Non-Negotiables - Part 4 : How to Handle the Word   How to Handle the Word: How to Read, Understand, and Apply the Bible 1 - Know What You're Holding  The Bible is one book... but it's made up of 66 smaller books. It's not laid out like a novel - it's a library.   Old Testament (before Jesus came - points to Him) New Testament (after Jesus came - shows how to live in the New Covenant)   What does fulfill the law mean? 1. The Law Set the Standard Romans 3:20 - Through the law we become conscious of our sin.   2. Jesus Met the Standard Matthew 5:17- Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.   3. Now We Live in His Righteousness Romans 10:4 - Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) 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.   2 - Some is to you but all is for you Romans 15:4 (ESV) For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.   Filter 1 - What does this reveal about God's character? Filter 2 - What principle or pattern is here that still applies? Filter 3 - How does this point me to Jesus? Jesus Himself Said It   Luke 24:27 - "Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself."   John 5:39 - You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me."   Examples of the Old Testament  Pointing to Jesus   Passover lamb (Exodus 12): Blood over the door saved Israel from death - Jesus is the Lamb of God whose blood saves us.   The sacrificial system (Leviticus): Constant sacrifices showed sin required death - Jesus is the once-for-all sacrifice.   Jonah in the fish (Jonah 1-2): Three days inside + Jesus rose after three days in the tomb (Matthew 12:40).   The Exodus (Exodus 14): God delivered Israel from slavery to Egypt * Jesus delivers us from slavery to sin.   3 - Learn to Apply What You Read James 1:22 says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."   4 - Let Scripture Interpret Scripture Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.