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July 6, 2024 7:55 PM

Periodically the staff and leaders at FBC Greenhills will contribute to the blog writing specifically about ministry, the Christian life, contemporary issues from a biblical perspective and more. Our hope is to equip and encourage each and every person who stope to read. Keep an eye out for the first blog.

Pastor Brandon (9.22.24)

Understanding the Fulfillment of the Law and Prophets in Jesus

Introduction

Welcome to our blog! Today, we delve into a powerful sermon that explores the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies in Jesus Christ. This sermon, delivered by Pastor Brandon at First Baptist Church of Green Hills, emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the centrality of Jesus in the biblical narrative. Let's walk through the key points and understand how the Old Testament serves as a treasure map pointing to the greatest treasure of all—Jesus.

The Setting: Paul's Sermon in the Synagogue

Context of Paul's Sermon:

Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and arrived in Perga, where John Mark left them to return to Jerusalem. They continued their journey to Pisidian Antioch, a Roman colony with a significant Jewish population. On the Sabbath, Paul and Barnabas attended the synagogue, where they were invited to share a word of encouragement.

The Structure of a Synagogue Service

A typical synagogue service included:

- Reading from the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4)

- Prayers

- Scripture reading from the Law and the Prophets

- A sermon explaining the scripture

- A benediction

Paul seized the opportunity to explain how the Old Testament pointed to Jesus.

Jesus: The Fulfillment of the Law and Prophets

Jesus is the Person the Law and Prophets Point To

Paul begins his sermon by summarizing Israel's history, emphasizing God's sovereignty and grace. He highlights how God chose the ancestors, led them out of Egypt, and sustained them in the wilderness. Paul underscores that it was God who initiated and sustained the relationship with Israel, not because of their merit but because of His grace.

Key Points from Israel's History

- God chose the ancestors.

- God made the people prosper in Egypt.

- God led them out of Egypt with a mighty arm.

- God put up with them in the wilderness for 40 years.

- God destroyed seven nations in Canaan and gave the land to Israel.

- God gave them judges and then kings, including Saul and David.

Paul emphasizes that all these events point to the coming Messiah, Jesus.

Jesus is the Person Who Fulfills the Promise

Paul transitions from common ground to showing how Jesus fulfills the promises of the prophets. He explains that through David's lineage, God brought the Savior, Jesus, to Israel. He also references John the Baptist, who pointed to Jesus and proclaimed a baptism of repentance.

The Rejection and Vindication of Jesus

Despite the prophecies, the people of Israel did not recognize Jesus and had Him executed. However, God raised Jesus from the dead, vindicating Him as the Messiah. Paul cites several Old Testament texts to show that Jesus is the fulfillment of these prophecies.

Jesus: The Source of Salvation

Salvation Through Jesus Alone

Paul concludes his sermon by proclaiming that forgiveness of sins is found only in Jesus. He emphasizes that everyone who believes in Jesus is justified, something the law of Moses could never achieve. Paul warns against scoffing at this truth, quoting Habakkuk 1:5 to underscore the importance of believing in Jesus.

Key Takeaways

- Forgiveness of sins is proclaimed through Jesus.

- Everyone who believes in Jesus is justified.

- The law of Moses could not justify; only Jesus can.

Life Application

Applying the Sermon to Our Lives

Understanding that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and prophets should transform how we live. Here are some questions to reflect on this week:

1. **Are you increasing more in knowledge of God or in obedience to God?**

- Reflect on whether your spiritual growth is marked by mere knowledge or by actionable obedience to God's commands.

2. **Are you resting in God's grace, knowing that Jesus fulfilled everything needed for salvation, or are you still trying to earn God's favor?**

- Consider if you are truly resting in the finished work of Christ or if you are caught in a cycle of trying to earn God's favor through works.

3. **What is keeping you from repenting of your sins and placing your faith and trust in Jesus for salvation?**

- If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus, identify what is holding you back and seek to understand the truth of the gospel.

Challenge for the Week

This week, challenge yourself to rest in the grace of God, knowing that Jesus has fulfilled everything needed for your salvation. Let this truth transform your daily life, leading you to live in obedience to God and share the good news of Jesus with others.

Conclusion

The sermon reminds us that the entire Bible points to Jesus, the fulfillment of the law and prophets. As we reflect on this truth, let us rest in His grace and live in obedience to Him, knowing that our salvation is secure in Christ alone. May this understanding deepen our faith and transform our lives for His glory.