Sermons

S.R. Romans 15:1-4

Introduction

1. How Should We Use the Old Testament Today?
   1. Extremes:
      1. Use the Old Testament as a basis for present practices. (Sacrifices, etc.)
      2. Reject any study of the Old Testament. Reject the God of the Old Test.
2. Some will say, “Why should I study the Old Testament when I don’t even understand the New Testament yet.”
   1. That is like trying to understand the “Return of the King” when you knownothing about Hobbits or 10 rings or the Lord of the Rings.

Outline

1. The Old Testament is useful
   1. To understand about God, because He spoke.
      1. 2 Peter 1:20-21
      2. Hebrews 1:1
   2. To understand the history of origins (world, humans, sin, people of Israel)
   3. To understand some aspects of God’s plan to save us in Jesus
      1. Luke 2:29-32
      2. Luke 24:44-46
   4. To learn of good examples
      1. James 5:17
      2. Hebrews 11
   5. To learn of bad examples
      1. 1 Cor.10:6
   6. To entrust the promises of God
      1. Romans 15:4
   7. The Old Testament is Useful (review slide)
2. The Old Testament Does Not Fill Our Spiritual Needs
   1. Salvation does not come by the Law
      1. Romans 3:20
      2. Galatians 3:22
   2. Old. Test. does not govern our spiritual service to God today
      1. Galatians 3:23-24; 5:1
      2. Romans 7:6
      3. Colossians 2:14
   3. Review slide
3. Practical Implications of These Truths
   1. The Sabbath, given to the Jews at Sinai, is no longer binding on New Covenant believers
      1. Exodus 31:13,16
      2. Deut. 5:13-15
      3. Colossians 2:16-17
   2. Dietary Laws (cf. Leviticus 11)
      1. Colossians 2:16-17
   3. A distinct priesthood (Levi, Kohath, sons of Aaron)
      1. 1 Peter 2:5
   4. Promises of material blessings
      1. Malachi 3:10-1
      2. 2 Timothy 3:12 “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
4. Conclusion: How Should We Use the Old Testament Today?
   1. The Old Testament teaches good things, but we serve today under a New covenant, better than the Old.
   2. Hebrews 8:6-13
   3. Hebrews 8:1; 9:27-28
   4. Are you eagerly awaiting Him?