Understanding the Old Testament's Connection to Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The Old Testament as a Christian Book

The Old Testament is often overlooked by Christians, but it is essential to understand that it is a Christian book given by God. It testifies about Jesus Christ and is crucial for a complete understanding of the Bible. Ignoring it means missing out on the richness of God's revelation and the foundation of the gospel. The Old Testament lays the groundwork for the New Testament, providing context and depth to the life and mission of Jesus Christ. It is filled with stories, laws, prophecies, and poetry that all point to the coming Messiah and God's plan for salvation.

Understanding the Old Testament helps us see the continuity and unity of the Scriptures. It shows us that God's plan for redemption was not an afterthought but was intricately woven into the fabric of history from the very beginning. By studying the Old Testament, we gain a deeper appreciation for the New Testament and the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ. [01:34]

Bible Passage:
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)

Reflection:
Think about a story or passage from the Old Testament that you are familiar with. How does it point to Jesus Christ and God's plan for salvation? How can this understanding deepen your faith and appreciation for the Bible as a whole?

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Day 2: Typology and Prophecy

There are two primary ways to connect the Old and New Testaments: typology and prophecy. Typology involves Old Testament figures and events that point to Jesus, while prophecy involves predictions that Jesus fulfills. Both methods show the continuity and unity of the Scriptures, emphasizing that the entire Bible points to Christ. Typology helps us see how people, places, and events in the Old Testament serve as foreshadows of Jesus and His work. For example, the sacrificial system in the Old Testament points to Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

Prophecy, on the other hand, involves specific predictions about the coming Messiah that are fulfilled in Jesus. These prophecies provide evidence of God's sovereign plan and the reliability of the Scriptures. By studying both typology and prophecy, we can see the intricate ways in which God has woven His plan for redemption throughout history, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. [02:55]

Bible Passage:
"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:27, ESV)

Reflection:
Reflect on a specific typology or prophecy from the Old Testament that points to Jesus. How does this deepen your understanding of God's plan for salvation and the unity of the Scriptures? How can you share this insight with someone who may be struggling to see the connection between the Old and New Testaments?

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Day 3: The Role of Prophets

Old Testament prophets were messengers of God, speaking His words and not their own. They warned of punishment for disobedience but also offered hope for restoration. Their messages often had both near and far fulfillments, always pointing to the coming Messiah. Understanding the role of prophets helps us see the depth and complexity of God's plan for salvation. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel played crucial roles in calling God's people back to faithfulness and pointing them to the future hope of the Messiah.

The prophets' messages were not just for their own time but for future generations as well. They provided a glimpse into God's redemptive plan and the ultimate restoration and reconciliation that would come through Jesus Christ. By studying the prophets, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's character, His justice, and His mercy. [04:11]

Bible Passage:
"Surely the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7, ESV)

Reflection:
Consider the role of a specific prophet in the Old Testament. How did their message point to the coming Messiah and God's plan for salvation? How can you apply the lessons from their message to your own life and faith journey today?

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Day 4: Isaiah 53 and the Suffering Servant

Isaiah 53 is a profound prophecy about the suffering servant, who is revealed to be Jesus Christ. This chapter outlines the gospel message, showing how Jesus would bear the sins of many and bring salvation through His suffering. It is a powerful reminder of God's love and the sacrifice Jesus made for our redemption. The suffering servant is described as one who would be despised and rejected, yet He would take on the punishment for our sins and offer us peace with God.

This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who suffered and died on the cross, taking on the punishment for our sins and offering us eternal life. Isaiah 53 is often referred to as the "greatest chapter in the Old Testament" because it so clearly outlines the gospel message and the mission of Jesus Christ. By reflecting on this chapter, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifice Jesus made and the love God has for us. [18:49]

Bible Passage:
"But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5, ESV)

Reflection:
Reflect on the suffering servant described in Isaiah 53. How does this prophecy deepen your understanding of Jesus' sacrifice and the gospel message? How can you live in a way that honors the sacrifice Jesus made for your redemption?

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Day 5: The Gospel in the Old Testament

The gospel message is not just a New Testament revelation; it is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection fulfill the prophecies and promises made in the Old Testament. This continuity emphasizes the unity of the Bible and the centrality of Jesus in God's plan for salvation. The Old Testament provides the foundation for the gospel message, showing us that God's plan for redemption was in place from the very beginning.

