Oxen, Offerings, and Outsiders: How Old Testament Law teaches us to be Human

How could instructions about animal sacrifices, goring oxen, dietary restrictions, and skin diseases, possibly contribute to our teaching, correction, and training? This small group will explore why the law is both beneficial and relevant to the Christian life.

Where: Media Room (front library conference room)

Who: Drew Masterson & Katie Black

When: Weekly on Friday at 1:15 p.m. (starting 1/23)

Contact: Drew@studycenter.net

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

It is easy to see how some parts of Scripture train us for discipleship. The gospels record the life and teachings of Jesus, telling us what the Kingdom of God is like and what Jesus expects of his followers. The epistles show us how to live faithfully together as the body of Christ as we seek to love one another and pursue holiness. The psalms teach us how to pray. The book of Proverbs offers practical wisdom for daily living.

But what about the Old Testament law? How could instructions about animal sacrifices, goring oxen, dietary restrictions, and skin diseases, possibly contribute to our teaching, correction, and training? This small group will explore why the law is both beneficial and relevant to the Christian life by considering questions like:
- What does the Ancient Near Eastern context of the law teach us about its purpose?
- Where does the law fit into the larger story of God and his people?
- What does the law teach us about the character of God?
- What do we do with uncomfortable laws, like those about slavery?
- What is Jesus’ relationship to the law? Did he expect his followers to keep it?
- How do Paul and Peter understand the Christian’s relationship to the law?
- How should the Old Testament law inform the way that I live today?

We will use Carmen Ime’s book, Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters as a jumping off point for our discussions. (All participants receive a copy of the book!) We hope you will join us!