Introduction: Scripture Reading- 2 Tim. 2:15
1. Often, people are “shocked” when it is stated, “We’re not under the old Testament law.”
2. Some, in misunderstanding, have said: “You folks don’t believe the Old Testament?”
3. The shock and the misunderstanding rests in a failure of men to understand what it is to rightly divide the Word of God (2 Tim. 2:15).
4. We looked this morning at how Christians are no longer under the OL but under the NL and the purpose of the OL. This evening we’re going to get a little bit deeper on the purpose and why we use the OT.
I. SOME MEN SAY, “BIBLE IS BIBLE … THE GOD OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, SAME AS THE OLD.”
A. Indeed Genesis 1:1 is Bible, and so is Revelation 22:21, and all in between.
1. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 “16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17. That the man of God may be perfect (artios- complete), throughly furnished (exartizo- fully equipped) unto all good works.”
B. Indeed, the God of Genesis 1:1 is the same as Revelation 22:19.
C. But every point of law from God has not applied to all men in all time, past and present.
1. Same God today as Genesis 6, but you and I do not have to build an ark.
2. Same God today as Malachi 1:8, but you and I do not offer animal sacrifices.
D. The law from God, and its time, place, people — dispensation — is vital; unless we understand these, there is no way to understand the Bible, and no way to please God.
1. Some want to use buffet religion or a version of buffet Christianity, where they pick and choose parts of the Bible that sound good to them and leave out the rest.
2. They believe that most or a great deal of the OT is good to follow, but for example they don’t want to do animal sacrifices so they leave that part out. The NT says nothing about the use of instruments in worship, but the OT does so because it feels good to them to use instruments in their worship to God, they pick that part and leave out some of the other parts of OT worship.
E. From this point, two factors we will consider:
1. In seeing different laws, and the value of law,
2. Why can one law be cited even though men are no longer under that law?
II. LET US MAKE FIRM THAT POINT ON CHANGE OF LAW, AND FOCUS ON OUR PRESENT POSITION.
A. We must make clear that there was a change in the Law —
1. As regards the Christ.
a. Men must come through Him (John 14:6).
b. Men must hear Him (Matt. 17:5). -Baptism & Transfiguration
c. Life in His name (John 20:30-31).
2. As stated concerning the law of Moses
a. Nailed to His cross (Col. 2:14).
b. Fulfilled the Law (Matt. 5:17-28).
c. Was temporary, until the Christ (Gal. 3:23-25).
B. We, then, are under the law of Christ.
C. Virtually all of the book of Hebrews stresses this point. We cannot be under two laws at the same time. One ended in order that the other might exist!
III. DOES THAT MEAN THAT THE OLD LAW CANNOT BE CITED, OR THAT IT HAS NO VALUE? AND, IF IT CAN BE CITED, TO WHAT END, OR FOR WHAT PURPOSE?
A. What did Paul say on this?
1. Romans 15:4. Earlier statements of law are for our learning. Scriptures provide patience, comfort — and offer hope.
2. 1 Corinthians 10:11. Examples of Israel’s disobedience are provided for us. We are to be warned, admonished thereby [nouthesia, mild rebuke or warning]. Instances cited are from Old Testament history, but Paul uses them in writing New Testament Christians.
B. There is value, then. Going further as to how Old Testament instances can be cited.
1. Some matters reside in permanent principles of God, true from the very beginning and true under each and every law, and for all time.
2. Some Old Testament events / circumstances are the same as events / circumstances in the New, and therefore similarity is seen.
3. Some New Testament events / circumstances are the fulfilling of Old Testament prophecy.
a. A new name: Isa. 62:2 🡪 Acts 11:26
b. Peter’s recorded sermon (all the apostles were preaching): Acts 2
C. In all of it, the New Testament is the law of Christ, and the Old Testament citations substantiate the New. That is the rule: Previous law in substantiation of the present law.
Conclusion:
1. We must handle the Word properly (2 Tim. 2:15). It will judge us (John 12:48).
2. Have you obeyed it? Do you presently live by it?
3. If you have not obeyed, God requires faith, repentance, confession and baptism for remission of sins. The LAW OF CHRIST so demands. Will you obey that law?