How Does The Old Testament Apply To Me? Series

How Does the Old Testament Apply to Me?

Rev. Brian Bill

May 25-26, 2019

Earlier this week I tried to start our 2006 Honda Odyssey and all I heard was “click.” Not knowing much about cars, I opened the hood and shook a few things to see if anything was loose (I see other guys do this). I think I impressed Beth when I got out the battery charger and hooked it up. After a couple hours, it still wouldn’t start. The only sound was “click.” I called our mechanic and he said it sounded like the starter was bad. After getting it towed in, he confirmed his initial diagnosis and scrubbed in for starter surgery.

A mechanic I am not so I did some research and learned: “A starter is very important…to prepare an engine to start, it must be cranked over so that fuel and air are sucked into cylinders. This mixture of fuel and air is then compressed in the combustion chambers preparing it to be ignited by a spark provided by the ignition system.”

I’m not sure I understand all that but here’s what I did find out: Our van was never going to start without a new starter! The question we’re addressing this weekend is, “How does the Old Testament apply to me?” I want to suggest that without the Old Testament, Christianity would not have started and without God’s revelation reviving you there won’t be spiritual combustion in your life.

For our main point today, I’ve adapted a phrase attributed to Augustine: The New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed; the Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed.

Last weekend we unpacked the opening section of Genesis and learned, “If you want a good ending, begin with the beginning.” Next weekend we’ll be tackling the question, “What does the Bible say about homosexuality?” Parents, please be advised I will be preaching on topics your young children might not be ready for. Having said that, you may want to consider having them here if they’re already talking about it.

I want to say again how privileged I am to be one of your pastors. Your desire to grow in your understanding and application of God’s Word is quite humbling. So many of you come ready to dive deep each weekend. In an effort to help you drill down even more, I want to make sure you’re aware of some resources.

• We’ve posted 10 new links on the Sermon Extras tab on our website and on the Edgewood app. Five of them have to do with today’s topic and the other five relate to the topic next weekend.

• Sermon notes are available each weekend at Guest Services.

• We send out an email on Friday afternoons that includes these sermon note sheets, discussion questions and the full-text manuscript of the sermons. If you want to receive these emails, simply indicate this on your Connection Card or send an email to info@edgewoodbaptist.net.

• If you’re on Facebook, I’d encourage you to like the Edgewood page as we regularly post resources and the link to the sermon video each week. Props to Jim Sheese for running the camera and adding the PowerPoint slides to the sermons! BTW, over 1900 people follow our Facebook page.

• The June Bible Reading Plan will be on the Holiness of God and Living in the Wilderness from Leviticus and Numbers. There’s a copy in your bulletin.

Our question today is very important because some Christians and many non-Christians have “unhitched” themselves from the Old Testament. Here’s the general outline we’ll follow.

1. Why does the Old Testament matter?

2. What Old Testament laws are to be followed today?

Why Does the Old Testament Matter?

A popular pastor and Christian author recently made this unsettling appeal to church leaders: “Would you consider unhitching your teaching of what it means to follow Jesus from all things old covenant?” He believes this is necessary because “when it comes to stumbling blocks to faith, the Old Testament is right up there at the top of the list.” He believes when people struggle to believe, “the Old Testament is usually the culprit.”

I strongly disagree. Let’s consider why we must have a robust view of the Old Testament.

1. The Old Testament is an integral part of the inspired, inerrant and authoritative Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” BTW, the Old Testament makes up 75% of the Bible!

2. The Old Testament reveals the attributes and actions of God. Deuteronomy 5:24 – “Behold, the LORD our God has shown us his glory and greatness…”