Good evening. This morning we began a series that takes a look at a book of the Bible form the Old Testament. Now, some people may say that the Old Testament means little in today’s world. However, I believe that through scripture, we see the importance that the Old Testament really plays in a Christian’s life. So tonight, we are going to examine the importance of the Old Testament. Before we do that though, let’s begin with a word of prayer. Let’s Pray!
As we start, let me ask you, what benefit is the Old Testament to the Christian today?
Okay, is the Christian still under the rule of the OT? Do we have to follow it?
If not, why even bother with reading and studying the OT?
Well, it is true that Christians are not under the OT law anymore. However, it is still important that we read the OT in order to better understand things in today’s world. It can provide us with a great deal of knowledge about how to deal with things that still come our way today.
As Christians today, we have been delivered from the OT law. Turn with me to Romans 7:1-6. Here in this text of scripture, we find that through the body of Christ, we have been set free of the OT law. List to these verses with me. Romans 7:1-6 says, “1”
Turn with me now to Ephesians 2:14-16. Here in this passage, we learn that by Jesus’ death on the cross, He brought the OT covenant to an end. Ephesians 2:14-16 says, “2”
As we read in Galatians 3:23-25, we find that the main purpose of the OT was to lead the Jews to Christ. Now, Christ has actually come, and we need to follow Him.
Unfortunately, some Christians conclude from this that we need not read the OT. I have known individuals who have been Christians for more than 40 years who had never read through the OT because they though it was insignificant. I have heard of some who will not attend services if the Bible class or sermon series is based upon the OT. “Why bother, if we are not under the OT?” is the reasoning of some.
But let me ask you, “Is that the proper attitude of Christians toward the OT?
No, of course not. This kind of an attitude is wrong. It deprives the Christian of a wonderful source of peace and comfort that God provides for His children today! It also prevents the Christian from gaining wisdom and understanding concerning the life that now is, and that which is to come.
So, to help us to appreciate the value of the Old Testament, let's begin by asking: Why study the Old Testament? And to answer that question in a different way then we already have in our discussion, allow me to bring out 4 key reasons to study the Old Testament.
First, it was written for our admonition. Now, in order to understand that, we need to know what the word admonition means. Can anyone define that word for me? What does the word admonition mean?
Well, good old Webster’s Dictionary defines the word admonition as: counsel or warning against fault or oversight. Some words that mean the same thing as admonition would be: caution, warning, rebuke. So, the OT was written as a warning to us. I Corinthians 10:11 says, “These thins happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us…”
In I Corinthians 10:1-10, Paul had just reminded the Christians at Corinth of Israel’s fall in the wilderness. Note carefully what he says in verse 11, “These thins happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us…”
Now, the described may have happened to Israel, but “…they were written as a warning for US…” What we call the OT was written and preserved especially for the benefit of Christians! We should not be surprised to see how often New Testament writers appealed to the warnings of the OT. So it was recorded for us as a warning.
Secondly, it was written for our learning. Romans 15:4 tells us that, “…everything that was written in the past was written to teach us…” Prior to that verse, Paul had just appealed to a Messianic prophecy in the OT.
Once again, note carefully what he said in verse 4. “Things that were written in the past were written to teach us.” Again, the OT was written and preserved especially for the Christian’s benefit.
The OT provides a record of God's faithfulness, and how He kept His promises:
To Abraham and the nation of Israel. To judge the wicked and avenge the righteous. To forgive the penitent, and protect the humble. And as we read this history of God’s dealings with Israel, it gives us hope that God will keep His promises to us in the present and future alike. So it was written for our learning.
Thirdly, it makes one wise regarding salvation in Christ. II Timothy 3:14-15 says, “3”
Paul noted that Timothy had known the “Holy Scriptures” ever since childhood. When Timothy was a child, the only scriptures available would have been the OT. So Paul clearly had the OT in view. And so he said the OT is “…able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
And finally, it is profitable for doctrine, teaching, rebuking, correction, instruction and training in righteousness. II Timothy 3:16-17 says, “3”
When that verse says that “All Scripture…,” that would definitely include the OT scriptures, especially in the context of this passage. Therefore the OT is profitable for:
Doctrine - such as the nature of God, man, and sin.
Rebuking and correction - the need for repentance.
Instruction and training in righteousness - how to live godly lives.
So, with all of that, we now ask the question, “Should the Christian study the Old Testament? Of course! Along with the New Testament, because it was written, “…so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” To not read and study the OT is to deprive one of much warning, learning, wisdom, and instruction that God intended for His children to hear.
So, know all of that, what suggestions would you have for studying the OT?
Now, in encouraging you to study the OT, let me offer some suggestions for studying the OT.
First, include it in your Bible reading. Do not limit your daily Bible reading to just the New Testament. I would encourage you to read the whole Bible, and to incorporate both the New and the Old Testaments into your reading schedule. You can find many charts that will help you to read through the Bible in one year.
Some start with Genesis and end with Revelation. Others prefer reading portions from both OT and NT each day throughout the year. Whatever you decide to do, the important thing is to make the OT a part of your regular study of the Bible.
Secondly, consider using a more modern translation. When I was first going to church, I grew up on the New King James Version. Even at that, there is little problem with the NT; but the OT can be extremely difficult for some. It wasn’t until college that I began reading from the New International version, the NIV. It helps me out in both the New and the Old Testament. But again, the translation is not the point, the point is to find one that you understand, and to incorporate daily Bible study into your life.
Thirdly, take advantage of all the meeting that we have. We offer Sunday school classes, Sunday morning sermon times, Sunday evening discussion, and Wednesday evening Bible study. What better way is there to read the OT than to come to our Wednesday evening Bible studies right now? We are currently working through the book of Exodus.
And finally this evening, give special attention to Psalms, Proverbs, and the Prophets. Certainly all of God’s word is of great value, but some people might appreciate the value of the OT more quickly, by giving special attention to:
The Psalms - as a great source of comfort, peace, and drawing near to God, especially in troubling times.
The Proverbs - as a great source of practical wisdom for everyday living.
The Prophets - as a great source for learning about the righteousness, justice, mercy and love of God.
Now, before we close this evening, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, please realize that we should not ignore the OT, for it provides the background and setting of the NT, and much in the way of warnings, learning, comfort, hope, and even wisdom concerning our salvation in Christ.
Be careful not to neglect that which was written and preserved for OUR benefit... And remember, “All scripture is God breathed and is useful…”
Let’s Pray! |
