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Biblical Developments and Application

1. CONNECT

   10min
   In previous sessions, we saw that there are several challenges to applying the Old Testament to our day, but when we realize that we serve the same God, live in the same world, and are the same kind of people as those in the Old Testament, these Scriptures become much more accessible to us. Still, just recognizing these connections isn’t enough. In this session, we’ll focus on how we must also take into account the epochal, cultural and personal developments that took place in biblical faith if we’re going to apply the Old Testament to our lives today.

2. Reflection

   Everyone familiar with the Scriptures knows that biblical faith developed over time. God called Adam to live in one way and Noah in another. Abraham’s life before God was different from Moses’ life. Moses’ obedience to God was different from David’s obedience. And of course, the life that Jesus lived and taught his disciples to follow was different as well. As faithful followers of Christ, we are never to forget how to learn from what God revealed to his people in Old Testament days, but we are also not to forget that we now live in the New Testament age. How can we learn from the Old Testament without turning from what God has revealed in Christ? We must keep in view that biblical faith matured or developed over time.

3. Guiding Question

   How did Old Testament faith develop into the faith of the New Testament (consider the differences between Abraham’s faith in Old Testament days and our faith today)?

4. WATCH

   15min

5. DISCUSS

   15min
   1. In this session, we identify three kinds of developments that have taken place between Old Testament times and our own day: __________, __________ and __________ developments.
   2. Christians have differing views on how to apply the Old Testament to our current age. Define and discuss each of the following views:
      1. “segmented view”
      2. “flattened view”
      3. “developmental view”
   3. How does Galatians 3:24 help us understand the value of learning from Old Testament teachings without denying the impact of God’s revelation in Christ?

6. APPLY

   15min
   1. Name three cultural similarities and three differences between our day and the days of the Old Testament. How do these similarities and differences impact your application of Old Testament teachings?
   2. Think about your personal experience of life as a follower of Christ and compare it to the personal experiences of Abraham and David. Compare your role in society, your spiritual condition, your personal calling for service to God. How do these considerations impact your application of Old Testament teachings?
   3. How have you matured or developed over time? How does recognizing your own maturation help you understand how Old Testament faith developed into the faith of the New Testament?

7. CHALLENGE

   Take some time to identify developments that have taken place from the time of the Old Testament until today, and spend some time in prayer thanking God for the way he has revealed more and more of himself to us throughout the ages. Finish with a time of prayer.