2.2 Covenant Love
Covenant Love – God’s Faithfulness and Our Response

Read Deuteronomy 7:6–9. What do these verses teach about the relationship with God, who makes covenants, and about God’s loving kindness?

The verses in Deuteronomy 7:6–9 highlight the special relationship that God enters into with His covenant people. They show that God’s love is immeasurable and steadfast, but the covenant relationship itself is based on mutual commitment and faithfulness. This dynamic reveals two central aspects of God’s character: His unwavering kindness (chesed) and His justice.

God’s Chesed – Loving Kindness

The Hebrew word chesed emphasizes the depth of God’s mercy, faithfulness, and enduring love. It is a love that does not merely exist passively but actively seeks relationship. It calls people to respond—not because God needs this love, but because it forms the framework for a fulfilling life. This love is reliable, unchanging, and yet not taken for granted: its full blessings can only be experienced when the covenant people respond with faithfulness and obedience.

Unconditional Love, Conditional Covenant Benefits

It is important to understand that God’s love for His people is not contingent upon conditions—He loves regardless of human behavior. However, the blessings that flow from the covenant relationship are tied to the willingness to live in accordance with God’s commands. This demonstrates the balance between God’s love and His expectation that His people take responsibility.

Christ as the Perfect Expression of Federal Love

The greatest expression of God’s love is found in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. John 15:13 and Philippians 2:8 illustrate that God’s love surpasses understanding: He gave Himself to renew and strengthen the relationship with us. This sacrifice calls us to live our response to God’s love in the form of dedication, obedience, and love for others.

Application in the Faith Life

• Encouragement to Faithfulness: God’s faithfulness inspires us to take our commitments to Him seriously, not out of fear but out of love.

• Gratitude for Grace: Realizing that we can never fully reciprocate God’s love leads to gratitude and the desire to live a life that honors Him.

• Sharing God’s Chesed: When we experience God’s love, we are called to live the same kindness and mercy in our relationships with others.

In our relationship with God, we experience that His federal love both uplifts and challenges us—a call to receive the love and respond with faithfulness.

How Can You Keep the Reality of God’s Love Constantly in Mind? Why Is It Important to Do So?

Keeping the reality of God’s love constantly in mind is a deliberate decision that can shape our thinking, actions, and faith life. Here are some ways to do this and why it is important:

How to Keep the Reality of God’s Love in Mind:

1. Daily Prayer and Meditation:

   • Set aside time each day to reflect on God’s love, especially through prayer and quiet moments.

   • Use Bible verses like John 3:16 or Romans 8:38-39 to remind yourself of God’s unconditional love.

2. Bible Reading and Reflection:

   • Regularly read sections of the Bible that reveal God’s love, such as the Psalms, the Gospels, or 1 John 4.

   • Write down your thoughts and experiences with God’s love in a journal.

3. Cultivating Gratitude:

   • List the blessings in your life that are expressions of God’s love.

   • Gratitude helps focus on God’s presence and care.

4. Fellowship with Other Believers:

   • Surround yourself with people who encourage you and remind you of God’s love.

   • Share stories together about how you have experienced God’s love in your lives.

5. Praise and Worship:

   • Sing songs or listen to music that praise God’s love. Praise aligns the heart with God’s truth.

6. Recognizing God’s Love in Nature:

   • Spend time in creation to recognize God’s greatness and care.

   • Observe how nature reflects His goodness.

7. Putting Love into Action:

   • Express God’s love by serving others and showing compassion.

   • When you share God’s love, it becomes more vivid in your life.

Why It Is Important to Keep God’s Love Constantly in Mind:

1. Strengthening Faith:

   • Remembering God’s love provides security and trust, especially in difficult times.

2. Overcoming Fear and Doubt:

   • Knowing you are loved allows you to let go of fears and uncertainties and rely on God’s faithfulness.

3. Motivation for a Christian Life:

   • God’s love inspires you to live a life of dedication, obedience, and love for others.

4. Avoiding Self-Doubt:

   • God’s unconditional love shows that your worth is not based on achievements or mistakes but is rooted in Him.

5. Focus on Eternity:

   • The assurance of God’s love directs your focus to what is eternal and helps you put earthly worries into perspective.

6. Joy and Peace in Daily Life:

   • Awareness of God’s love brings deep inner joy and peace, regardless of external circumstances.

By consciously engaging with God’s love, you build a close relationship with Him. His love becomes not just a theological truth but a living reality that permeates your life and faith.

