Scripture Reading: Hebrews 8:6-13
THE OLD TESTAMENT TODAY
Intro.
1. Failure to distinguish between OT & NT causes much religious error, confusion & misunderstanding.
2. 2 Tim. 2:15 – Responsible for properly handling the Bible.
3. The divisions of the Bible, what the OT is & is not for.
I. OT: FROM CREATION TO CHRIST.
A. Patriarchal Age: Adam to Sinai (Rom. 5:14).
· Key Figure: Abraham – Gen. 12:1-3, 7.
1. Nation promise: Fulfilled in Israel (Exo. 19:4-6).
2. Land promise: Fulfilled in Canaan (Josh. 21:43).
3. Seed promise: Fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:16).
B. Jewish Age: Sinai to Pentecost.
1. Written Law of Moses separated Jews & Gentiles – Deut. 5:1-3; Eph. 2:14 (Rom. 2:14).
2. New covenant coming for all men: Jer. 31:31-34; Isa. 42:1, 5-7.
a. Jesus fulfilled the old law - Matt. 5:17-18 (cf. Rom. 10:4); Lk. 24:44-45.
b. His new covenant is established – Heb. 8:6-13 (7:12; 9:16).
3. Authority of OT law abolished by Christ – Eph. 2:14-18; Col. 2:14.
II. NT: FROM CHRIST TO ETERNITY – Acts 2:16-21; Heb. 1:1-2; 1 Pet. 1:20. (“Last days”)
A. The Gospel Age: Pentecost Forward - Matt. 28:18-20 (Universal in scope & authority).
B. Until the End of the World: 1 Cor. 15:24-26.
III. WHAT THE OT WAS / IS FOR:
A. A National Law for Israel As God Prepares to Give a Savior to the World – Gen. 12:3; Exo. 19:5-6 -- Gal. 4:4-5.
B. Its Nature: Temporary Law Until Christ Came, Gal. 3:19 (16). -“Added” to the promise until the seed came (Christ).
C. A Schoolmaster to Bring Men to Christ – Gal. 3:24.
1. Teach man about sin (Gal. 3:22):
a. Identify sin & teach against it – Rom. 3:20; Gal. 3:23 (Rom. 11:32).
b. Man’s need for redemption – Heb. 10:1-3.
c. Death is necessary to be redeemed from sin – Heb. 9:22.
d. Adequate sacrifice to forgive sin was not available under the Law of Moses - Heb. 10:1-4. (Necessary conclusion: OT could not save!)
2. Teach man about the coming Savior – 2 Tim. 3:15; Ac 17:2-4.
D. OT is for Our Learning – Rom. 15:4.
1. Warnings against sin (1 Cor. 10:6, 11).
2. Taught to be patient – Heb. 11:13-16.
3. Taught to fear God & wait on (hope in) Him (fear Him) – Micah 7:7.
IV. WHAT THE OT IS NOT FOR TODAY:
A. Not for the Sinner’s Salvation / Justification – Rom. 3:20-26; Gal. 2:21; 3:21. (Inheritance of the promise not by the law – Gal. 3:18)
B. Not Our Binding Authority Today – Matt. 17:5; Col. 2:15-17; Acts 15:10-11.
Conclusion
1. With this knowledge we will know:
a. Where to go to find how to be saved (Rom. 1:16).
b. Where to go to find how to worship God (Jno. 4:21-23).
c. Where to go to authorize all things before God (Col. 3:17).
d. How to properly use & benefit from the OT (Rom. 15:4).
2. Study, know & grow in understanding & proper use of OT.
3. Go to the NT for your salvation & service to God today.