The Old Testament Law: A Guide for Believers
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the complex and often misunderstood topic of the role of the Old Testament law in the life of New Testament believers. We continued our series "According to Godliness" from 1 Timothy, focusing on how Christians should engage with the law of God. The central question we explored was whether the Old Testament law holds any value for New Testament believers, and if so, how it should be applied.
Paul's teachings in 1 Timothy make it clear that the law is good if used lawfully. He emphasizes that the law is not a means of salvation but a guide for righteous living. The law reveals God's holiness and righteous standards, which have not changed. Therefore, the principles of the law remain relevant for guiding believers in their pursuit of godliness and righteousness.
We discussed the distinction between ceremonial laws, which were specific to Israel and fulfilled in Christ, and moral and civil laws, which continue to hold ethical significance. Paul criticizes false teachers who misuse the law, either by making it a means of salvation or by dismissing its value altogether. Instead, he advocates for a balanced approach where the law is used to reveal sin, guide ethical behavior, and point both believers and unbelievers to Christ.
The law serves two primary functions: for unbelievers, it acts as a tutor leading them to Christ by revealing their sinfulness and need for a Savior. For believers, it serves as a tool for correction and training in righteousness. The law helps us understand how to love God and our neighbors practically, not just abstractly. It provides concrete examples and scenarios that illustrate the principles of love and justice.
In summary, the Old Testament law, when used correctly, is a valuable tool for both believers and unbelievers. It is not a means of salvation but a guide for living a life that pleases God. As New Testament believers, we should not dismiss the law but use it to train ourselves in righteousness, always interpreting it through the lens of the New Covenant in Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Law Reveals God's Holiness and Standards: The Old Testament law is a reflection of God's unchanging holiness and righteous standards. While the ceremonial laws were specific to Israel and fulfilled in Christ, the moral and civil laws continue to guide ethical behavior. These laws help us understand what God desires from His covenant people. [31:02]
2. The Law is Not a Means of Salvation: Paul emphasizes that the law should not be used as a means of justification or salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone. The law's purpose is to reveal sin and guide us in righteous living, not to save us. Misusing the law as a means of salvation leads to legalism and distorts the gospel. [44:17]
3. The Law Guides Ethical Behavior: The moral and civil laws provide practical applications of the principle of love. They help us understand how to love God and our neighbors in concrete ways. For example, the law teaches us not to slander, not to abuse others, and to act justly, which are all expressions of love. [43:30]
4. The Law as a Tutor to Christ: For unbelievers, the law acts as a tutor, revealing their sinfulness and pointing them to their need for a Savior. It shows them that they cannot meet God's righteous standards on their own and need Christ's atoning sacrifice. This pedagogical use of the law is crucial for leading people to faith in Christ. [15:08]
5. The Law Corrects and Trains Believers: For believers, the law serves as a tool for correction and training in righteousness. It helps us identify areas where we fall short and guides us back to God's standards. The law, when used lawfully, is beneficial for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, equipping us for every good work. [49:27]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:40] - Introduction to the Series
[28:53] - The Role of the Law in Christian Life
[29:58] - Misunderstandings About the Old Testament Law
[31:02] - The Law Reveals God's Holiness
[32:15] - The Law's Principles Remain
[33:44] - Distinction Between Ceremonial and Moral Laws
[34:31] - The Moral and Civil Laws
[35:34] - The Scope of the Law
[36:53] - Fulfillment of Ceremonial Laws in Christ
[38:10] - The Duration of Ceremonial Laws
[39:36] - The New Covenant Perspective
[40:23] - The Law and the New Testament Believer
[41:14] - The Law of Christ
[41:58] - Summation of the Law
[43:05] - Practical Applications of the Law
[44:17] - Misuse of the Law for Justification
[45:20] - The Law and Covenant Relationship
[46:02] - Paul's Critique of False Teachers
[47:03] - Context of Paul's Teachings
[48:17] - The Law and Sanctification
[49:27] - The Law's Role in Training
[50:48] - The Law and Righteousness
[52:09] - Different Forms of Righteousness
