OUR COVENANT OF LONGEVITY

SERIES: DIVINE PROTECTION –PSALM 91

TEXT:   PSALM 91:14-16

God has a provision for us to enjoy a long and productive life here on earth. It is in the covenant we share in Christ Jesus.

Let us learn:-

I.  WHAT IS COVENANT OF LONGEVITY?

• Longevity simply means living to your appointed full age. (Job 5:26)
• Longevity for the believer also means, living to be above 70 years! (Psalm 90:10)
• But the covenant of longevity is more than living to old age; it is living a satisfying long life. (Psalm 91:16)

II.  WHAT DOES A SATISFYING LONG LIFE LOOK LIKE?

• Long life is satisfying when it is lived in strength and health (Deut.33:24-25)
• Long life is satisfying when it has the assurance of eternal glory (Heb.9:27, Dan. 12:2-3), You will fulfil your days.
• Long life is satisfying when it fulfils its calling and purpose (2 Tim.4:6-8)
• Long life is satisfying when it is enjoyed in blessing and influence (Isa.65:19-23)
• Long life is satisfying when it leaves a lineage and prosperity of grace (Psalm 112:1-3, Gen.48:1-3)

III. HOW TO END THE CYCLE OF PREMATURE DEATH.

1. Break the power of death.

• According to the Bible, death is a state, a personality and a force.
• There is a condition called death, there is a spiritual entity called death and there is a power that works out death (Rev. 6:1-10, Rev.20:13-14)
• The dominion of death over humanity started from Adam at the Garden of Eden (Gen.2:17)
• But at Christ resurrection, the dominion of death over the child of God was taken away (Rev.1:8)
• We as true believers in Christ are no more victims of death in Christ, we are victorious over death.
• There are three ways to break the power of death over our lives:

1. Remove the sting of death (I Cor.15:53-55)

• Anywhere sin reigns, death is empowered (Rom.6:23)
• Sin weakens the spiritual immune system.
• Sin steals boldness and authority in prayer.
• Sin allows demons to build alliances with natural pathogens, thereby establishing a stronghold in small diseases (Hosea 7:1-2)
• We remove the sting of death when we recover the fear of God (Pro.14:27; 16:6)

2. Reject the fear of death (Heb.2:14)

• Fear makes the negative your dominant thought and life always moves in the direction of your dominant thought.
• Fear refuses options that may be divine opportunities (Psalm 23:4)

3. Resist and destroy every death dealer (Luke 10:19, Mark 16:17)

• Infirmity, genetic witchcraft, assassins etc.

1. Stay away from presumptuous sins (Psalm 19:7-14)

• Presumptuous sins are sins we take for granted.
• Presumptuous sins are sins that don’t look sinful but spiritually deadly.
• let us look at three deadly presumptuous sins

1. Bitterness (I John 3:14-15)
2. Wrong talk (Prov.18:20-21, Psalm 34:12-14, Deut.30:19)
3. Lack of financial integrity (Jer.17:11, Zech.5:1-4, I Sam 2:27-33)

How do you deal with presumptuous sins?

• Treat God’s word like God’s word.
• Live in the obedience of truth (Rev.22:14)
• Be deep about conviction and repentance (2 Cor.7:10)
• The Holy Spirit does not condemn, but He convicts deeply.
• Grace is not a license to continue in sin, but empowerment unto right living (Rom.6:12-15)
• Do good works (Daniel 4:27)
• There are acts that trigger mercy and long life (Ezekiel 33:14-16)
• Do necessary restitution, give alms to the poor.
• Sponsor kingdom projects, be proactive about making peace.
• When sin is arrested, satanic authority is broken (Colossians 1:13-14) so take authority.

1. Be intentional about healthy living.

• Life has no duplicate, healthy life is a good foundation for long life.
• When health is abused, longevity is reduced.
• To be intentional about healthy living is to acquire and apply available wisdom for life preservation, good health and longevity (Pro.3:13-16)

1. Continually treat your body like a Holy temple (I Cor.6:18-20)

• Live in purity, eat right, sleep well, exercise often, avoid drug abuse.

2. Recognize and deal with the disease in the spirit, soul and body (Gen.2:17, Prov.17:22)
3. Counter negative prognosis with the covenant.

• Prognosis is making a forecast of how it will end.
• Only God has the true prognosis.
• Never accept a negative opinion, counter it, silence is consent (Pro.18:20-21).
• The positive use of your mouth is critical to your total wellbeing (Isa.57:19)

1. Continually draw life from the supernatural

• Whatever we call life, health, strength, intellect, emotion etc, entered the human body as a supernatural deposit.
• Dwell in the secret place of the Almighty, receive by faith resources from God to empower your natural life (2 Cor. 5:4)

1. Be radically committed to covenant lifestyle. Right thinking, talking, living, God first lifestyle, kingdom service, covenant tithing (Psalm 91:14-16)
2. Continually empower your spirit to dominate the body through prayer and fasting.
3. Confront every threat of death with spiritual weapons (James 5:14, I Cor.11:28-30, John 15:1-10)
4. Obedience is the key to longevity

• The will of God, His desires towards you is to enjoy a long life with fulfilment.
• Obedience will unlock God’s protection and His angels will guard you all your days.
• However, if you disobey and break his laws, the hedge that guards you will be removed and your enemy will reach you and pursue you till you are destroyed.
• Determine to walk with God, dwell permanently in the secret place of the Most High, Abide permanently under the shadow (Umbrella) of the Almighty.
• Let God’s presence be your home, you belong there.

CONCLUSION;

• God promises you long and satisfying life if you dwell in Him.
• There will be no premature death in your family for His angels will continue to guard and protect you.
• Make the Most High your refuge, your habitation, your dwelling place.
• Divine protection is your covenant privilege as a child of God.