Introduction. I would like for us this evening to explore Jeremiah 31 considering not only the things that are taught about the New Covenant but how they relate to the promises of the kingdom that is established by the kingship of Christ.
I. New & Old Covenant.
II. New & Old Kingdom.
Remember Exodus 19:6 had spoken of Israel as a “kingdom of Priests” - In the beginning of Israel’s history this referred only to the fact that there was priesthood - i.e. the sons of Aaron. How was this a kingdom? - God was King over them. (I Samuel 8:5-7). They rejected God as their only king. The Law of Moses had pointed to such a time (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). Just as the covenant was something that was dependent upon faithfulness - so was the kingdom.
III. Concepts Compared.
Just as there were things in the Old Covenant that promised and pointed to the new, there were things in the Old Kingdom - the “kingdom of Priests” under God’s rule and after the kingdom of David that pointed to something new (Genesis 49:10). Note: “scepter” indicates rule, Judah is the tribe of David and ultimately Jesus - this is referring to Jesus. “Shiloh” Strongs - “He whose it is.”
Old Kingdom | New Kingdom |
Reign dependent upon king’s Faithfulness | Reign would never End |
Established Geographically | Would Possess All Other Kingdoms |
Let’s go back to Jeremiah 31:32 “Not According to the covenant...” Brother McLoud pointed this out to us Wednesday Night. How was it different? Note: (Jeremiah 32:33,34).
- Law in Mind and Written on the heart (vs. 33).
- “They Shall All Know Me” (vs. 34a).
- Forgiveness of sins (vs. 34b).
Old Covenant | New Covenant |
Forgiveness looked ahead | Forgiveness is provided |
Some did not know God | All know God |
Established by Ancestry | Established by Rule of Christ in the heart |
Conclusion. Sometimes we come across those who suggest that the Old Covenant is still binding. In doing so they miss the fact that in Christ we are promised something better. In the same way some often seek a physical kingdom like the kingdom of Saul or David. They fail to realize that in Christ we have a better covenant and a better kingdom. But this kingdom doesn’t come by “observation” this kingdom is within you. (Colosssians 1:13,14)