The Continuing Relevance of the Old Testament
Pastor Tim's sermon explores the continued relevance of the Old Testament for Christians. He argues that the Old Testament reveals God's unchanging character, forms the majority of the story of redemption leading to Jesus, and serves as a foreshadowing of Jesus's life and ministry. While Christians are not bound by Old Testament law, its moral teachings remain relevant, guided by the principles of love and grace established in the New Testament. Ultimately, Pastor Tim emphasizes that understanding the Old Testament enriches one's understanding of Jesus and the entirety of Christian faith.
Does The Old Testament Still Matter? A Study Guide
Short Answer Questions (2-3 sentences each):
According to Pastor Tim, what is the difference between relevance and applicability in relation to scripture?
How does Pastor Tim use the analogy of basketball to explain the concept of relevance and applicability in the Old Testament?
What is Pastor Tim's response to the idea that God is portrayed as angry in the Old Testament and Jesus as nice in the New Testament?
Why is understanding the concept of progressive revelation important when studying the Bible?
What does Pastor Tim mean when he says the Old Testament is two thirds of the story of redemption?
How does the story of the Israelites being attacked by snakes in the Book of Numbers connect to Jesus?
According to Pastor Tim, how do the stories of Jonah and Joseph foreshadow Jesus?
What is the significance of John the Baptist calling Jesus "the Lamb of God"?
What does Pastor Tim mean when he says we are not under the Old Testament law but under grace?
How does Pastor Tim address the question of whether or not Christians should get tattoos?
Answer Key:
Relevant information has lasting significance and meaning while applicable information can be acted upon immediately. In the context of scripture, some Old Testament content is relevant but not directly applicable to modern life.
Pastor Tim explains that, like his old basketball plays, some Old Testament laws are no longer applicable. However, the broader concepts and principles learned, like defensive stances, remain relevant and applicable to Christians today.
Pastor Tim argues that God's character is consistent throughout scripture. He highlights God's mercy at the Fall and Jesus' strong rebuke of the Pharisees as examples of both grace and judgment in both Testaments.
Progressive revelation refers to the unfolding nature of God's self-revelation over time. It recognizes that the full story of God is revealed gradually throughout scripture, culminating in Jesus. Understanding this concept helps avoid misinterpretations that arise from reading sections in isolation.
The Old Testament forms the larger portion of the Biblical narrative, laying the foundation for understanding God, his covenant with humanity, and the promise of a Messiah. This foundation is crucial for comprehending the fulfillment of God's plan in the New Testament.
In Numbers 21, those bitten by snakes were healed by looking at a bronze serpent on a pole. Jesus compares this to his own crucifixion, stating that just as the Israelites were saved by looking at the serpent, humanity is saved by believing in him.
Pastor Tim describes Jonah as a flawed individual who disobeyed God, contrasting him with Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled God's mission. Similarly, Joseph, who was betrayed and ultimately saved his people, prefigures Jesus' sacrifice and salvation.
The title "Lamb of God" evokes the sacrificial lambs offered for the atonement of sins in the Old Testament. It signifies Jesus' role as the ultimate, perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity, fulfilling the Old Testament foreshadowing.
Being under grace means Christians are not bound by the specific legal requirements of the Old Testament law. Instead, they are guided by the Holy Spirit and called to live by the principles of love and obedience exemplified by Jesus.
Pastor Tim acknowledges the Old Testament prohibition against tattoos but stresses that Christians are not bound by this law. Instead, he encourages them to consider whether getting a tattoo is consistent with the higher principles of loving God and others. He highlights the potential for tattoos to become idols or distractions from following Jesus.
Essay Questions:
Explain how the Old Testament reveals God's unchanging character. Provide specific examples from both the Old and New Testaments to support your argument.
Discuss the concept of progressive revelation in the Bible. How does understanding this concept enhance our understanding of both the Old and New Testaments?
Analyze the significance of Jesus being referred to as "the Lamb of God." How does this title connect to Old Testament themes and prophecies, and what does it reveal about Jesus' mission and identity?
"We are not under the law, but under grace." Explain this statement in light of Pastor Tim's sermon. How does this understanding impact the way Christians approach the Old Testament law?
Using Pastor Tim's analogy of tattoos, discuss the tension between freedom in Christ and responsible living. How can Christians discern the will of God in areas where the Bible does not offer explicit instructions?
Glossary of Key Terms:
Applicable: Capable of being applied or put to use; relevant and practical.
Character: The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.
Covenant: An agreement between God and his people, involving promises and obligations.
Grace: God's unmerited favor and love towards humanity.
Idol: An object or concept that replaces God as the focus of one's worship and devotion.
Law: The system of rules and regulations given by God to his people, particularly in the Old Testament.
Progressive Revelation: The unfolding nature of God's self-revelation over time through scripture.
Redemption: The act of delivering from sin and its consequences through Jesus Christ.
Relevant: Bearing a significant relationship to the matter at hand; meaningful and applicable.
Sacrifice: An offering made to God, often involving the death of an animal, as a symbol of atonement for sins.
This study guide is designed to help you review your understanding of Pastor Tim's sermon. By engaging with these questions and terms, you can deepen your comprehension of the relationship between the Old and New Testaments and the enduring relevance of the Old Testament for Christians today.
