Why We Study the Old Testament: Finding Hope in the Foundations

In our journey through the book of Romans, we have spent a lot of time discussing how we interact with one another as believers. In chapter 14, Paul charged us to be mindful of those with different maturity levels and understandings of practical godliness.

But as we step into chapter 15, we find a profound pivot. Paul supports his instructions for Christian community by reaching back into the Old Testament, specifically the Psalms. This raises a vital question for us today: Why do we need to study the Old Testament? Is not the New Testament enough for us?

The Pattern of Christ: Bearing One Another’s Infirmities

Paul begins this chapter by reminding us that those of us who are "strong"—those who perhaps have more information or maturity—ought to bear the infirmities of the weak rather than merely pleasing ourselves.

• We are to please our neighbors for their good and edification.

• We make allowances for growth, recognizing that no one is born a full-grown Christian.

• Our ultimate model is Christ himself, who "pleased not himself".

To illustrate this, Paul quotes Psalm 69:9, showing that the reproaches directed at God the Father fell upon Christ. Christ bore the weight of our sins and the insults of men patiently, even toward those like the thief on the cross who initially mocked Him. This is our pattern: if the Lord of glory was considerate of us in our weakness, how much more should we be considerate of one another?

Written for Our Learning: The Purpose of Ancient Scripture

Why did Paul look back 1,000 years to the words of David to teach a lesson to the church in Rome?. He gives us the definitive answer in Romans 15:4: "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning".

While we are not under the same national law as Israel, the Old Testament remains an essential gift for the New Testament believer. It isn't a collection of "useless knowledge" to puff us up with pride. Rather, it is through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures that we might have hope.

In a world where Christ promised we would have tribulation, we need the Old Testament to see how God has faithfully delivered His people through every trial. It provides the consolation and encouragement we need to stand fast today.

Reading with Wisdom: Do’s and Don’ts of Interpretation

As we open the Old Testament, we must use the right tools to understand it faithfully. It is too common for people to approach the Bible like Play-Doh, trying to mash the text into the mold of their own preexisting ideas. Instead, we should follow these principles:

• Read to see what did happen, not necessarily what should happen. The Old Testament is honest history. Just because an event is recorded—like polygamy—does not mean God is instructing us to repeat it.

• Look for Christ. All of history is "His story". In each narrative, prophecy, and Psalm look and see if it point directly or indirectly to Jesus.

• Stay on safe ground. We are on the firmest footing when the New Testament explicitly interprets an Old Testament passage for us. If it doesn't, we should approach our interpretations with humility, noting where a story "reminds us" of Jesus rather than making bold, unscriptural claims.

  
  

Hope Through the God of Consolation

Our goal in studying these ancient texts is not mere academic achievement; it is transformation. We want to be a people who, with one mind and one mouth, glorify God.

When we see the sovereignty of God displayed from Genesis to Malachi, it fuels our confidence—our hope—that the God who was faithful to Abraham and David will be faithful to us. We receive one another just as Christ received us, to the glory of God. Reading the Old Testament is not a chore; it is a privilege that helps us grow as we learn more of our Savior.

To dive deeper into the richness of Romans 15 and our study of the Old Testament, we invite you to watch the full sermon by Elder Jonathan Moseley.

https://youtu.be/l0_1oxShEZI