(Part 1)

JBTM Robert D. Bergen
25
3. Use the Old Testament narratives as patterns for Christian living. A third way in which
New Testament writers also used Old Testament narratives was as a source of inspirational
patterns for living. The unnamed author of Hebrews used Abel as an example of one who
“by faith was approved as a righteous man” (Heb 11:4; see Gen 22:9–12). Paul used Abraham
as a model of the life of God-focused faith, because Abraham “did not waver in unbelief
at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, because he was
fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform” (Rom 4:20–21; see
Gen 15:6).
4. Use the Old Testament narratives as warnings regarding lifestyle choices. A fourth use of
Old Testament narratives within the New Testament was as cautionary examples designed
to discourage inappropriate behavior by Christians. The author of Hebrews, for example,
used an account of Esau to discourage Christians from being “immoral or irreverent” (Heb
12:16; see Gen 25:31–34; 27:36). Paul used the account of the Israelites in the wilderness “as a
warning” (1 Cor 10:11) to the Corinthian Christians “not [to] commit sexual immorality” (1
Cor 10:8; see Num 25:1–9). Peter mentioned Balaam as “one who loved the wages of unrighteousness
but received a rebuke for his transgression” (2 Pet 2:15–16; see Deut 23:4). John
taught that we should be “unlike Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother”
(1 John 4:10b–12a; see Gen 4:7–8).
The Old Testament narratives contain a tresure of lives lived and shared for our benefit.
Enjoy them richly as a divine gift, then share them with those the Lord has placed in your
care!