The Torah Explained: Part 5 – Living with the Torah: What It Means for Christians Today

Welcome back, friends! We've journeyed through four incredible sessions exploring the Torah together, from understanding what it is, to diving into each of the five books. Now comes the big question that probably everyone in your group has been thinking: "Okay, so what do we actually do with all this Torah knowledge as Christians?"

Great question. And honestly, it's one that deserves a thoughtful, grace-filled answer.

The Beautiful Balance: Scripture vs. Law

Here's where things get really interesting for us as Christians. The Torah absolutely remains God's inspired Word: every bit of it. But here's the key distinction that changes everything: we read it as Scripture, not as binding law.

Think about it this way. When you read about the detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle in Exodus, you're not rushing out to construct one in your backyard. When you encounter the dietary laws in Leviticus, you're not throwing out your bacon (though some of you might choose to for health reasons, and that's totally fine!).

The New Testament makes this beautifully clear. Through Jesus, we're under a new covenant. Paul explains in Galatians that we're no longer under the supervision of the law. We're free! But that doesn't mean the Torah becomes worthless: quite the opposite.

Why the Torah Still Matters for Christians

1. It Reveals God's Character

Every command, every story, every detail in the Torah shows us something about who God is. His holiness, His justice, His mercy, His desire for relationship with His people. When we read about God's concern for widows and orphans, or His commands about treating foreigners with kindness, we see His heart for justice and compassion.

Group Discussion Starter: Share about a time when reading an Old Testament passage helped you understand God's character better. What did you discover about Him?

2. It Connects Us to Our Spiritual Roots

Christianity didn't emerge in a vacuum. Jesus was Jewish. The apostles were Jewish. The early church was deeply connected to Jewish traditions and understanding. When we study the Torah with respect and appreciation, we're connecting with the spiritual heritage that gave birth to our faith.

This isn't about becoming Jewish: it's about understanding the soil from which our faith grew.

3. It Provides Practical Wisdom

The moral and ethical teachings in the Torah often translate beautifully into Christian living. The emphasis on caring for the poor, seeking justice, living with integrity: these aren't outdated concepts. They're timeless principles that still guide how we live as followers of Jesus.

Practical Ways to Honor the Torah in Christian Life

Read It with Fresh Eyes

Instead of skipping over those "boring" genealogies or detailed laws, try asking: "What is this teaching me about God? About His people? About human nature?" You might be surprised by what you discover.

Try This Together: Pick a section of Leviticus that seems particularly challenging or irrelevant. Spend 10 minutes discussing what it might reveal about God's heart for order, holiness, or community care.

Study It in Context

Understanding the historical and cultural context makes the Torah come alive. When you read about cities of refuge, learn about ancient justice systems. When you encounter the Year of Jubilee, explore what economic justice looked like in that society.

Look for Jesus

This is where it gets really exciting for us as Christians. Jesus said the Scriptures testify about Him. As you read the Torah, look for the ways it points forward to Christ: the sacrificial system pointing to His ultimate sacrifice, the role of the high priest foreshadowing His intercession, the Passover lamb prefiguring His death and our deliverance.

Creating Healthy Boundaries

Now, here's where wisdom comes in. As Christians engaging with the Torah, we need some healthy boundaries:

Avoid Legalism

Don't let your appreciation for the Torah turn into a new set of rules that determine your standing with God. The moment you start thinking you need to follow Torah laws to be a "better" Christian, you've missed the point of grace entirely.

Respect Without Appropriation

We can learn from and appreciate Jewish traditions without claiming them as our own. We're invited guests learning from our older siblings in faith, not taking over their family traditions.

Stay Grounded in the Gospel

Always filter your Torah study through the lens of the Gospel. Let the New Testament inform your understanding of how these ancient texts apply to your life as a follower of Jesus.

Group Activities That Bring the Torah to Life

Torah Study Dinners

Try hosting meals where you explore the food laws or Sabbath traditions. You're not bound to follow them, but understanding them can deepen your appreciation for God's attention to every detail of life.

Character Studies

Pick major figures from the Torah: Abraham, Moses, Miriam: and trace their journeys. What can their struggles and victories teach us about following God today?

Modern Application Discussions

Take a Torah principle: like the concept of Sabbath rest or caring for strangers: and brainstorm how it might look in your contemporary Christian life.

Discussion Prompt: If we took the Torah's emphasis on caring for the marginalized seriously in our community, what would change? What practical steps could we take?

The Heart Behind It All

What makes this whole conversation beautiful is recognizing that both Jewish and Christian communities share so much common ground: we both value human dignity, seek justice, and believe we're called to help heal and repair the world.

When we study the Torah as Christians, we're not trying to become something we're not. We're trying to become more fully who God created us to be: people who love Him, love others, and live with wisdom and integrity.

The Torah isn't a burden for Christians: it's a treasure. It's additional insight into the heart and mind of the God we serve. It's historical context for the salvation story we're part of. It's practical wisdom for living well in community.

As your group wraps up this Torah study series, remember this: you're not expected to become Torah-observant Jews. You're invited to become more thoughtful, informed, and appreciative Christians who understand the rich heritage of faith that Jesus himself grew up in.

Whether you're leading others or being led, studying Scripture: including the Torah: with humility, curiosity, and respect will always draw you closer to the heart of God.

Ready to Deepen Your Faith Journey?

If this Torah study has sparked your hunger for deeper biblical understanding and spiritual growth, consider connecting with Dr. Layne McDonald for personalized coaching and mentorship. As a pastor, published author, and professional coach, Dr. McDonald specializes in helping Christians develop strong biblical foundations while growing in leadership and spiritual maturity.

Through one-on-one coaching sessions, group workshops, and transformational resources, you can continue building on the foundation this Torah study has laid. Don't let this momentum stop here: take the next step in your faith journey today.

Visit our leadership resources to learn more about how Dr. McDonald can help you grow in biblical wisdom and Christian leadership.