[53:46] - The Ethical Sense of the Law
[55:06] - The Role of the Spirit
[56:18] - The New Covenant and the Spirit
[57:48] - Freedom from Sin
[59:07] - Divine Enablement of the Spirit
[01:00:23] - Leaning on the Spirit
[01:01:46] - The Law and Believers
[01:02:58] - Paul's Use of the Law
[01:04:12] - The Law and Love
[01:05:26] - Reverence for God
[01:07:17] - Unholy and Worldly
[01:08:34] - Sexual Immorality and Other Sins
[01:10:02] - The Law Promotes Love
[01:11:30] - Consistency in Ethics
[01:12:47] - The Law and Believers' Struggles
[01:14:00] - The Law as a Tutor
[01:15:08] - The Law and Repentance
[01:16:20] - Freedom from the Law
[01:17:35] - The Law and Obedience
[01:18:44] - Serving in the Newness of the Spirit
[01:20:02] - Practical Application of the Law
[01:21:11] - The Old Testament as Narrative
[01:22:23] - Unequally Yoked
[01:23:20] - Practical Examples from the Law
[01:24:24] - Misapplication of the Law
[01:25:43] - Separation from the World
[01:27:08] - Loving Your Enemy
[01:28:25] - Practical Love
[01:29:52] - The Complexity of the Law
[01:31:19] - Embracing the Whole Word of God
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Timothy 1:8-10 (ESV) - "Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine."
2. Romans 13:8-10 (ESV) - "Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, 'You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,' and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."
3. Galatians 3:24 (ESV) - "So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Timothy 1:8-10, for whom is the law intended, and what types of behaviors does it address? [50:48]
2. How does Romans 13:8-10 describe the relationship between love and the fulfillment of the law? [36:53]
3. What role does Galatians 3:24 say the law played before Christ came? [15:08]
4. In the sermon, what distinction does the pastor make between ceremonial laws and moral/civil laws? [33:44]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that the law is good if used lawfully in 1 Timothy 1:8-10? How does this align with the pastor's explanation of the law's purpose? [31:02]
2. How does the concept of love fulfilling the law in Romans 13:8-10 challenge or reinforce your understanding of ethical behavior as a Christian? [43:05]
3. What does it mean for the law to act as a "guardian" in Galatians 3:24, and how does this concept help us understand the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant? [15:08]
4. How does the pastor's explanation of the lawful use of the law for believers and unbelievers help clarify the role of the Old Testament law in the life of a New Testament believer? [32:15]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you may have misused the law as a means of justification or salvation. How did this affect your relationship with God and others? [44:17]
2. The pastor mentioned that the law provides practical examples of how to love God and our neighbors. Can you identify a specific law or commandment that has helped you understand how to love others better? [43:30]
3. How can you apply the principle of using the law lawfully in your daily life to correct and train yourself in righteousness? Are there specific areas where you need to improve? [49:27]
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of not dismissing the Old Testament law but interpreting it through the lens of the New Covenant in Christ. How can you incorporate this balanced approach in your Bible study and daily living? [32:15]
5. Think of a situation where you might have dismissed the Old Testament law as irrelevant. How can you revisit that situation with a new understanding of the law's purpose as explained in the sermon? [29:58]
6. The pastor emphasized the importance of loving God and others as the fulfillment of the law. Identify one practical way you can show love to a neighbor or community member this week. [41:58]
7. How can you lean more on the Holy Spirit when you feel tired or tempted to give in to sin, as the pastor described in his personal story? What specific steps can you take to rely on God's strength rather than your own? [57:48]
Devotional
Day 1: The Law Reflects God's Unchanging Holiness and Standards
The Old Testament law is a profound reflection of God's unchanging holiness and righteous standards. While the ceremonial laws were specific to Israel and fulfilled in Christ, the moral and civil laws continue to guide ethical behavior. These laws help us understand what God desires from His covenant people. They are not arbitrary rules but expressions of God's character and His expectations for how His people should live. By studying these laws, believers can gain insight into God's nature and His will for their lives. [31:02]
Leviticus 19:2 (ESV): "Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy."
Reflection: How can you reflect God's holiness in your daily actions and decisions today?
