A Biblical Vision, Part I: Mastering the Old Testament Witness to Christ

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I : Mas ter i ng the Ol d Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

f. As Israel fell in the wilderness due to their own disobedience and unbelief, we are exhorted to take warning against these threats in our lives, 1 Cor. 10.11 – Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come .

B. The Conquest of Canaan and the establishment of Israel’s kingdom reign: engaging the powers of the world

1. As Israel engaged in fighting its enemies in Canaan, so we engage in spiritual warfare with Christ as our strength and Captain.

a. We sojourn through this barren land of the world system, 1 Pet. 2.11-12 – Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. [12] Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evil doers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. b. We fight against the rulers of this present darkness, Eph. 6.10-13 – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

c. We are to share in the suffering of this spiritual warfare as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, 2 Tim. 2.3-4 – Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus .