Why Study the Old Testament.
1. All scriptures are inspired - and able to make wise unto salvation - 2 Timothy 3:15-16
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (KJV)
2. We are to live by EVERY word that proceeds out the mouth of God -
a. While the OT not our LAW for conduct - see notes* - it does teach us many things.
b. Many principle taught - such as Proverbs, righteousness, mercy, etc.
3. OT is the background to the NT -
a. Gives us understanding of events in Jesus life -
b. Gives us insight into the meaning of Hebrews -
4. The OT contains prophecies and other writings that predict and point toward Christ.
a. Search the scriptures….. - John 5:39
b. They testify of me…. Luke 24:24-26
c. They are then part of the fundamental proof that Jesus of Nazareth is THE CHRIST, THE MESSIAH -
1. Acts 3:12-19
2. Acts 13:22-37
5. The OT history is true -
a. Jesus said ‘they could not be broken’ - John 10:35;
b. Matthew 22:29
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. (KJV)
c. Matthew 19:4
4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, (KJV)
d. ETC. (see list)
6. The events of the OT are written for our learning and ‘examples’ -
1 Corinthians 10:6
6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. (KJV)
1 Corinthians 6:11
11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (KJV)
Romans 15:4
4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (KJV)
LESSONS FROM OT
1. God is the creator of all the earth…
2. All men are from God and subject to Him
3. God is faithful to His word - what He promises He fulfills. What He threatens.. He carries out.
4. God is merciful - is if ‘willing’ to forgive - He WANTS to forgive - He calls us to repent….
5. Death / Sin - because of Satan -
6. Purpose and perpetuity of marriage -
OT NOT our law of conduct:
1. Gal. 3:24ff - was a ‘schoolmaster’ to bring us to Christ - NOW that Christ HAS come - not UNDER the schoolmaster(the law).
2. New covenant promised - Jer. 31:31-35,
A. Heb. 8:6 - more excellent ministry - mediator of a BETTER covenant - the NEW
B. Heb. 8:7f - quotes from Jer. 31:31-35
C. Heb. 9:15 - He IS the mediator of the new testament - that those called under the FIRST testament might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
D. Heb. 13:20 - the blood is of the everlasting covenant.
3. Romans 7:
A. we are FREE from THE LAW - vs.3
B. We are DEAD to THE LAW - vs. 4
C. We are DELIVERED from THE LAW - vs. 6
D. WHAT LAW - the one that taught ‘thou shalt not covet’ - vs. 7
4. 2 Cor. 3:1-18
A. Old law vs. NEW Testament (vs. 6)
B. Old was to be ‘done away’ - vs 6,11,
C. End = to be abolished, vs. 13
5. Eph. 2:14-19
A. Christ ‘broke down’ the dividing wall - the law of commandments contained in ordinances…
B. Christ broke it down by abolishing the enmity - the law….
6. 1 Cor. 9:20-21
A. To those under THE LAW (Jews) - became ‘as’ - BUT-
B. NOT BEING MYSELF UNDER THE LAW…
1. though KJV omits - is in most Greek mss. Cp -
C. To those w/- the law - as one without the law -
D. NOT WITHOUT LAW - BUT UNDER LAW TO CHRIST