What Torah Can Do For Us, Part 4: How Torah Reveals God, Points to Yeshua, and Strengthens the Redeemed
In this fourth installment of What Torah Can and Cannot Do for Us, we examine what Torah does for the redeemed believer. Beloved, Torah does not save us, justify us, or redeem us apart from the finished work of Yeshua Messiah. Redemption belongs to Yeshua alone. But Torah remains indispensable to the life of the disciple because it is Yah’s loving instruction in righteousness for His redeemed people.
This teaching explores how Torah reveals essential aspects of Yehovah’s person and character—His holiness, His righteousness, His order, His ways, and His will. While Torah does not present the full revelation of the Father apart from Messiah, it does show us who He is in ways that are foundational to covenant life. And through Yeshua’s witness that “the one who has seen Me has seen the Father,” we are given a fuller and more intimate view of the heart of Yah. Relevant references cited in this discussion include Hebrews 1:1; John 14:9; Isaiah 55; Jeremiah 29:11; Genesis 6:1–7; Genesis 11:1–9; Deuteronomy 32:7–9; and 1 Enoch 1–36.
We also examine the edifying role of Torah in the life of the believer. Drawing from Shaul’s words to Timothy, this installment emphasizes that the holy Scriptures—Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings—are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith in Yeshua Messiah. Torah is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man or woman of Elohim may be thoroughly furnished unto every good work. This teaching further highlights the reality that when Shaul wrote these words, the apostolic writings were still being circulated, which means he was affirming the value and ongoing relevance of the Tanach as the foundational Scriptures for the redeemed. Relevant references cited in this discussion include 2 Timothy 3:14–17; 2 Timothy 1:5; 1 Timothy 4:13; Romans 15:4; and Jude 4.
Additionally, this discussion shows how Torah points us to Yeshua Messiah. Torah reveals Yah’s standards, exposes our shortcomings, and demonstrates our desperate need for a once-and-for-all Savior. Torah does not compete with Messiah, nor does Messiah nullify Torah. Rather, Torah leads us to Messiah, and Messiah teaches us how Torah is to be walked out in spirit and in truth through the power of the Ruach HaKodesh. The teaching also underscores that Torah served as our schoolmaster until Messiah came, showing us our deficiencies and revealing our need for redemption. Relevant references cited in this discussion include Romans 10:4; Matthew 6:33; 1 John 3:4; and Galatians 3:24.
Another major focus of this installment is Torah’s role in protection, covenant empowerment, and spiritual warfare. We consider the enemy’s role as accuser and adversary, and how transgression of Yah’s Torah opens the door to covenant consequences that may negatively affect the believer’s physical life and walk. Conversely, when we walk steadfastly in covenant faithfulness, Torah helps establish order, protection, and a Kingdom-centered way of living that frustrates the stratagems of the enemy. The teaching also points to Yeshua’s own example in resisting the adversary through the Word of Yah. Relevant references cited in this discussion include Revelation 12:10; 1 Peter 5:8; Deuteronomy 28; Matthew 4:1–11; Leviticus 26:3–9; and John 10:10.
Finally, this installment underscores that Torah grounds the redeemed in truth, nourishes the inner man, lights the path before us, and brings peace, clarity, and stability to the willing soul. Torah helps us discern truth from error, holiness from compromise, and the commandments of Yah from the traditions of men. In a time marked by confusion, deception, and spiritual instability, Torah remains a vital gift to the redeemed who receive it rightly in Messiah. Relevant references cited in this discussion include Ephesians 6 and Psalm 119:105.
If you have wrestled with the relationship between Torah, grace, obedience, covenant, truth, and salvation, this installment will help frame that discussion in a way that is scriptural, balanced, and firmly centered on Yeshua Messiah.
Lessons Learned from the Death of Sarah-STAR-20
In our Torah Reading for this Sabbath, we read of the death of the Matriarch of our Faith, Sarah. And in our discussion, we will explore the eternal truths associated with this sad, but important story. We will touch upon the themes of loving our wives; being a sojourner in this world; burial versus cremation when caring for a deceased loved one; as well as we’ll examine many of the historic and cultural elements that are attached to this beautiful Reading. Shalom and Welcome.
When our Covenant Relationship with God is Tested-Akeida-STAR-19
This week’s Torah Reading is that of the Akeidah or the binding of Isaac. It is a story about obedience, trusting faith and the ultimate goal of the Abrahamic Covenant. We will also explore the ramifications associated with God’s testing of those whom He loves. This is one of the most important Torah Reading Discussions of the Torah Reading Cycle. Come fellowship with us and let’s discuss the Eternal Mysteries of Yah’s Eternal Words of Life.
The In’s and Out’s of Covenant-Justice and Mercy-STAR-18
Many of us view covenant as an exclusive club or culture that belongs to God’s elect and those who find themselves outside of covenant are doomed to be outside of God’s blessings and provision. But the truth of the matter is that God operates in ways that are often foreign to us and that defy how we believe God should operate. In today’s Torah Reading discussion, we discuss the in’s and out’s of covenant and how God’s justice and mercy define how He will interact with those who are in covenant versus those who are outside covenant.
Abraham and the God (Yah) Culture–Sabbath Thoughts & Reflections 15
This week’s Torah Reading touches on a number of relevant themes that include righteousness, justice, reverence, hospitality, boldness, laughter, theophanies and covenant. But the one theme that stands out most is culture. In this installment of TMTO’s Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections, we explore each of these themes, in particular the theme of culture. What is the God Culture/the Hebrew Culture? What was Abraham’s role in that Culture? And what does that culture have to do with us today?
El Shaddai-The Mothering Side of our God-STAR 14
Seems we have been indoctrinated to view God exclusively from a “Fathering” perspective. But could one of God’s revealed names be indicative of a “Mothering” side to the Creator of the Universe? In this installment of TMTO we explore and discuss the power and meaning of El Shaddai.
Yehovah-The God Who Sees-STAR 13
In our reading today, we’re led to think and reflect on the themes of:
● Trusting Faith
● Respect
● Patience & Perseverance
● Responsibility
● Honor
● The Spirit Realm Intersecting with the Physical Realm
● Promise
● Sonship
We Must Operate at Abraham’s Trusting Faith Level-So How Do We Get There? STAR 12
Today’s Torah Reading discussion will touch upon a great many themes that include operating in a trusting faith; the righteousness of Elohim; obedience to Yah’s instructions; divine protections and rewards; and the wisdom of challenging or questioning Yehovah.
Our Example of Abraham Being a Friend of God-STAR-11
The circumcised heart of an individual—contrite and broken and humble in spirit—is the one thing that captures Yah’s attention and places him or her in contention for being chosen as His friend and ultimately His child. If our heart ain’t right, we ain’t going to be chosen to enter into an obedient covenant relationship with Yehovah, much less a friend or child of His.
The Righteousness of God Rests Upon the Faithfulness of Yeshua Messiah
Indeed, the Righteousness of God is the place where faith and obedience come together through the Person and Ministry of Yahoshua Messiah. His faithful obedience to Yehovah becomes our faithful obedience, even unto death.
The Abrahamic Covenant Holds the Key to God’s Plan of Salvation-STAR 10
The Abrahamic Covenant is the essential element of this week’s Torah Reading. We find in our discussion that the Abrahamic Covenant holds the key to God’s Plan of Salvation. Shabbat Shalom.