What is a Covenant Breaker?
What are the general steps:
For becoming a “covenant breaker” defined in the Word of God?
In the Bible, a “covenant breaker” refers to someone who violates or fails to uphold their commitments or agreements made with God or others, often with serious consequences. Here are steps described in Scripture that can lead to covenant breaking:
Here is an initial overview:
-
Disobedience (Deuteronomy 17:2; Joshua 7:11-12): Intentionally disregarding God’s commands or laws.
-
Idolatry (Exodus 32; 2 Kings 17:7-23): Worshiping other gods or prioritizing worldly desires over loyalty to God.
-
Unfaithfulness (Malachi 2:10-16; Jeremiah 2:13): Failing to honor one’s vows, commitments, or relationships.
-
Rejection of God’s Word (1 Samuel 15:23; Proverbs 28:9): Refusing to listen or follow God’s teachings.
-
Hardness of heart (Mark 10:5; Hebrews 3:12-15): Allowing sin and unbelief to harden one’s heart.
- Misunderstands the mission of Christ ():
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mQr3X0Bm4Tchttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/mQr3X0Bm4Tc
What are the specific steps:
For becoming a “covenant breaker” in the word of God?
Initial Steps:
Disobedience:
-
Deuteronomy 17:2 (KJV): “If thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God…”
-
Joshua 7:11-12 (KJV): Israel’s sin led to covenant breaking.
Hardness of heart:
-
Mark 10:5 (KJV): “And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart…”
-
Hebrews 3:12-15 (KJV): “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief…”.
Progressive Steps:
Rejection of God’s Word:
-
1 Samuel 15:23 (KJV): “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry…”
-
Proverbs 28:9 (KJV): “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.”
Unfaithfulness:
-
Malachi 2:10-16 (KJV): “Have we not all one Father? hath not one God created us?…”
-
Jeremiah 2:13 (KJV): “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters…”.
Compromise and partial obedience:
-
1 Kings 11:1-11 (KJV): “But king Solomon loved many strange women…”
-
Revelation 3:15-16 (KJV): “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.”
Consequences:
Separation from God:
-
Isaiah 59:2 (KJV): “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God…”
-
2 Thessalonians 1:9 (KJV): “Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord…”.
Loss of blessings and protection:
-
Deuteronomy 28:15-68 (KJV): “But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God…”
-
Hosea 8:7 (KJV): “For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind…”.
Discipline and judgment:
-
Hebrews 10:26-31 (KJV): “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth…”
-
2 Samuel 12:1-14 (KJV): Nathan’s rebuke and David’s repentance.
Restoration:
Repentance:
-
1 John 1:9 (KJV): “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins…”
-
Acts 3:19 (KJV): “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…”.
Confession and forgiveness:
-
Psalm 51 (KJV): David’s prayer of repentance.
-
Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV): “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you…”.
Renewal of commitment:
-
2 Chronicles 34:31 (KJV): Josiah renews covenant.
-
Psalm 119:106 (KJV): “I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.”
Disobedience and Hardness of Heart,
Two initial steps toward becoming a covenant breaker:
Disobedience (Deuteronomy 17:2, KJV):
Disobedience involves intentionally disregarding or rebelling against God’s commands, laws, or principles. This can manifest as:
-
Direct disobedience: Willfully violating God’s explicit commands.
-
Indirect disobedience: Ignoring or neglecting God’s instructions.
Examples:
-
Adam and Eve’s disobedience (Genesis 3:6-7)
-
Israel’s idolatry and rebellion (Exodus 32; Joshua 7)
Consequences of Disobedience:
-
Separation from God (Isaiah 59:2)
-
Loss of blessings and protection (Deuteronomy 28:15-68)
-
Discipline and judgment (Hebrews 10:26-31)
Hardness of Heart (Mark 10:5, KJV):
Hardness of heart refers to a spiritual condition characterized by:
-
Unrepentance
-
Resistance to God’s Word
-
Emotional numbness
Causes of hardness of heart:
-
Sin and unbelief (Hebrews 3:12-15)
-
Repeatedly rejecting God’s message (Matthew 13:15)
-
Prioritizing worldly desires (Ephesians 4:18)
Consequences of Hardness of Heart:
-
Increased sinfulness (Romans 2:5)
-
Blinded understanding (2 Corinthians 4:4)
-
Eternal separation from God (2 Thessalonians 1:9)
Overcoming Disobedience and Hardness of Heart:
-
Repentance and confession (1 John 1:9; Acts 3:19)
-
Seeking God’s Word and guidance (Psalm 119:130)
-
Surrendering to God’s will (Romans 12:1-2)
How do modern day divorcees reflect:
the character of a covenant breaker?
In the context of modern-day divorce, a covenant breaker may exhibit the following characteristics:
-
Broken vows: Divorcing without valid biblical reasons (e.g., adultery, abuse) or without exhausting all efforts to reconcile.
-
Lack of commitment: Viewing marriage as disposable or temporary rather than a lifelong covenant.
-
Self-centeredness: Prioritizing personal happiness or desires above the well-being of the spouse or family.
-
Unwillingness to forgive: Refusing to work through conflicts or forgive past hurts.
-
Disregard for sacred bonds: Treating marriage as a contract rather than a sacred, lifelong commitment.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge:
-
Complex circumstances: Many divorces result from complex issues like abuse, addiction, or abandonment.
-
Biblical allowances: Scripture permits divorce in cases of adultery, abandonment, or abuse (Matthew 5:31-32; 1 Corinthians 7:15).
It’s crucial to approach this topic with empathy and understanding, recognizing that divorce can be a painful and complex issue.
How do men become covenant breakers in a biblical marriage?
In a biblical marriage, covenant breakers are typically those who violate the commitments and responsibilities associated with the marital covenant. While women can also be covenant breakers, here are some ways men may typically become covenant breakers in a biblical marriage:
-
Infidelity: Engaging in emotional or physical affairs outside the marriage, breaking the exclusivity and fidelity promised in the covenant.
-
Emotional abandonment: Withdrawing emotionally, causing harm and neglect, rather than actively engaging with and supporting their spouse.
-
Lack of spiritual leadership: Failing to provide spiritual guidance, support, and accountability, as encouraged in biblical teachings (Ephesians 5:25-33, 1 Peter 3:7).
-
Verbal or physical abuse: Using harmful words or actions, violating the biblical mandate to love and cherish one’s wife (Ephesians 5:25-33).
-
Neglecting responsibilities: Failing to provide for, protect, or care for one’s wife and family, contrary to biblical teachings (1 Timothy 5:8).
-
Refusing intimacy: Withholding physical or emotional intimacy without valid reasons, harming the marital bond.
-
Disregarding biblical values: Ignoring or dismissing biblical principles and values in the marriage.
-
Breaking communication: Refusing to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, or listen actively.
-
Prioritizing other relationships: Allowing other relationships (e.g., with friends, hobbies, or work) to supersede the marital relationship.
-
Lack of forgiveness and repentance: Failing to seek forgiveness, repent, or work towards healing and restoration when harming the marriage.
It’s essential to note that every situation is unique, and not all marriages will experience these specific issues. However, when men (or women) violate their marital covenant, it can have severe consequences for the relationship.
If you or someone you know is struggling in a marriage, consider seeking guidance from a biblical counselor, pastor, or trusted spiritual leader.
How do women become covenant breakers in a biblical marriage?
In a biblical marriage, covenant breakers are those who violate the commitments and responsibilities associated with the marital covenant. Here are some ways women may typically become covenant breakers:
-
Infidelity: Engaging in emotional or physical affairs outside the marriage, breaking exclusivity and fidelity.
-
Emotional withdrawal: Withholding emotional support, intimacy, or affection, harming the marital bond.
-
Disrespect and dishonor: Consistently showing disrespect, disdain, or contempt towards their husband, contradicting biblical teachings (Ephesians 5:33).
-
Refusing intimacy: Withholding physical or emotional intimacy without valid reasons.
-
Lack of submission: Refusing to submit to and support their husband’s leadership in the home (Ephesians 5:22-24, Colossians 3:18).
-
Financial dishonesty: Hiding or mismanaging finances, violating trust and partnership.
-
Parenting disagreements: Undermining or contradicting their husband’s parental authority and decisions.
-
Gossip or slander: Sharing harmful or confidential information about their husband or marriage.
-
Lack of forgiveness and repentance: Failing to seek forgiveness, repent or work towards healing and restoration when harming the marriage.
-
Prioritizing other relationships: Allowing relationships with friends, family or others to supersede the marital relationship.
It’s essential to recognize that:
-
Every situation is unique.
-
Not all marriages will experience these specific issues.
-
Both partners share responsibility for maintaining a healthy, biblical marriage.
-
Covenant breaking can have severe consequences.
If you or someone you know is struggling in a marriage, consider seeking guidance from a biblical counselor, pastor or trusted spiritual leader.
Additional resources:
-
Focus on the Family: [(link unavailable)]((link unavailable))
-
FamilyLife: [(link unavailable)]((link unavailable))
-
Biblical Counseling Coalition: [(link unavailable)]((link unavailable)
Questions answered and outlined by Meta.AI
.