Is the Law of Moses Binding Today?

Introduction:

A major problem in the early church was a proper understanding of the law of Moses. Jewish Christians sought to bind it on Gentile Christians (Acts 15:1-6).  Some Jewish Christians still tried to observe certain elements of the law (Acts 21:20). The issue prompted several epistles from Paul, and was a problem in Ephesus – where Paul left Timothy – 1 Tim. 1:2-4. Some were straying in their use of the law – 1 Tim. 1:5-7.  Similar situations exist today when people fail to understand the purpose & limitations of the law.

I.  The OT is not the law for the church. Why?

A.    The OT law was given to a specific group of people: Jews. Ex 34:27

1.     Deut. 5:1-3; Neh. 9:13-14 – The Mosaic covenant was for the Jews.

2.     Ex. 31:16-17 – it was the Israelites who were to observe the Sabbath.

B.    OT law was temporary & came to an end. Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8:6-13

C.    The OT law was nailed to the cross. 2 Cor. 3:11, 14; Eph. 2:15-16; Col. 2:14

D.    The OT as a law for God’s people was removed by the death of Jesus.

II.  We must not use the Law Improperly.

A.    Since the law done away – then we must understand…

1.     Salvation is not in the old law.  Acts 4:12; Rom. 1:16

2.     To seek salvation from old law – renders the death of Jesus meaningless - Gal. 2:21

3.     The gospel of the new covenant is what brings salvation. (Rom 1:16)

B.    The law is not a guide for Christian worship.  Col. 3:17; 2 John 9

1.     NT ushered in a more spiritual worship – John 4:20-24; Heb. 9:9-10.

C.    The law is not a pattern for the church.  1 Cor. 3:11; Heb. 10:1.

1.     Acts 16:1-3; 21:18-26; 1 Cor. 9:19-20 – there was no problem w/Jewish Christians observing various elements of the Law as a personal matter.

2.     But…these personal practices were NOT to be bound on Gentile Christians.  Gal. 2:3-5; Col. 2:16.

III.  Is the OT a valuable Bible Study Tool for Today’s Christian?

A.    The OT answers some of life’s basic questions.

1.     Who created the world? Gen. 1:1 – God.

2.     Who is God? Psalm 139; 103

a)    He is eternal – Psa 90:2; Mal. 3:6

b)    He is holy – Isa. 6:1-3; 57:15

c)    He is just – Psa. 145:17; Isa. 45:21

d)    He is love – Ex. 34:6; Psa 103:8; Isa 55:7

3.  Is God involved in the affairs of men? Daniel 2:4-5

3.     How did man originate? Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7-8; 21-25

4.     What happens when man falls into sin? Isa 59:1-2; Psa 51

B.    It is profitable for reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.

1.     It contained basic principles of righteousness. (Rom. 12:19-21; 1 Pet 3:8-12; Heb. 12:4-7)

2.     The law revealed much about sin (Gal. 3:19; Rom. 3:19-20).

C.    The law is profitable for learning & admonition. Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11-12

1.     the OT was written for our learning – that we might have hope.

2.     The OT was written for our admonition – that we might not fall.

Conclusion:

A.    The Law should be treasured in that it supplies a means of our learning about God, morality, and righteousness. 

B.    Have you responded to Jesus for salvation?