By studying the Old Testament, we can see how God's promises and prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This helps us understand the depth and richness of the gospel message and the continuity of God's plan for salvation. It also reminds us that the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, points to Jesus and His redemptive work. [28:10]

Bible Passage:
"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:27, ESV)

Reflection:
Reflect on how the gospel message is rooted in the Old Testament. How does this understanding deepen your appreciation for the unity of the Bible and the centrality of Jesus in God's plan for salvation? How can you share this insight with others to help them see the continuity of God's redemptive plan?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

The Old Testament is often neglected by Christians due to its length, complexity, and cultural distance. However, it is crucial to understand that the Old Testament is a Christian book, given by God, and it testifies about Jesus Christ. There are two primary ways to relate the Old Testament to the New Testament: typology and prophecy. Typology involves people, places, events, or institutions in the Old Testament that point forward to Jesus. Prophecy and fulfillment, on the other hand, show how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies, particularly those concerning the Messiah.

Prophets in the Old Testament were messengers chosen by God to speak His words, not their own. Their messages often included warnings of punishment for disobedience but also promises of hope and restoration. The book of Isaiah, for example, contains prophecies that point to both near and far future events, always with an eye toward the coming Messiah. Isaiah 53, in particular, is a profound prophecy about the suffering servant, who is revealed to be Jesus Christ. This chapter is often referred to as the "greatest chapter in the Old Testament" because it so clearly outlines the gospel message.

Isaiah's prophecies were not just for his time but for future generations, pointing to the ultimate restoration and reconciliation of God's people through the Messiah. The suffering servant in Isaiah 53 is described as one who would bear the sins of many, be despised and rejected, and yet bring salvation and justice to the world. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who suffered and died on the cross, taking on the punishment for our sins and offering us peace with God.

The New Testament writers, particularly Matthew, make it clear that Jesus is the fulfillment of these Old Testament prophecies. The gospel message is not just a New Testament revelation; it is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, and this should be the central message preached from our pulpits. The suffering servant's mission was successful, and through His sacrifice, we are saved and brought into eternal peace with God.

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Key Takeaways

1. The Old Testament as a Christian Book: The Old Testament is often overlooked by Christians, but it is essential to understand that it is a Christian book given by God. It testifies about Jesus Christ and is crucial for a complete understanding of the Bible. Ignoring it means missing out on the richness of God's revelation and the foundation of the gospel. [01:34]
2. Typology and Prophecy: There are two primary ways to connect the Old and New Testaments: typology and prophecy. Typology involves Old Testament figures and events that point to Jesus, while prophecy involves predictions that Jesus fulfills. Both methods show the continuity and unity of the Scriptures, emphasizing that the entire Bible points to Christ. [02:55]
3. The Role of Prophets: Old Testament prophets were messengers of God, speaking His words and not their own. They warned of punishment for disobedience but also offered hope for restoration. Their messages often had both near and far fulfillments, always pointing to the coming Messiah. Understanding the role of prophets helps us see the depth and complexity of God's plan for salvation. [04:11]
4. Isaiah 53 and the Suffering Servant: Isaiah 53 is a profound prophecy about the suffering servant, who is revealed to be Jesus Christ. This chapter outlines the gospel message, showing how Jesus would bear the sins of many and bring salvation through His suffering. It is a powerful reminder of God's love and the sacrifice Jesus made for our redemption. [18:49]
5. The Gospel in the Old Testament: The gospel message is not just a New Testament revelation; it is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection fulfill the prophecies and promises made in the Old Testament. This continuity emphasizes the unity of the Bible and the centrality of Jesus in God's plan for salvation. [28:10]
### [28:10]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:34] - Relating the Old Testament to the New Testament
[02:55] - Typology and Prophecy
[04:11] - The Role of Prophets
[05:19] - No Modern-Day Prophets
[06:13] - Prophets as Covenant Prosecutors
[07:35] - Structure of Prophetic Books
[08:24] - Near and Far Fulfillment in Prophecy
[09:01] - Prophets Serving Future Generations
[10:23] - Messianic Consciousness in Prophecy
[12:30] - Context of Isaiah's Ministry
[14:13] - Idolatry in Judah
[15:30] - Division in the Book of Isaiah
[18:49] - The Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53
[23:18] - Spiritual Restoration and Reconciliation
[28:10] - Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy
[39:02] - The Mission of the Suffering Servant
[43:23] - Preaching Christ Crucified
[44:33] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Isaiah 53, what are some of the specific sufferings that the "suffering servant" endured? ([20:13])
What role did Old Testament prophets play according to 2 Peter 1:20-21? ([05:19])
How does 1 Peter 1:12 describe the purpose of the prophets' messages? ([09:01])
What are the two primary ways the Old Testament relates to the New Testament as mentioned in the sermon? ([01:34])

