According to the New Testament, the Old Testament holds great value for our day. Just consider some of what it says about the importance of the Old Testament scriptures. Paul told Timothy that the sacred writings are able to make us wise for salvation in Christ (2 Timothy 3:14). The twists, turns, and even failures of Israel took place as examples for us as we try to walk in faithfulness to God (1 Corinthians 10:6, Hebrews 11). The Old Testament was written down for our instruction. It was given so that we would have encouragement and hope in our walk with the Lord (Romans 15:4). Jesus Himself believed that the Old Testament Scriptures bear witness to Him (John 5:39, 46; Luke 24:27, 44-45). And, as we’ve recently heard in Colossians, the Old Testament gives us forms and structures that work like a shadow. They give us the shape and general outlines for the person and work of Christ (Colossians 2:17). The Old Testament, just like the New, is a treasure of salvation and sanctification for God’s people.
PULPIT SCHEDULE
January 12th: Genesis (A Covenanted Kingdom)
January 19th: Exodus (A Delivered Kingdom)
January 26th: Leviticus (An Atoned for Kingdom)
February 2nd: Numbers (A Forfeited Kingdom)
February 9th: Deuteronomy (A Kingdom of the Heart)
DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS
- What elements of God’s character do we see most (His grace, power, mercy, justice, holiness, etc.)? In what specific sections/verses do you see these? Because God’s character never changes, what do these sections show you about how you should relate to God (i.e., how does this section apply to your own life)?
How is man’s fallen condition put on display in this book? What do they do (or fail to do) that shows the lasting effects of the fall in Genesis 3? In what ways do you see these specific sins played out in our own day? In what ways are they most prevalent in your own life? - What elements of this book create a need for Christ? Does this book present any shadows that will be fulfilled in Christ? Show why you think this using verses from the New Testament.
How does the content of this book connect with what we’ve already learned in the Old Testament? - Are there any divine covenants explicitly mentioned in this book? If so, where do you see them? Does this book make reference to any previously established divine covenants? If so, where do you see this happening?
- What do you see in the lives of people in this book that serves as either a positive example (and, therefore, something to be emulated), or a warning (and, therefore, something to be avoided)? How can God’s interaction with His people (or theirs with Him) provide encouragement or hope for your own walk with Christ? Make note of specific verses and share how these apply to specific situations in your life.
READING PATH
The Reading Path has three options: Sweeping Overview, Broad Overview, and Targeted Overview. The Sweeping Overview is the entire book. The Broad Overview is a compilation of various chapters throughout the book that aim to give readers a wide range of information. The Targeted Overview is 2 or 3 chapters that zoom in on key passages. 