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Discover the importance of studying the Old Testament, its relevance to the New Testament, historical insights, and practical lessons for a deeper understanding of God's word.
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Are we under the Old Law Today? • NO! • It was nailed to the cross – Colossians 2:14, Ephesians 2:14-15, Galatians 3:19-24 • Much of the New Testament is devoted to understanding we are NOT under the Old Law anymore
Are we under the Old Law Today? • Understand the Old Testament… • Does not determine how we become a Christian (are saved) Acts 4:12, Romans 1:16 • Is not a guide for how we worship God today – John 4:23-24
Are we under the Old Law Today? • Understand the Old Testament… • Does not determine the pattern for the New Testament church (though parts foreshadowed the church) • Does not govern how to live as Christians, remain faithful and receive forgiveness as sins
Why Study the Old Testament? • Consider… • The events are real • It tells the story of man’s redemption on this earth • Its telling is different than a typical history book – its brevity, etc. • Study it intending to understand it & to enhance our understanding of the New Testament
Why Study the Old Testament? • Because it is the word of God • 2 Peter 1:19-21 • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – all scripture given by inspiration is profitable… • Even Jesus referred to it as inspired – Luke 24:44, cf. Matthew 4:4
Why Study the Old Testament? • Because we are told to learn from it • Romans 15:4 - things written before for our learning • 1 Corinthians 10:11 – examples for us to learn • Galatians 2:24 – our “schoolmaster”
Why Study the Old Testament? • We can better understand certain New Testament concepts • Jesus often appealed to the Old Testament – Matthew 5:17, 22:31-32, 12:5; 4:4 • We can better appreciate spiritual concepts – sanctification, redemption, sacrifice, etc.
Why Study the Old Testament? • We can better understand certain New Testament concepts • Type/antitypes – some of God’s pattern in the Old Testament was looking toward ultimate fulfillment under the New Law • Cf. Ephesians 3:10-11 • Hebrews 8:5 (9:23-24) the pattern for the tabernacle
Why Study the Old Testament? • We can better understand certain New Testament concepts Type/antitypes – • 1 Peter 3:20-21 – baptism • Galatians 4:21-31 (vs. 24 – symbolic) • Romans 5:12-15 – Adam a type of Christ (opposite) • Revelation
Why Study the Old Testament? • It is constantly referred to in the New Testament • More than 800 times, it is referred to, alluded to or quoted. • Romans, Hebrews, Galatians – How did they explain the Old Law was completed? By appealing to it
Why Study the Old Testament? • Numerous life lessons: • Character studies (Hebrews 11) • James 5:10-11– patience of Job • James 5:17-18 – Elijah & prayer • 1 Corinthians 10:1-10 – how NOT to behave
Why Study the Old Testament? • I confirms our faith: • Answers to the key questions of life -(cf. Genesis 1:1), the “young earth”? where did sin come from? (Genesis 3), etc. • Prophecy – John 5:39. Hundreds of direct prophecies about Jesus and His kingdom. Isaiah 53, Psalm 22 – details about the crucifixion of JesusLuke 24:44, 1 Peter 1:10-12
Why Study the Old Testament? • I confirms our faith: • Science and archaeology confirm the “Author”Job 26:7 – hangs the earth on nothingIsaiah 40:22 – circle of the earthPsalm 8:8 – the paths of the sea (Matthew Maury, 1860)Genesis 1:21 – “after its kind”
Why Study the Old Testament? • I gives us practical lessons about living: • Again, consider the various examples of character, both good and bad • The “wisdom literature” Proverbs & Ecclesiastes – both give practical information about man as true today as always (The nature of man doesn’t change)
Why Study the Old Testament? • I can help us better understand God: • Records the history of God’s dealings with man • His nature never changes (Hebrews 13:8, Psalm 102:27, Malachi 3:6) • We learn of His character – Psalm 139, 111:9, cf. Romans 11:22 • He is in control – 2 Peter 3:5-6 • Psalms teach us how to praise Him
Let us consider ALL of God’s word with the respect it deserves!