The Institutions of God(3) The Law of Moses I. Introduction. A. God gave a law to the Israelites: Deuteronomy 5:2. 1. Followed by Jesus and disciples until Pentecost: Luke 2:22. 2. Note: John 1:17. 3. This law was from God--for a particular class of people. 4. This law was never intended for Gentiles--could not justify them then--cannot justify at present: Acts 13:39. B. Many religious people will choose to obey parts of the Law- -reject other parts. 1. Is this a proper choice? 2. Are there items under the Law of Moses that we should practice today? 3. Does the Law have a value for us? 4. Please note: I Corinthians 10:11. 5. Even to: Hebrews 4:11. II. Body. A. The Law of Moses was a political/religious institution of God. 1. Intended to govern Israel in all phases of life: Deuteronomy 5:1-3. 2. The Ten Commandments were a summation of God's will: Deuteronomy 5:4-21. 3. All of this Law is not embraced in the Ten Commandments: the rest of the revelation to the Hebrews must be included in the Law: Joshua 8:30-31. 4. The proper respect for the Law by Hebrews: Joshua 22:5. 5. The laws of purification: Luke 2:22. 6. Also: I Corinthians 9:9. B. The Law of Moses was designed and intended for the Jews. 1. Gentiles were excluded--but permitted to be "proselytes." a. When journeying with Israelites: Number 15:15-16. b. Some Jews went too far in their attitudes toward Gentiles(note: Galatians 2:12-13). 2. Served to protect the "seed of David"--through whom Christ would come. 3. The Law was good; the people failed to follow it. C. The Law of Moses served as a means of pointing to Jesus Christ. 1. The Law was for a specific people--for a limited time. 2. Prophesied of the Messiah: a. Isaiah 7:14. b. Hence: Daniel 2:44. 3. The hope of the Jews: John 4:25. D. The Law of Moses, from its beginning, was destined to come to an end. 1. Not designed for all of mankind. 2. The descendants of Abraham would benefit from this Revelation from God. a. Expression "children of Abraham" would describe them from the physical standpoint. b. Belongs today to spiritual descendants: Galatians 3:7. 3. So designed: Hebrews 8:7. 4. A different kind of Law was to replace the Old and bring in the New: Jeremiah 31:31f. a. Hebrews affirms this promise. b. Hence: Hebrews 10:9. E. Benefits of the Law of Moses to Christians. 1. Related the History God's dealings with mankind(and the Hebrews). 2. Full of examples of faithfulness and unfaithfulness-- Remember I Corinthians 10:11. 3. Illustrated the mercy and the punishment that comes from God. 4. Evidences of the existence of God(creation, etc.). 5. Evidences of God. 6. History book for the Hebrews--useful for Christians. 7. And, as one studies, the value of the Old Testament increases in a faithful disciple. F. Christ nailed the Law of Moses to the cross: Colossians 2:14. 1. No justification by the Law of Moses: Acts 13:39. a. The standards under Moses are not the standards under Christ. b. One was a law for a peculiar people; the other is a law for all mankind--to make a peculiar people. 2. Those who seek to prove(justify) their faith and practices by an appeal to the O. T. err from the gospel. 3. Hence: Galatians 5:4. III. Conclusion. A. Both the Law and the Gospel are institutions of God. B. Each served the purpose of God for mankind.-jy