The reality of God’s federal love is not only a theological truth but also a transformative power that accompanies us directly in our daily lives and faith journey. Here are some connections:

1. Faithfulness as a Daily Invitation

   • Realizing that God’s love is unwavering inspires us to take our own commitments seriously. In daily life, this means:

     • Taking responsibility in our relationships, such as in the family or at work.

     • Deliberately setting aside time for prayer, Bible reading, and communicating with God.

     • Showing faithfulness even when challenges try to distract us.

2. Gratitude for God’s Steadfast Grace

   • Reflecting on God’s love helps us be more grateful in daily life. This is evident:

     • In handling difficult situations positively.

     • In the ability to recognize and celebrate blessings—even the small ones.

     • By not only giving thanks for ourselves but also interceding for others.

3. Living Love for Neighbors Daily

   • God’s chesed motivates us to reflect this kindness in our relationships. Practically, this means:

     • Being patient, even when people hurt or disappoint us.

     • Practicing forgiveness instead of harboring resentment or bitterness.

     • Helping others regardless of their gratitude or ability to give something back.

4. Focus on Eternity

   • God’s faithfulness reminds us that our lives extend beyond the earthly. In daily life, this is shown by:

     • Remaining calm in setbacks or losses because we know our security lies in God.

     • Desiring to invest our time and energy in things of lasting value, such as relationships, faith, and love for others.

5. Joy and Peace Through God’s Love

   • The assurance that we are anchored in God’s love grants us peace and joy that are independent of external circumstances. This is expressed:

     • In a sense of security and confidence, even when challenges arise.

     • In the willingness to encourage and inspire others with joy.

6. Dedication and Obedience in Faith

   • Federal love calls us to consciously shape our lives in response to God’s love:

     • By following His commands, not out of duty but out of love.

     • By honoring Him daily through our actions and thoughts.

7. Practical Application Examples

   • Start the day with a prayer of thanks that centers on God’s love.

   • Be patient with a difficult coworker or neighbor, knowing that God’s chesed also applies to you.

   • Share your time or resources with people in need to make God’s love visible.

Why This Connection Is Important

Constantly remembering God’s federal love not only strengthens our faith but actively influences our thinking, decisions, and relationships. It gives our daily lives meaning, shows us how to find hope amid challenges, and makes us living witnesses of His goodness and faithfulness.

This connection between God’s love and our daily lives makes our faith not only visible but also experiential—for ourselves and for others.

God’s Faithfulness Is the Anchor That Holds Us in Every Situation – An Invitation to Respond to Him with Love and Devotion

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-2-covenant-love-2-2-covenant-love-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

January 6, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 2 Corinthians Chapter 11

¹ We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

² (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

³ Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

⁴ But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

⁵ In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

⁶ By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

⁷ By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

⁸ By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

⁹ As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

¹⁰ As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

¹¹ O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

¹² Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.

¹³ Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.

¹⁴ Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

¹⁵ And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

¹⁶ And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

¹⁷ Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

¹⁸ And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction

In 2 Corinthians chapter 11, Paul speaks with heartfelt words about his love for the church and his concern that it might be led astray by false apostles and their teachings. He illustrates how Satan’s deception, even as an “angel of light,” has led many astray. At the same time, Paul provides a glimpse into the countless sufferings and dangers he has endured in the service of Christ. This passage emphasizes the purity of the Gospel and encourages us to uphold the truth with zeal and humility.

Commentary

In this chapter, Paul employs a blend of sharp criticism, personal testimony, and rhetorical irony to convey his message. His concern is for the church, which is vulnerable to false teachings disguised as Christian doctrine. With the words, “For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light” (verse 14), Paul makes it clear that not everything that appears pious is truly from God. It is a call to vigilance against teachers who may appear convincing outwardly but preach a false gospel.

Paul also demonstrates his dedication by listing the many trials he has endured for the sake of Christ: imprisonments, beatings, shipwrecks, and his constant concern for the churches. This is not to glorify himself but to highlight his sincerity and commitment. At the same time, he emphasizes that true strength lies in weakness: “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness” (verse 30).

Summary

2 Corinthians chapter 11 is a passionate appeal from Paul to preserve the purity of the Gospel and not to be deceived by false apostles. He warns against deceptions that originate from Satan himself and provides a powerful testimony of his ministry, marked by suffering and sacrifice. Paul calls on the church to distinguish between truth and falsehood and to maintain humility and simplicity in Christ. At the same time, he reminds us that true strength is found in reliance on God and enduring weakness.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/06-01-2025-2-corinthians-chapter-11-believe-his-prophets/

Lesson 2.Covenant Love
Covenant Love – God’s Eternal Faithfulness and Our Response

In Lesson 2, we delve into the deep, unshakable love of God, known as federal love. This love forms the foundation of His relationship with us—a relationship marked by faithfulness, forgiveness, and grace. God’s love is not merely a feeling but an active expression of His character, visible in His covenants with humanity.

