THE CHURCH JESUS BUILT (Lesson Six)

                                                  Matthew 16:18

Introduction

     A.  We have noted that it’s through the New Testament (New Covenant), which Jesus

           authorized His apostles and prophets to write, that Jesus directs His church.  Eph.

           3:1-5 (p864); 2 Peter 3:1-2 (p899)

     B.  The standard of authority for church doctrine is the apostles’ doctrine which

           constitutes the N. T. or New Covenant.  Acts 2:42 (p802)

     C.  With this understanding, I want us to note that the Old Testament is not the

           standard of authority for church doctrine and practice.

     The Old Testament was designed to be temporary.  Galatians 3:19 (p861)

  I.  Because the Law (O. T.) was to last until the seed should come.  V19

     A.  According to v 16, the seed is Christ.

     B.  God promised Abraham (Genesis 12:3,7;13:16;15:5;17:7) that through his seed all

           the nations would be blessed.

     C.  Through Christ salvation is available for everyone.  Hebrews 9:14-15 (p887); Gal.

           4:4-7; 3:21-22 (p861)

II.  Because it was a tutor to lead/bring those under the Law (O. T.) to Christ.

     A.  A tutor was a trusted slave, a pedagogue, who took the children of a Roman

           family to school.

     B.  Read Galatians 3:23-25 (p861)

III.  Because when those who were under the Law came to Christ, they became dead to

      the Law and delivered from the Law.  Romans 7:4,6 (p833)

IV.  Because Jeremiah’s prophecy (Jeremiah 31:311-34) has been fulfilled.

      Hebrews 8:7-13 (p887)

Conclusion

      A.  The O. T. can not be the standard of authority for church doctrine and practice.

      B.  The church was established under the N. T. and not the Old.