WHY YOU ALSO NEED TO READ THE OLD TESTAMENT

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WHY THE OLD TESTAMENT STILL MATTERS

This is one of the most common questions I hear from fellow Christians. Why does the Old Testament remain important? With the arrival of the twenty-first century, we have witnessed astonishing advances in science and technology. Communication that once took weeks or months now happens in seconds. For people born into such an age, what value can a collection of writings nearly four thousand years old possibly hold? Is the Old Testament still relevant for Christians today?

If you visit many churches and listen to the preaching, chances are you will mostly hear sermons drawn from the New Testament. Messages from the Old Testament are far less frequent. Yet the apostle Paul reminds us that “All Scripture is God-breathed…” (2 Timothy 3:16). When Paul wrote those words, the “Scripture” he referred to was the Old Testament. If the Old Testament is God’s own word, it unquestionably matters and remains relevant.

To maintain balance in our teaching and preaching, we need to draw deeply from the Old Testament. Here are several reasons:

1. THE OLD TESTAMENT ILLUMINATES THE NEW TESTAMENT

The Old Testament provides the foundation every Christian needs to understand the New Testament. In truth, we cannot fully grasp the message of the New Testament without the background the Old Testament supplies.

2. THE OLD TESTAMENT IS ESSENTIAL FOR THEOLOGICAL DEPTH

Paul declares, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Much of the core theology of our faith—creation, humanity’s fall, the nature of God, sin, worship, ethics—arises from the Old Testament. To neglect it is to leave our congregations theologically shallow and unprepared.

3.THE OLD TESTAMENT OFFERS PRACTICAL WISDOM FOR DAILY LIVING

The pages of the Old Testament hold a wealth of practical guidance for God’s people today. We can identify with the struggles and temptations faced by faithful servants such as Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, and David. Their stories remain rich sources of sermon illustrations and personal encouragement. Times and technology may change, but human nature and need remain the same.

4. THE OLD TESTAMENT ADDRESSES LIFE’S GREAT QUESTIONS

The deepest issues of human existence are explored in its pages. Where did I come from? Why am I here? Is there life beyond what I see now? The Old Testament leads us toward answers to these profound questions.

5. THE OLD TESTAMENT POINTS US TO JESUS CHRIST

Our highest calling is to lead people to faith in Christ, and the Old Testament is a priceless tool in that mission (2 Timothy 3:15). The earliest Christian preachers—Peter (Acts 2), John (Acts 3), Stephen (Acts 7), and Paul (Acts 13)—all drew extensively on the Old Testament to testify about Jesus. Even Jesus Himself frequently quoted the Old Testament to reveal His identity and mission.

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As Christians, we rightly give thanks for the New Testament witness. Yet if we limit ourselves to the New Testament alone, we miss much of God’s revelation. The Old Testament may not be “our” testament in a covenantal sense, but it remains the very Word of God. May the Holy Spirit help us rediscover its riches with fresh eyes. Stay Curious.



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