Day 2: The Law is Not a Means of Salvation
Paul emphasizes that the law should not be used as a means of justification or salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone. The law's purpose is to reveal sin and guide us in righteous living, not to save us. Misusing the law as a means of salvation leads to legalism and distorts the gospel. Understanding this distinction helps believers appreciate the grace of God and avoid the pitfalls of trying to earn salvation through their own efforts. [44:17]
Galatians 3:24-25 (ESV): "So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are relying on your own efforts rather than God's grace for your sense of worth or salvation?
Day 3: The Law Guides Ethical Behavior
The moral and civil laws provide practical applications of the principle of love. They help us understand how to love God and our neighbors in concrete ways. For example, the law teaches us not to slander, not to abuse others, and to act justly, which are all expressions of love. These laws are not just ancient rules but timeless principles that guide us in living out our faith in practical, everyday situations. [43:30]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: How can you show love and justice in a specific situation you are facing today?
Day 4: The Law as a Tutor to Christ
For unbelievers, the law acts as a tutor, revealing their sinfulness and pointing them to their need for a Savior. It shows them that they cannot meet God's righteous standards on their own and need Christ's atoning sacrifice. This pedagogical use of the law is crucial for leading people to faith in Christ. By understanding their own shortcomings, individuals are more likely to recognize their need for God's grace and turn to Christ for salvation. [15:08]
Romans 7:7 (ESV): "What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet.'"
Reflection: Can you identify a specific area where the law has revealed your need for Christ? How can you respond to this revelation today?
Day 5: The Law Corrects and Trains Believers
For believers, the law serves as a tool for correction and training in righteousness. It helps us identify areas where we fall short and guides us back to God's standards. The law, when used lawfully, is beneficial for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, equipping us for every good work. This ongoing process of correction and training is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. [49:27]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need correction or training? How can you seek God's guidance and strength to improve in this area today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The Old Testament law, when used lawfully, is useful for the New Testament believers' pursuit of righteousness and godliness and the unbelievers' tutor to Christ. The Old Testament law, when used lawfully, is useful for the New Testament believers' pursuit of righteousness and godliness and the unbelievers' tutor to Christ." (0 seconds)
2. "The law of Christ is summed up as: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. That is the law of Christ. And what happens is we overemphasize that we are under the law of Christ and forget something. What do we forget? That all Jesus did when he said that was summed up the law." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you're loving God and loving people, you will always be fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law. Let's just focus on that now. Now, now that that's not just make it up either. Right. There is a way to love God and there is a way to love people according to how God says love people." (20 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. He said, I'll send my son to die. And when my son dies on the cross, he'll pay the righteous penalty that is due to you for your sin against God, and he'll pay it. And if you believe only in him, he will give you his righteousness." (21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "No temptation has overcome a man, but that which is common to a man. But when we are tempted, he will give us a way of escape. Let's go." (10 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The problem that Paul had was when anybody used the law as a standard of requirement for a person to be saved. As the mode in which they enter into a covenant relationship with the Lord. You got to do all of these things. And if you do all of those things good, then you will be accepted by God to be saved. And Paul said that is not salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The righteous are then those living in conformity to the requirements of the law by the work of Christ wrought by the spirit in them. So, if the righteous were meant to be those who are believers and the law is not for them, then why would Paul himself making this argument use the law for believers?" (17 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The law serves both the unbeliever who needs to come to Christ and the believer who falls into sin to turn from it, to conform the ways to the righteous standards of God. It's a tool. So if we're supposed to use it, if it's good for us, let's close with talking about what we need to do with it." (16 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When I look at the Old Testament law, I look at it since it's very narrative. Like when you understand outside of the Gospels, the rest of the New Testament is really letters. It's instruction. But the Old Testament is narrative. It's actual situations taking place that the law has to be applied to." (21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want us to be a church who embrace God. I don't want you to run into the old and become an Old Testament believer. I don't want you to become like, be a Christian. But don't run away from the law that God has given us to give us instruction. Use it rightly. Understand the principle of the law, which is love. And continue to love God practically, not abstractly, not just the way you think you should." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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