What Does Testament Actually Mean in the Bible? | Dr Dharius Daniels | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

What Does Testament Actually Mean in the Bible?

Dr Dharius Daniels

Change Church • Dec 1, 2023 • 8 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this teaching, Dr. Dharius Daniels unpacks the biblical meaning of the word 'testament,' explaining how it represents both a covenant and a legal will. By examining Hebrews 9, he illustrates how the New Testament operates as a covenant of grace established by Christ's death. Understanding this truth helps believers realize that their divine inheritance is received through grace and relationship, not earned through human works.

Themes

Understanding ScriptureThe New CovenantGrace vs WorksSpiritual GrowthBiblical Inheritance

Key Points

1.
The word 'testament' in Scripture has two primary and distinct interpretations: 'covenant' (an agreement) and 'will' (a legal last will and testament).
2.
The Old Testament represents the Old Covenant or old will, while the New Testament represents the New Covenant or new will.
3.
The Old Testament is structured into sections containing Law, History, Wisdom, and Prophecy.
4.
The New Testament is compiled into Gospels, History (Acts), Pastoral Epistles, General Epistles, and Prophecy (Revelation).
5.
According to Hebrews 9:16-17, a testament or will requires the death of the testator before it legally comes into force.
6.
A personal will is fundamentally an agreement made first with oneself to determine how assets and responsibilities are distributed.
7.
A testament functions as a 'grace covenant' because beneficiaries do not earn their inheritance—they receive it based on relationship.
8.
God can place stipulations or conditions on how we receive aspects of our inheritance without converting grace into a system of works.
9.
Spiritual growth does not happen by accident; it requires intentionality, proper teaching, and personal commitment to learning Scripture.

Sermon Moments

“The word testament is typically interpreted two ways... one interpretation of the word testament is the word covenant, another interpretation of the word testament is the word will.”

“Spiritual life is not the only important part of your life; it is the most important part of your life because it affects every other part.”

“For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.”

“My will is a Grace Covenant... there's nothing my children do to 'earn' what I give to them, but be my children.”

“I still reserve the right to assign certain stipulations to who must do what to actually acquire what, but that's still not them working for what I give them.”

This Week

Read and reflect on Hebrews 9 this week to deepen your understanding of how Christ's death established the New Covenant.

Meditate on your identity as an heir of God, recognizing that your spiritual inheritance is based on grace rather than performance.

Reframe your view of God's instructions from 'working to earn favor' to fulfilling wise stipulations within a grace covenant.

Evaluate your current routine for spiritual growth and create an intentional plan to study the Bible beyond Sunday services.

Take time in prayer to thank God for the spiritual assets and promises He has bequeathed to you through Jesus Christ.

Practice explaining the distinction between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant to a friend or family member.

Audit your daily choices to ensure you are treating your spiritual life as the most vital aspect of your total well-being.

Remember This

The New Testament is a covenant of grace activated by Christ's death, granting believers an unearned inheritance based entirely on relationship with God.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.