LESSON : It Still Matters (The Bible).

It Still Matters.

The relevance of God's Word.

Lesson by Tony Thomas

Jesus said:

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." [Mat 5:17-20 KJV]

The connection between the Old and New Testaments.

The phrase “it is written” occurs 26 times in the gospels and a total of 63 times in the New Testament. The New Testament makes reference to “the scriptures” (meaning the Old Testament) 21 times, and there are many direct and indirect quotes throughout the New Testament.¹

Question: Does the Old Testament (Covenant) predict the New?²

Question: Does Jesus address the coming of a “New Testament”? ³

Question: How did other New Testament writers see the difference between the Testaments?⁴ Are they competing or complementary?

Question: Why is the New Testament necessary?⁵

The value and function of the Old Testament.

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane [and] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. [2Ti 2:15-19 KJV]

Question: Should Christians study the Old Testament? Why or why not.⁶

Question: Who is the “author” of the Bible?

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” [2 Peter 1:20,21KJV]

Question: What is the function of the Old Testament, in New Testament times?⁷

The value and function of the New Testament.

Question: Did the New Testament writers recognize that scripture was being written in their time?

Case Study: Peter commenting on Paul

Even though Peter and Paul had distinct ministries that on at least one occasion brought them into conflict⁸, Peter regards Paul's writings to be “scripture”. He writes:

15 And account [that] the longsuffering of our Lord [is] salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. - 2 Peter 3:15-16 KJV

Case Study: Paul's quotation of “scripture”.

In 1 Timothy 5:18, Paul makes a quotation from “scripture” that borrows from both the writings of Moses and the Luke's Gospel.

18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn⁹. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward.¹⁰ - 1 Timothy 5:18 KJV

Question: Did Jesus indicate that the Apostles would receive special Divine instruction after his departure?

26 But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. - John 14:26 KJV

Question: How does one gain “greatness” in the Kingdom of Heaven? (Refer back to Matthew 5:19).

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Endnotes:

1In the KJV. Specific wording in other versions may vary, but the idea is the same.

2 Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 8:6-8.

3Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 22:20, 1Corinthians 11:25

42 Corinthians 3:6, Hebrews 9:15

5Hebrews 10:1

6John 5:39, Romans 15:4, 2 Timothy 3:15

7Romans 16:25,26; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4

8Galatians 2:12-14

9Deuteronomy 25:4

10Luke 10:7