The
Purpose of the Old Testament
Introduction:
The purpose of
the Old Testament is a source of confusion for many in religion today. It is
claimed that that
Christians can worship w/musical instruments because David praised God
w/harps/horns/etc. in Psalms. It is also claimed that Christians must worship
on the Sabbath day because the Ten Commandments are still binding today. In 1 Cor. 10:6, 11 – we are given explanation as to
why the Old Testament was written. See also Rom. 15:4. In this lesson we will discuss God’s purpose in
giving us the Old Testament.
I. The OT was not
given to reveal God’s plan of redemption for man.
A.
Vast majority of persons believe that keeping 10 commandments
will save man.
1.
But in order for man to be
saved it necessary to have a new covenant!
2.
Heb. 8:6-9, 13. Nowhere in OT do we read of how to be
saved from sin.
3.
OT to bring persons to
Christ. (a schoolmaster –
Gal. 3:24)
B.
The gospel of the new covenant is what brings salvation.
1.
Rom. 1:16 – gospel =
power of man’s salvation.
2.
What is the gospel? Answer: 1 Cor. 15:1-4.
II. The OT given so the Israelites would
know what God expected of them.
A.
Given to them and only to them! (Deut. 5:1-3.)
B.
Ex. 20:1-2 – 10 commandments given to Israelites. See also Ex. 34:27-28.
C.
When we study the OT – it must be remembered that every
commandment given there pertained to the Israelites of old.
III. The OT was given to reveal God and
to show man’s origin.
A.
Gen. 1:1
– basic: in the
beginning….God….Psa. 139 – He is superior to us.
B.
Gen. 1:26-28 – origin of man told to us. Se also 2:7-8; 21-25.
C.
It is here that we see the nature of man in relationship to God.
IV. We can gain a religious vocabulary from the OT.
A.
We understand many of the
words in the New Testament because of the Old Testament. For example: sin; sacrifice;
atonement; forgiveness; offering.
B.
we
would have it hard understanding the majority of the NT if we did not have the
OT to tell us of:
1.
man’s fall from grace (Gen. 3)
2.
God’s plan of
redemption beginning in Gen. 12
3.
The scenes of
God’s plan unfolding throughout OT.
V. The OT was written
for our learning.
A.
See our text: 1 Cor. 10:6, 11; Rom. 15:4.
1.
If we are still bound by
its precepts – we are a debtor to keep the whole law. (Gal. 5:2-4)
2.
OT
teaches us the importance of keeping the commandments given to us! (found w/in
the NT)
B.
Israel did not keep the commandments given to them – and
they suffered b/c of it.
C.
Application of 1 Cor
10: if we act the same way toward
the law of Christ – we can expect to suffer as promised.
VI. OT given to announce God’s
plan of redemption.
A.
Isa. 53 – shows us how God would offer His Son on behalf of
men. See also Psa. 22 – which gives a graphic prophecy of Christ’s death
on the cross.
B.
God’s plan of action – was executed by Jesus’
death/burial/resurrection.
Conclusion:
A.
2 Tim. 3:16-17 - The OT can be profitable for us today –
when it is used properly.