Covenant: How to Use This Study

What Is a Covenant?

A covenant is a solemn, binding commitment that creates a relationship and puts the one who makes it under obligation. It is more than a contract and much more than a nice feeling. In the ancient world, covenants were made with oaths, signs, witnesses, and sometimes blood. Over the next twelve weeks we will follow this idea from Noah to the Lord's Supper, and we will keep running into the same surprise: the God of the Bible keeps binding himself. He makes promises he does not have to make, and he keeps them when his people do not.

The Method: Observe, Interpret, Apply

This is an inductive study. That means we start with the text itself and let it lead, instead of starting with what we already think it says.

• Observe asks, What does it say? Who is speaking? What words repeat? What does God do, and what do people do? Slow down and notice.
• Interpret asks, What does it mean? Here we think about the passage in its own setting and in the whole story of Scripture. Each question has a short "Consider" note so you won't be left guessing.
• Apply asks, What is it doing to me? Hebrews 4:12 says God's word is living and active and discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart. We don't only read the Bible; it reads us. So these questions are about trust, fear, and how you relate to God, not only about what to do next.

Alone or Together

On your own: Set aside 30 to 45 minutes. Keep a Bible, a pen, and a notebook handy. Write your answers down, even short ones. Writing slows you down, and slowing down is half of good Bible study. You don't have to finish everything in one sitting.

In a group: Have everyone work through Read and Observe before you meet. Spend your time together on Interpret and Apply. Let people answer honestly, including "I'm not sure." The "For Groups" section at the end of each week offers a starting point.

One Habit Worth Keeping

Before you answer a single question, read the passage slowly, more than once, and at least once out loud. It may feel strange at first. But Scripture was written to be heard, and reading aloud helps you catch repeated words and the rhythm of what God is saying. Most of what you will find in this study, you will find by reading slowly.

Each lesson is posted weekly. Start with Week 1, Genesis 9:8–17.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.