The Importance of the Old Testament

Romans 15:4

Introduction

Occasionally, we run into complaints about spending too much time in the Old Testament.

Whether in Bible classes or in sermons, the notion is that we are a people of the new covenant and that covenant is found in the New Testament so that is where we should spend our time.

Some view the Old Testament as only having value for cross referencing purposes or to support an idea found in the New Testament.

Others find value in the morality taught in the stories of the Old Testament and read it much like a book of fables.

Brethren, the Old Testament isn’t something to give attention to with extra time only after having given due attention to the New but rather something that is as much a part of scriptures as the New and therefore inextricably linked to the New.

It Gives us a Biblical Vocabulary

The New Testament is not written in a vacuum nor is it written as a “do over” but it is laid on the foundation of what has already been revealed.

The words of the New Testament carry the expectation that we not only know the Old Testament, but that we know it well.

They reference Old Testament stories and characters with no context (Jd. 11).

Jesus alludes to the Old Testament in a way that only the most avid of readers would catch (Jn. 1:51; cf. Gen. 28).

More importantly, apocalyptic language is steeped in Old Testament vocabulary (ex. Matt. 24; Revelation).

It Builds Anticipation for the New Testament

In so many ways the New Testament rings rather hollow without the Old Testament.

It does this by way of prophecy (Gen. 3:15; 12:1-2).

It does this by way of foreshadowing (Col. 2:17).

It does this by way of proving the need for something greater (Rom. 7:10).

It is The Word of God

When Paul wrote 2 Timothy 3:16 he wasn’t referencing the New Testament and Psalms and Proverbs.

Jesus fights back at the notion that He was merely pasting over the Old Law by saying He was what the Old Law was all about (Matt. 5:17-18).

When someone complains that time spent in the Old Testament is time away from Jesus, I question how much attention they are paying?

Old Testament preaching, like all preaching, when done well, points to Christ and Him crucified.

Jesus and Paul look to the Old Testament for established truth (Matt. 19:4-6; Rom. 12:19).

Some ask for a formula to know how and when to “apply” the Old Testament to ourselves to which I respond what is the formula for figuring out when to apply New Testament to ourselves (Matt. 19:21; Jn. 13:14).

Conclusion

If you are living in sin and want to have a better understanding of the wretchedness of your situation, read of the bondage of the Jews and see that such is your state.

If you have returned to sin, read of the Jews who wanted leeks and spices back in slavery when a land flowing with milk and honey lay before them.

If you would know what victory can be yours, read of the Red Sea as God parted the waters and destroyed the enemies that followed at the backs of Israel.