Why Study the Old Testament? - 11/23/08am

Colossians 2:13-15 -OT is nailed to the cross
Ephesians 2:14-16 -OT finished and put side by Christ’s death
Matthew 5:17 -Christ came to fulfill

So, why should we study the Old Testament? What good is there in studying something that has been done away with and is no longer in effect? Let us consult the scriptures!

To Provide Evidence of the Christ, Apostles, Church, and so on
For one thing, the Old Testament provides evidence of who Christ was, what He was teaching, and of His disciples. The Old Testament provides proofs of the Messiah that Christ fulfilled.
Matthew 1:1-17 -Genealogy of Christ - the promises fulfilled, effort taken
Matthew 1:22-23 -That the scriptures might be fulfilled
Acts 2:15-21 -Fulfillment of the prophet Joel

For Examples
As we look through the Old Testament, we can see the examples of how God dealt with various things, the consequences of sin and righteousness, and of the nature of God.
I Corinthians 10:1-13 -These things are examples for us, serve to illuminate God's relationship with man
Hebrews 11:1-3 -Faith
Hebrews 11:4 -Abel’s sacrifice
Hebrews 11:5-6 -Enoch walked with God, was rewarded
Hebrews 11:7-10 -Abraham looked for a city
Hebrews 11:11 -Sara believed the promise
Hebrews 11:12-16 -Looking ahead to a heavenly country
Hebrews 11:17-19 -Abraham put God before family
Hebrews 11:20-22 -These men looked ahead to what was to come without knowing when it would happen
Hebrews 11:23-29 -Moses’ obedience and priorities
Hebrews 11:30 -Jericho fell through “pointless” obedience
Hebrews 11:31 -Rahab’s fear, recognition of God
Hebrews 11:32-38 -The many other examples for us not mentioned here
Hebrews 11:39-40 -They did not see the promise while living
Hebrews 12:1-2 -Cloud of witnesses: they did it, so can we?

Are we willing to follow the righteous examples of these men and women? Are we willing to look ahead to the promise and to walk with God?