The Use of the Old Testament I. Introduction A. We have a large portion of our Bibles that has often been contentious regarding how we use it B. This portion of the Bible is the Old Testament 1. Genesis through Malachi 2. Explains the Creation, the development of mankind, God's choice of Israel and Israelite history, and the promise of the future redemption in Christ C. Throughout history, men have believed in two extremes and everywhere in between regarding how to use the OT 1. One extreme, the "Judaizers," believed that the Law of Moses was still fully in effect and that all Christians-- even Gentiles-- were to live by them 2. The other extreme, seen in an individual named Marcion ca. 150 CE, asserted that the OT was basically worthless, a treatise for an imperfect and all-too-human God that Jesus Christ came to correct D. We certainly do not believe that we should hold to all of the Law, yet we also know that the OT is not worthless E. Where, then, shall we stand? Let us examine how the Bible itself speaks of the OT and its use for the Christian II. Using the OT for Doctrine A. Many groups in "Christendom" use Old Testament passages to justify their doctrines and believe that the OT can be used for doctrine B. Many passages are given to defend this idea, especially Matthew 5:17-18 1. But what does Jesus say? He says that the law would not pass away until heaven and earth passes away...until all is fulfilled! 2. He then says that He came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets! 3. We see, then, that Jesus fulfilled the Law in His life; when He did so He was able to push the Law aside, as we shall see below C. Ephesians 2:11-18 1. Here we see that Paul declares that the Gentiles have been brought into the fold since Christ Jesus broke down the "wall of partition," which he defines as "the Law of commandments contained in ordinances" 2. A clear reference to the Law of Moses, which provided the markers of difference between Israelite and Gentile D. Colossians 2:13-17 1. We see Paul using similar language here 2. The Law as nailed to the cross 3. Conclusion? We are not to be judged for Jewish festivals 4. These things are defined as only the shadow of what was to come; Christ is the actual substance E. Hebrews 7-9 1. The Hebrew author argues the superior priesthood under Christ Jesus 2. The priesthood changed, the law changed (7:12-14) 3. Jesus' work on the cross and the new covenant in His blood concluded the old covenant and instituted the new F. We see, then, that there is a distinction between the old and the new; what, if anything, is said about those who still hold to the old? G. Galatians 5:1-4 1. This is the exact situation that occurred in the churches of Galatia 2. Paul says that by holding to the old and not the new they have exchanged freedom for bondage! 3. Verse 4: if one holds to the Law, they have fallen from the grace of Christ! H. We see, then, that we are not to use the OT as a source of doctrine; doing so would be to hold to the shadow, and not the reality; to reject freedom and return to bondage, and worst of all, to fall from the grace of Christ. III. NT Scriptures for the use of OT A. If the OT is not to be used for doctrine, then what shall it be used for? B. Let us examine the NT to see if the Apostles have given us guidelines as to its use C. Romans 15:3-4 1. OT written for our instruction 2. Purpose? That with perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope D. Galatians 3:15-26 1. OT as tutor leading to Christ 2. Caveat about this a. sometimes brethren are not exact enough in their language and a possible misunderstanding may arise (2 Timothy 2:15) b. The OT is not our tutor per se; v. 25 establishes that we are not under a tutor since faith has come c. It was the tutor for Jews to understand Christ, absolutely; but we use it now to understand why Christ did what He did the way in which He did it. E. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 1. All Scripture is profitable; we can find in the Old Testament materials to assist us in our understanding of God and His will for men 2. The OT helps to equip us for "every" good work F. Hebrews 11:1-12:2 1. We can read this passage and receive the encouragement in faith from the lives and examples of those who have gone on before us 2. Our "great cloud of witnesses" surround us and no doubt are on our side with Jesus Christ 3. Their sufferings and travails for God should inspire us to accept whatever may come our way and in all things glorify Him who saved us from sin and death 4. Vv. 39-40 explain clearly to us how we have an even better situation than they, for we have received the promise in the flesh! IV. How to Understand the OT A. The discussion of the many examples of the heroes of the faith in the OT leads to an important question B. How are we to understand what the OT says for us? C. In all passages we must look for three elements 1. the immediate application to the Israelites 2. the application to Jesus Christ 3. the application for us today D. We will find many OT Scriptures with all three, some with just #1 or #2, perhaps some for just #2 and #3 or #1 and #2. E. Example 1: Jonah and the Fish (Jonah 1) 1. Immediate application: Jonah in the fish 2. Application to Jesus: in the earth for 3 days (Matthew 12:39-41) 3. Not really a direct application for us F. Example 2: Jonah's Prayer (Jonah 2) 1. Immediate application: Jonah's prayer to God for deliverance 2. Application to Jesus: Represents His sentiments perhaps during the three days 3. Application for us: praise God for salvation, especially in turbulent times G. Example 3: Psalm 22 1. Immediate application: Maybe the feelings of David; in its entirety, however, there is no immediate application 2. Application to Jesus: Represents His sufferings on the cross (Matthew 27:46) 3. Application to us: see "immediate application" H. Example 4: Numbers 1 1. Immediate application: gives the Israelites their lineage and numbers 2. Application to Jesus: none, really; background information about the tribe of Judah? 3. Application for us: none, really; appreciation perhaps of the tribes and their sizes I. We see, then, many examples of how we are to understand the Old Testament 1. As long as we do not go too far in our interpretations, we can gain much from these studies in the OT V. Conclusion A. We have seen how we are to use the Old Testament 1. No need to gain doctrines from it; to do so would bring us back under bondage and would separate us from the grace of Christ 2. Nor is it useless; we have seen the words of the Scriptures regarding its profit B. We can analyze the OT according to its immediate application for the Israelites, the application to Jesus Christ, and applications for us today C. In so doing we can appreciate how Jesus did in fact live and die according to the prophecies regarding Him; we can understand what Paul and the Hebrew author speak about in Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews D. There is great profit in Old Testament studies E. We have not spoken much about Jesus Christ and the need to obey Him, but we learn in the OT of all the prophecies made regarding Him hundreds of years before He came to the earth F. It is needful for all men everywhere to repent and to believe in Him G. If you have any need to call upon His name, whether for the first time in baptism or for forgiveness and encouragement, let us help you as we stand and sing