1 Cor. 10:113, Transferrable Concepts

Let’s consider the value of the OT to those who live under the NT today.

1)    2 Tim. 3:16: ALL Scripture is inspired and profitable.

2)    I Tim. 1:6-11: BUT, for example, the Law is only profitable in the NT time if it is used properly; it is not for the righteous but for lawbreakers, rebels…whatever else contrary to sound doctrine.  This passage also tells us the NT interprets the OT ("sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God").

3)    So, how am I to use the Old Testament?  How can it be "profitable?"

a)    Luke 24:25-27: Is there a truth about Christ taught or illustrated?  Jesus taught the disciples about Himself using the OT.

b)    Rom. 1:1-4: Is there a truth about salvation taught or illustrated?  The gospel beginnings are in the OT.  Atonement is always, only provided by Christ. 

c)    I Cor. 10:11: Is there an illustration of New Testament principles?  These things (events in the wilderness) happened to them as examples and warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.

d)    Again, in I Cor. 10:11: Is there a warning against sin? (I Tim.1:8-11 fits here).

e)    Romans 11:25-32: Is there a specific prophecy yet to be fulfilled?

f)     Romans 15:4: Is there an encouragement that will help me endure? "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

Lets ask what "transferable concept" might be found in the story of Moses in Ex.1:1-2:10.   There might be many but here is one I believe is exceedingly helpful:

4)    1 Cor. 7:14: The believing parent sanctifies the children.

a)    Does this mean spouses and children are saved because of the faith of one? No!  There is "no other name" but Christ for salvation.

b)    Does it mean there is a special covenant protection on the children of be-lieving parents? Again, no!  The sin nature reaches to all.  All, even our children, are judged as sinners.

c)    Rather: the believing parent has a sanctifying effect on the unbelieving.  Children are not "unclean" as if from an illegitimate relationship.

d)    Thus, we can see Amram and Jochebed as an example for parents today.

5)    I Sam. 3:1: "… the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions."

a)    Some might say God's word is rare today because. there aren't many visions.

b)    But Heb. 1:1-3 indicates that visions were one of the ways God spoke to people in OT times.  We are not counting on “visions” from God today because God spoke with finality through the Incarnation (cf. also Jude 1:3.)

c)    2 Tim. 4:3: The reason for rarity today is that men will not put up with sound doctrine but gather around them teachers who say what they want to hear

The point is: the OT has much to say today.  But we must be careful to rightly dividing (orthotomeo, to cut straight) Scripture (2 Tim. 2:15).