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3. Mrs. Sollberger points out that too often people only focus on God’s wrath (Law) in the Old Testament while neglecting to point out that God also shows a great deal of mercy and compassion (Gospel) in the Old Testament. Why is it an unfair reading of the Bible to say that God is all about judgment in the OT and all about love in the NT? Find at least one example of Law and Gospel in both the OT and NT.
It is a common misconception – especially among skeptics who have never read the Bible –the OT is all Law, God is a wrathful judge, and the NT is all love, Jesus has mercy, compassion, etc. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Some of the most scathing Law comes from the mouth of Jesus himself, especially in his dealings with the Pharisees and His own disciples, Peter in particular (Get behind me, Satan!). And some of the most sublime Gospel promises are found in the OT, precisely where God is doing his saving work. The point is that there is both Law and Gospel throughout the entire Scriptures, Old and New Testament. If we fail to miss this point, we fail to see that Jesus is the center and circumference of the Scriptures.
4. Read 2 Timothy 3:1-4:5. In verse 16, Paul writes that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” Define these words and phrases. What does each of these words or phrases mean for the Christian life? Also consider the following parallel passages concerning true and false teaching: Matthew 24:1-28; 1 Timothy 1:3-11; 4:1-15; Galatians 1:6-10.
One of the Greek words for teaching is CATECHEO, from which we get the word, “catechism” or “catechist”. This can be found in Luke 1:1-4 in Luke’s introductory words to Theophilus. One biblical definition of “teaching” can be found in Proverbs 22:6, “train up a child in the way they should go and they will not quickly depart from it. The Greek word here in 2 Timothy happens to be DIDASKALON, or teaching and instruction, specifically in the Christian faith. Also see to Jude 3. Reproof is a rebuke or a calling to repentance, especially in light of false teaching. Correction pertains not only to false teaching but also to correct and proper teaching of the truth. In other words, correction contains both positive and negative: handling the word of truth in both Law and Gospel. Training in righteousness – the Greek word here is intriguing – PAIDEA (pronounced piede-ah). This is also similar to the root word for one of the Greek words for child and it is often defined as training or discipline or instruction, on this occasion, specifically dealing with the righteousness that comes by grace through faith in Christ.
5. Read James 1:16-18. According to James, what confidence does the believer have in our Heavenly Father through faith in Christ? Why then is it reassuring and comforting that God’s Word is an unchanging and unwavering anchor? See also Matthew 7:24-27. According to Jesus, what/who is the firm foundation upon which our faith and trust are built?
St. James reminds us first and foremost that God the Father is the giver of all gifts and in Him there is no shadow due to change. Because God’s Word does not change it provides a firm