BUILDING BIBLICAL THEOLOGY
STUDY GUIDE 4.1
Lesson 4: Contours of New Testament Biblical Theology
Section 1: Orientation

OUTLINE FOR NOTES

Introduction

I. Orientation

A. Twofold Revelation

B. Theological Structures

  1. Basic-Level Structures

  2. Middle-Level Structures

  3. Complex-Level Structures

C. Diachronic Developments

1. Diachronic Character

  2. Obstacles

  3. New Direction


REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What characteristics does New Testament Biblical Theology have in common with Old Testament Biblical Theology?

2. Make sure you are familiar with the contents of the following passages. Explain how each one exhibits theological structures, either on a basic level, a middle level, or on a complex level.

Matthew 2:1-12
Jeremiah 31:31
Matthew 4:23
Revelation 11:15

3. What does Luke 24:26-27 tell us about the message of the Old Testament?

4. The phrase "New Testament" is synonymous with the phrase "New _______."

5. Dr. Pratt says, "The coherent system of the entire New Testament can be summed up under the rubric of ___________________."

6. Ezekiel 37:26 refers to the New Covenant as the covenant of ________.

7. What are some of the differences between the Old Testament and the New Testament that affect the way the biblical writers do diachronic analysis? (These differences may be considered "obstacles.")

8. Note some questions that would typically be asked by New Testament Biblical Theologians as they analyze diachronic developments.


APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. What personal benefits do you experience because of living under the New Covenant? That is, what are the differences between living during the time of the Old Testament and living after the time of Christ?

2. How does focusing on the theme of the kingdom of God as you study the New Testament help you avoid an over individualistic concept of our salvation? What difference does this make in your life?