Cheater or Covenant Keeper? By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Jeremiah 3:20 - "Surely, as a wife treacherously departs from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD."
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Introduction:
In this critical hour, the Lord is calling His people to examine their hearts and lives. The question He places before us today is: Are you a cheater or a covenant keeper? Many believe they can serve both the world and God, but this is a dangerous delusion. The reality is clear: when we indulge in the ways of the world, we are in violation of our covenant with the Lord. God desires His people to remain faithful to Him, to be covenant keepers, and to reject the allure of spiritual adultery. As we explore this truth, let us open our hearts to hear from the Holy Spirit, who is ready to convict, restore, and keep us in righteousness.
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The Deception of the World’s Allure
Scripture Reference: 1 John 2:15 - "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
The world constantly offers tempting distractions and pleasures, attempting to pull believers away from their devotion to God. In this age of constant enticements, it is easy to be seduced into compromising our faith. The world promises fleeting happiness, but it only leads to spiritual death. Many people claim to love God but continue to flirt with the world and its vanities, living in a state of spiritual adultery. The Lord calls His people to remain faithful to Him, keeping the promises made to Him and rejecting the world’s ways.
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Covenant Keeping: A Call to Faithfulness
Scripture Reference: Ezekiel 16:8 - "Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine."
When we entered into a relationship with God, we made a covenant with Him. This covenant is sacred, and God expects us to remain faithful. Just as a husband and wife are bound by their vows, we are bound to God by the promises we have made to Him. Covenant keeping requires loyalty, trust, and a continual commitment to uphold the Word of God. The Lord desires His people to be true to their vows, resisting any temptation to break the covenant through disobedience or compromise.
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The Consequences of Spiritual Adultery
Scripture Reference: Hosea 4:12 - "My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God."
When we choose to live according to the world’s standards, we commit spiritual adultery. Just as infidelity destroys a marriage, spiritual adultery leads to a breakdown in our relationship with God. It invites curses and separation from His blessings. Those who indulge in idolatry, wickedness, and the ways of the world put themselves in a dangerous position. The Lord does not tolerate those who betray Him, and His Word warns of the consequences that follow.
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The Importance of Repentance and Restoration
Scripture Reference: 2 Chronicles 7:14 - "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
There is hope for those who have strayed from the path of righteousness. The Lord is always ready to restore those who repent and turn back to Him. He calls His people to humble themselves, seek His face, and return to the covenant they once kept. The Holy Spirit is available to search our hearts, reveal our weaknesses, and help us overcome temptations. We are not bound to sin; through repentance and restoration, we can return to a right relationship with God and receive His blessings.
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Summary:
In this message, we have seen the importance of remaining faithful to our covenant with God. The world and its temptations seek to draw us away from the truth, but we must resist these distractions and remain true to our promises. The Lord calls us to be covenant keepers, living lives of obedience, faithfulness, and holiness. When we stray, there is always an opportunity for repentance and restoration, but we must not take God's grace for granted. Instead, let us commit ourselves to live for Him and avoid the pitfalls of spiritual adultery.
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Conclusion:
As we reflect on the question, "Are you a cheater or a covenant keeper?" let us examine our hearts and lives. Are there areas where we have compromised our faith? Have we been drawn away by the enticements of the world? The Lord is calling us to remain faithful, to walk in obedience, and to keep our eyes fixed on Him. Let us be the warriors for righteousness who stand firm in our covenant with God, refusing to be led astray by the lies of the enemy.
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Call to Action:
If you recognize areas where you have been unfaithful or tempted by the world, I encourage you to take a moment to repent and return to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart, reveal any hidden sin, and empower you to overcome. Commit yourself anew to the covenant you made with God and stand firm in your faith.
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Final Word of Encouragement:
Remember, God desires to bless you and keep you in His covenant. He is a faithful God, and He will help you remain true to Him. As you seek to live for Him, trust that He will guide and strengthen you. Keep your eyes on Him, walk in His ways, and you will experience the fullness of His blessings. May you be found faithful and true, a covenant keeper in these last days.
