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).
To continue to the next lesson, click HERE.
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
