Connecting a Text to Christ, Part II

In the previous article, we noted that good expository preaching will not only exalt Christ but do it in a way that is consistent with the message of the passage being proclaimed. One tool to help us in this is a list of simple questions formed around six easily remembered words that begin with the letter “P.” These questions can stimulate our meditation on the gospel and on how a text may be connected to it. The sense of most of these questions is probably self-evident and not in need of much clarification. Still, here is a brief explanation of them:

Is there a Prophecy that Christ fulfills?

Thanks to the teachings of Christ and His apostles, prophecies often tend to be clear connections, like “highways” that lead to Christ. However, since not every passage we teach places the prophecy about Christ at the center of its message, we must resist the temptation to assume that such prophecies are always the best connection between the text and Christ. It may be that one of the other questions below will provide a more natural bridge to the gospel.

Is there a Pattern that Christ perfects?

The writers of the New Testament spoke of “shadows” and “substance” (Col. 2:17; Heb. 8:5; 10:1), and that is the sense behind this question. Does the message of the text bring emphasis to something or someone who models a characteristic or role that Christ models perfectly? Of course, the book of Hebrews helps us see this played out in many aspects of the Tabernacle and the system of sacrificial worship mediated through a high priest. Patterns may also be seen in people and events. For example, David’s persecution by Saul reflects a pattern of worldly leaders rejecting and persecuting the One whom God anointed to deliver His people. And again, the writer of Hebrews helps demonstrate how the “rest” spoken of in the land of promise was a giant “shadow” waiting to be fully perfected in the gospel of Christ. Looking for these patterns in our study can yield a great treasury of gospel connections that do not alter the meaning and purpose of the original passage. The only caution is that we must stay anchored to the chief message and intent of the text. This will prevent us from chasing every “type” and “symbol” in ways that alter the impact of the gospel in the text.

Is there a Problem that Christ resolves?

Numerous stories in the Old Testament are told in a way that seems to highlight a sin or weakness rather than to give an example to follow. This is by design. The heart of man knows no end to how it can be faithless and rebellious toward our Creator. Even the heroic figures of the biblical narratives find themselves unable to escape sin’s marring influence. The repetition of these failures only underscores the fact that man has a broken spiritual condition that cannot be repaired by hard work or faith. Only God, through Christ, can change the hearts of men. Similarly, the high standards of the many laws and ethical codes in Scripture confront us with the tension of constant failure in our own lives. They lead us to conclude that only the grace of God in Christ can secure for us a sufficient and enduring righteousness before the Lawgiver.

Is there a Purpose/Plan that Christ restores?

Throughout the course of human history, it seems that sin and rebellion continue to wreck the good plans and purposes of God for humanity. We see it over and over, from his plan to exalt mankind over Creation, to His design to get glory for Himself among the peoples of the world through a tiny, covenant nation. When we follow the thread of these purposes forward into the New Testament, we can demonstrate how God’s plan always included restoration and exaltation through Christ. Where sin abounds, grace abounds even more, and plans that seemed desperately lost become trophies of hope and deliverance.

Is there a Promise that Christ completes?

It may sometimes be difficult to distinguish between a prophecy and a promise (and it really is not necessary to still make a good connection to Christ). This is because of the nature of God and His promises. When God promises to do something, it is guaranteed to happen, so it can also feel very much like a prophecy. Some examples of these promises are God’s covenant promises of blessing and fellowship with Him, the judgment of the wicked, the forgiveness of sins, etc. Of course, all these promises are completed by Christ and in Christ.  

Is there a Principle about God that Christ exemplifies?

God’s plan of redemption was revealed progressively over many centuries, but God’s character and nature have never changed. Even in the early stories of the Bible, we can see the seeds of revelation concerning God that continue to grow and blossom until the ripe fruit of God’s nature is fully revealed in Jesus Christ. He reveals his overflowing goodness and desire to share good things with mankind. He shows hot fury against rebellious men and great mercy toward mankind. He reveals both absolute majesty and astonishing humility. These and other attributes of God can be traced throughout the Scriptures, and they find their culmination in the character of God displayed in the person and work of Jesus Christ.         

Keep in mind that it is not necessary to maintain a rigid, technical categorization of these connections to Christ. These questions are merely helpful tools to aid us in reflecting on the text and how it connects to the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we are diligent and disciplined to demonstrate how a text naturally points to Christ, our sermons will strengthen faith in the gospel and in the Lord who stands at the center of the Bible’s message.