The Bible reveals that God’s love is infinite and unchanging, yet the blessings of His relationship require our response in the form of obedience, faithfulness, and love for others. Through studying this lesson, we learn how God’s love shapes our lives and calls us to pass on this love.

Lesson 2 invites us to discover the significance of God’s federal love and to reflect on how we can respond to it—in our relationship with God and in how we interact with others. We are encouraged to recognize the depth of God’s love, accept it, and make it visible in our daily lives.

2.1 The Everlasting Love of God
God’s Infinite Love – An Invitation to Salvation

Read Psalm 33:5 and 145:9. What do these verses teach about the extent of God’s goodness, compassion, and mercy?

This section highlights the central message of the Bible: God’s immeasurable love for every person. John 3:16 is aptly used as the core verse to illustrate God’s love and His plan for salvation. The reference to Psalm 33:5 and 145:9 invites us to explore God’s goodness and mercy, recognizing that His love knows no bounds.

Particularly moving is the address to those who feel unlovable. This perspective shows how comprehensive God’s love is—it applies to everyone, regardless of feelings of unworthiness. This thought offers comfort and hope, strengthening our trust in God’s unconditional acceptance.

A suggestion would be to further develop the idea of how to respond to God’s love in daily life, such as through trust, gratitude, and sharing this love with others.

Read 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4; and Ezekiel 33:11. What do these verses teach about God’s desire to save all people?

The cited verses—2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4; and Ezekiel 33:11—convey a powerful message about God’s desire for all people to be saved. They emphasize that God is not only love but also patience, compassion, and hope in every interaction with humanity. His will that no one should perish is a central aspect of His character.

John 3:17 complements this statement by describing God’s intention: He did not come to judge the world but to save it. It demonstrates God’s respect for human free will, making His love all the more significant—a love that does not force but invites.

The emphasis on Jeremiah 31:3 and Psalm 136 on the eternal nature of God’s love highlights the constancy and immutability of this love. It is inspiring to recognize that God’s love does not cease even in the face of rejection. This challenges us to ask ourselves how we experience and reflect this love in our lives.

The idea that a deeper understanding and experience of God’s love could shape our own behavior is extremely practical and encouraging. When we are permeated by this eternal love, we could indeed learn to treat others with patience, kindness, and mercy that goes beyond our own limitations. It would be helpful to add examples or prompts on how to concretely experience and share this love in everyday life.

If God loves all people, that means He must love some pretty despicable individuals, for there are some (indeed many) detestable people out there. What should God’s love for these people teach us about how we should also try to deal with these people?

God’s love for all people, including those we might consider despicable, reveals a profound truth: God’s love is unconditional and independent of human actions or character traits. This reality teaches us valuable lessons about how we should strive to interact with such individuals.

1. Distinguishing Between Person and Deed: God loves the person even if He rejects sin or evil. This distinction can help us approach others with compassion, even if we disapprove of their actions. It involves respecting a person’s dignity as God’s creation, even when we find their behavior immoral or harmful.

2. Humility Before Our Own Imperfection: Recognizing that God loves us despite our flaws should humble us. We all depend on God’s forgiveness. This humility can lead us to judge others less harshly and instead seek ways to extend grace to them.

3. Prayer and Hope Instead of Condemnation: Instead of condemning people, we could pray for them and hope that they will change. God does not give anyone up—this attitude can serve as our model. It helps to remember that even detestable people are loved by God and may be transformed by His grace.

4. Practical Love for Others: The challenge lies in treating people we find difficult with respect and kindness. This does not mean we condone their behavior or expose ourselves to harmful situations, but it does mean that we do not intentionally harm them or act out of hatred.

5. Remembering Jesus’ Example: Jesus showed love and compassion for sinners, outcasts, and even those who rejected Him. He called for repentance, but He did so out of love, not contempt. His example encourages us to act in love, even when it is difficult.

Learning to love despicable individuals is not an easy path, but it reflects the depth of God’s love. It requires patience, grace, and the willingness to question our own prejudices. In this attitude, we can not only receive God’s love but also pass it on—even to those who seem least deserving.

