 13)

Identity – Revealed in the Old III. JESUS: ENTERING GOD’S PURPOSE The Eternal Covenant: Between God the Father and the God the Son (Heb. 13: 20) Established in eternity past (Rev. 13: 8) The eternal purpose was fulfilled by Jesus 2000 years ago (Col. 1: 20) The beneficiaries of this last will and testament?

Identity – Revealed in the Old III. JESUS: ENTERING GOD’S PURPOSE Just think of the great position and privilege you have The death and shed blood of Christ 1. Not only paid the penalty for your sins and assured you of Heaven 2. Not only broke the power of your old sin nature enabling God to live His life in you now on earth, 3. But you have been made a beneficiary of this eternal covenant between God the Father and God the Son. You have riches untold in this great transaction that took place on Calvary. You have been made an integral part of God’s plan of the ages.