Interpretation Questions

How does the prophecy in Isaiah 53 point to Jesus Christ, and why is it considered the "greatest chapter in the Old Testament"? ([22:06])
In what ways did the Old Testament prophets serve future generations, according to 1 Peter 1:12? ([09:01])
How does understanding the role of typology and prophecy enhance our reading of the Old Testament? ([02:55])
What does the sermon suggest about the continuity and unity of the Scriptures in relation to Jesus Christ? ([28:10])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you found the Old Testament difficult to understand or apply. How might viewing it as a Christian book given by God change your approach? ([01:34])
Isaiah 53 describes the suffering servant bearing the sins of many. How does this understanding impact your view of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross? ([20:13])
The sermon mentions that the prophets often spoke of hope and restoration despite imminent judgment. How can this message of hope influence your current life circumstances? ([06:51])
Considering the role of prophecy and fulfillment, how can you be more attentive to seeing Jesus in the Old Testament during your Bible study? ([02:55])
The sermon emphasizes the importance of preaching Christ crucified. How can you incorporate this central message into your daily conversations and interactions? ([43:23])
Reflect on the idea that Jesus' life was characterized by suffering and glory. How can this perspective help you navigate your own experiences of suffering? ([34:30])
The sermon suggests that the gospel message is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. How can this understanding deepen your appreciation for the entire Bible? ([28:10])

Sermon Clips

1. "The Old Testament can be difficult to interpret and difficult to apply in the present day, especially because it can be difficult to see Jesus in it. Now, sadly, too many Christians have been taught that outside of the Psalms and the Proverbs and maybe Genesis 1 through 3, the Old Testament is hardly a Christian book and it doesn't really have much for us." [00:30] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "A prophet was a messenger of the Lord, he was chosen by God to speak for God to others. That was his function. The prophet's duty was to speak nothing more or nothing less than what was given to him by God. The authority with which the prophet spoke did not reside in himself. The authority with which a prophet spoke belonged to God." [04:11] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "There are no prophets today like the biblical prophets of old. This is a function, and this is an office that is no longer operating. Why? Because we have Christ. And God has spoken to us through Christ, who fulfills the office of prophet, priest, and king. Prophets spoke from God, and they spoke that which was given them to speak." [05:19] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Our comfort and our security comes in God. So in other words, in the case of the people of Judah, they were idolaters. And by the end of King Uzziah's reign, the beginning of Isaiah's calling as a prophet to the people of Judah, the spiritual purity of God's people had been well diminished, which is always the case when people forget God. You cannot have spiritual health without God." [13:37] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The prophets wrote with an eye that was always towards the coming Messiah. They absolutely would deal with imminent issues in their context, things that were happening in their day that needed to be dealt with 100%, but they would always had an eye on what was sort of beyond the horizon. And what was beyond the horizon for them was the Messiah who would come and offer salvation to God's people." [08:24] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "The ultimate victory of the Messiah and the victory for his people would not pertain to physical land, and it would not come through political or military might. What does Isaiah say? In verse 2, 53, he says, He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. In other words, he would look just like a normal guy, and he would be, as it says in verse 3, despised and rejected by men." [25:58] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Suffering now, but we get to think, think about the glory that awaits us when we will fully enter into eternal rest and into the full and unhindered presence of God. But we will not suffer sin anymore. Just as Jesus rose from the grave, claimed victory over death and sin, and returned to the Father, so too will we be with him in the fullness of glory. Suffering first, and then glory." [36:26] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Jesus, the suffering servant, had a mission and he came and he humbled himself to take on the form of a man and to take on the nature of a man to live perfectly according to God. According to God's law and by doing so he gained a righteousness for his people that they could not attain and that we could not attain on our own. But he also came to suffer the penalty for the sin that condemned us all." [39:02] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "The mission of the suffering servant was successful and he shares in the spoils of his victory which is that he would have many followers. Jesus didn't endure all of that only to make it possible for you to be saved. He didn't bleed out on that cursed tree so that you could be saved one day and then not saved the next day. No, he was there to save you." [40:33] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "There are a lot of things clamoring for our attention and demanding to be preached from pulpits around the world. There are many groups and advocates that want the church to get behind their cause. Surely they think the gospel message is not the answer to all that ails this wicked and dark world. But there is only one message that claims victory over sin, death, and the devil. And that is the message, the gospel of Christ crucified." [42:46] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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