God’s eternal love is not only a theological truth but also a practical invitation to shape our thinking, feelings, and actions. Here are some concrete connections between the understanding of God’s immeasurable love and our daily lives and faith journey:

1. Trust in Difficult Times The assurance that God’s love is unshakable can provide comfort in times of doubt, pain, and failure. When we feel unloved or unworthy, God’s love reminds us that our value does not depend on our achievements but on His unconditional acceptance.

2. Gratitude in Daily Life By consciously acknowledging the breadth and constancy of God’s love, we can develop an attitude of gratitude. Thankfulness for God’s mercy can help us appreciate small joys in everyday life and maintain a perspective of hope even in challenges.

3. Patience with Others Remembering God’s patience with us motivates us to extend the same patience to others. In conflicts or tense situations, we can learn to work towards forgiveness and reconciliation instead of being driven by anger or resentment.

4. Love and Compassion for Neighbors The call to reflect God’s love means treating people with respect and kindness—even those who are hard to love. Practical examples might include:

   • Being kind to a difficult coworker or neighbor.

   • Supporting people in need, regardless of their background or behavior.

   • Praying for someone who has hurt us.

5. Humility in the Faith Life Recognizing that God loves all people equally leads us to humility. It reminds us that no one receives God’s love based on their own merits. This can encourage us to admit our own faults while not judging others too harshly.

6. Evangelism Through Lived Love God’s desire for all to be saved invites us to share His love. Our daily lives offer numerous opportunities to make this love visible through words, actions, and testimony—whether through sincere conversations about faith, practical help, or exemplifying a life in God’s peace.

7. Following Jesus in Dealing with Others Jesus showed us how to embody God’s love—through patience, compassion, and forgiveness even in difficult situations. In our daily lives, we can follow Jesus’ example in interacting with sinners and outcasts by encouraging, supporting, and giving them dignity.

Summary

God’s infinite love is the foundation for our trust in Him and a model for our actions. It calls us to live in gratitude, engage in loving our neighbors, and grow in humility. As we begin to experience and share God’s love in our daily lives, we not only transform our own lives but also the relationships with the people around us.

God’s love is unshakable—a gift that sustains us and a model we can pass on.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-2-covenant-love-2-1-the-everlasting-love-of-god-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

January 5, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 2 Corinthians Chapter 10

¹ Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

² But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

³ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

⁴ (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

⁵ Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

⁶ And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

⁷ Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.

⁸ For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

⁹ That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.

¹⁰ For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.

¹¹ Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.

¹² For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

¹³ But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

¹⁴ For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:

¹⁵ Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,

¹⁶ To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.

¹⁷ But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

¹⁸ For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction

2 Corinthians Chapter 10 is a striking example of Paul’s defense of apostolic authority amidst personal attacks and misunderstandings. In the church at Corinth, there were voices questioning his authority, both due to his outward appearance and his demeanor. Paul uses this opportunity to demonstrate that his strength and authority do not stem from human power or rhetoric, but from divine calling and the spiritual weapons he received through Christ. This chapter encourages us to recognize the value of God’s standards and to avoid judging by external or fleshly criteria.

Commentary

Gentleness and Spiritual Authority (Verses 1–6):
Paul begins with an appeal to the Corinthians to be guided by the gentleness and humility of Christ. He points out that his ministry is not based on human boldness or fleshly strength but on the power of God. The spiritual weapons he employs are mighty in demolishing strongholds of thought, pride, and false teachings. This illustrates that the true battle of faith is spiritual in nature and that Christ’s authority brings everything under His obedience.

Standards of True Authority (Verses 7–11):
Paul challenges the Corinthians with the question of whether they judge by outward appearances. He emphasizes that his connection to Christ is just as genuine as those who criticize him. He asserts that his authority comes from God and that his actions align with the words in his letters. This underscores that true spiritual authority is evident in the consistency between words and actions.

Humility in Service and the Glory of God (Verses 12–18):
Paul critiques the self-exaltation of some of his opponents who measure and praise themselves. He emphasizes that true praise comes only from God and that all work in Christ’s service must occur under God’s direction and within the scope of His calling. Paul demonstrates that he does not boast of others’ achievements but strives to spread the Gospel further and give glory to God.

Summary

2 Corinthians Chapter 10 highlights the true nature of spiritual authority and the spiritual battle. Paul demonstrates that human standards and fleshly weapons have no place in God’s service. Instead, true strength is rooted in the power of God, which can demolish strongholds of pride and unbelief. Paul encourages the church to grow in humility and obedience, reminding them that all glory belongs to God. This chapter invites readers to reevaluate their perspective and live according to Christ’s standards.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/05-01-2025-2-corinthians-chapter-10-believe-his-prophets/