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.
From Noah to Nations: Unveiling the Prophetic Journey — Thoughts and Reflections on Torah Reading 8
In this Torah Reading Discussion, "From Noah to Nations-Unveiling the Prophetic Journey-Thoughts and Reflections on Torah Reading 8," we delve into the profound insights of Torah Reading 8. This study explores Genesis 9.18-10.32, Isaiah 49.1-13, and Revelation 5.1-14,...
From Flood to Faith: The Enduring Promise of the Noahic Covenant — Thoughts and Reflections on Torah Reading 7
The Noahic Covenant: Humanity's Path to Redemption Greetings, saints of the Most High. Welcome to another installment of the Messianic Torah Observer. I'm Rod Thomas, coming to you on a beautiful Shabbat in the DFW area. I hope this message finds you and your loved...
Why Aren’t We Keeping the Feast of Rosh Chodesh-Thoughts and Reflections on the Torah Reading for the 9th Rosh Chodesh
Greetings, Saints of the Most High! Welcome to another installment of the Messianic Torah Observer. I'm Rod Thomas, coming to you on a crisp fall afternoon in DFW. Thank you for taking the time to fellowship with me. I hope this post finds you and your loved ones well...
And God Remembered Noah — Thoughts & Reflections on Torah Reading 6 — Reboot
And God Remembered Noah This week's Torah reading, "And God Remembered Noah," is from Genesis 8:1-14, the 6th Parashah in our 3-Year Torah Reading Cycle. The Power of the Ruach In Genesis 8:1, Elohim remembered Noah and sent a wind (ruach) over...
Pleasing God-Yah in Perilous Times-Lessons From the Life of Noah-Thoughts & Reflections on Torah Reading 5 (Reboot)
Torah Reading this week is found in Genesis 6:9-7:24. It is a very familiar passage of Torah that bears a good many themes, concepts and spiritual applications. But for us today, I want us to focus on just one central theme, if you will. And that theme has to do...
Marring the Image of the Creator Yehovah Through Rebelliousness-Thoughts and Reflections on Torah Reading 4
Greeting and Introduction Greetings saints of the Most High and welcome back to another installment of the Messianic Torah Observer. I'm Rod Thomas coming to you on a beautiful fall Shabbat in the DFW. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to...
Was Eve the First Messianic and the Heart of True Worship — Thoughts & Reflections on Torah Reading 3
Greetings Saints of the Most High. I pray that you, your families, and fellowships are well and blessed. It was my intention to do, at the very least, an audio version of this teaching and discussion. However, since our return from our Kenyan missionary...
My Thoughts and Reflections on Whether Messianics/Netsarim Should Take Part in the Upcoming Electoral Process
Greetings Greetings saints of the Most High. I'm Rod Thomas coming to you from the DFW on a rather stormy first day of the week. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to fellowship with me and as always beloved, it is my hope, trust, and prayer that...
TMTO Update and Thoughts and Reflections on Kenya Missionary-Sukkot Trip
As I am posting these thoughts and reflections, it is the very last Sabbath of the 7th Biblical Month, November 2, 2024. And assuming our contacts in Israel are successful in sighting the renewed moon the evening of this post, we will enter the 8th Month of Yah's...
When Torah Becomes a Witness Against Us — My Thoughts and Reflections on Torah Reading 148
These are my thoughts and reflections on Torah Reading 148. I’ve been led to entitle this discussion: When Torah Becomes a Witness Against Us.” Our reading this week is found in Deuteronomy/Devarim 31.14-30. Key Themes and Concepts Found in our Parashah this...