“Each of us should PLEASE OUR NEIGHBORS for their good, to BUILD (oikodomē: to promotes another’s growth) THEM UP. For even Christ DID NOT PLEASE HIMSELF but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have FALLEN ON ME.” 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.” (Rom. 15:2-4)
We are being instructed to please our neighbors and do what we can to PROMOTE THEIR GROWTH in their relationship with the Lord BENITA. we are taught that Jesus did what He did not to please Himself but for our learning and growth.
Jesus taught the old testament as:
- SOURCE OF AUTHORITY: Jesus spoke about the Old Testament, “It is written,”(Matt. 4:4, 7, 10)
- IMMORTALITY OF THE OT: “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law (OT) until all is accomplished,” (Matt. 5:18).
- UNBREAKABILITY: “The Scripture cannot be broken,” (John 10:35).
- SOURCE OF DOCTRINAL AUTHORITY: “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God .” (Matt 22:29).
- TRUTHFULNESS OF SCRIPTURE: “Your word IS TRUTH,” (John 17:17).
Since Jesus is God in flesh, what He taught about the Old Testament (or any other subject, for that matter) is true. This means that WE CAN TRUST the accuracy of the Old Testament Scriptures on issues of history, science, and moral instruction.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham