On the Rock: Why and How We Should Read the OT

Pastor Scott Applegate 

Sermon Notes:

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 NIV

Why should I read the Old Testament?

• Because it was the Bible that Jesus read, studied, memorized, prayed, and taught

“Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures…’” Matthew 21:42 NIV

“It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 NIV

• Because it is Act 1 of God’s redemptive story (Romans 9:1-5, Romans 11:11-24, Galatians 3:29)

• Because it foretells and explains the ministry of Jesus (Isaiah 61, Isaiah 53)

• Because it teaches us about the love and holiness of God and how He wants us to live (Deuteronomy 6,Leviticus 19, Micah 6:8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13)

How should I read the Old Testament?

• Look through the eyes of real people whose daily lives were centered on God, let it deepen your faith and act on what you understand (Hebrews 11, Hebrews 12:1)

• Look for Jesus on every page

“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!” John 5:39 NLT
“Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27 NLT