These notes accompany the sermon found here.

Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Hebrews 11.

Some major themes of the Old Testament

• Israel’s struggle to be faithful in the covenant.
• God’s faithfulness to bring blessings and curses to Israel.
• God’s plan to bring one who will lead Israel in faithfulness and power – the Messiah.

A summary of the Old Testament

• The Pentateuch, or The Law, Genesis – Deuteronomy: God creates; man sins; then God begins the plan to reverse the affects of sin by choosing a covenant people, and setting them apart for his purposes.
• The books of history, Joshua – Esther: Israel comes into the land and struggles to fulfill the terms of their covenant with God while he lays the groundwork to bring forth the Messiah. Israel is eventually exiled from the land, but returned by God to await the coming Messiah, Jesus.
• The books of wisdom, Job – Song of Solomon: Deeply theological and philosophical works that reveal God and his ways.
• The prophets, Isaiah – Malachi: The prophets contain pronouncements of judgment upon Israel and other nations, revelations of God and His ways, predictions of future events, and the encouragement that a future leader would come to redeem Israel and indeed the world.

Applications

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for Jesus Christ

• To prove his identity and his purposes.
• To help His people understand the person and work of Jesus Christ.

God is faithful to fulfill all his promises to his people.

• Some of our promises include:
  • Salvation.
  • Presence.
  • The Holy Spirit.
  • Provision.
  • Sanctification.
  • Resurrection.
  • Tribulation (You read that right).
  • Discipline.
• And God works all things together to fulfill these promises.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28, ESV

God still offers “life and good” or “death and evil.”

• Which will it be for you? Life or death? Good or evil?
• Make your decision known to a fellow believer in Jesus Christ.

The Israelites were going into the promised land not because of their righteousness, but because of

1) promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob;

2) judgment on the inhabitants of the land; (Deuteronomy 9:4-5)