Old and New - Benedict Allmand-Smith

Date: Sunday 2nd February 2025

Location: Trinity Baptist Church Charlesworth

Title: Old & New

Text: 2 Kings 2: 13 - 18

Please listen to the audio of Benedict's sermon below:

sermonaudio.com/sermon/27251559463495

Old and New: Embracing the Change in Christ

In life, we often find ourselves debating the value of the old versus the new. Some people long for the “good old days,” the tried-and-true ways of the past. Others eagerly embrace the latest advancements in technology, medicine, and progress. But as Christians, this question takes on a deeper significance. The question becomes: What is better—clinging to the old ways, or embracing the new that we have in Christ? The Bible teaches that being in Christ is immeasurably better (Romans 8:12-17).

The Lord Jesus Christ is the bridge that connects Christians from the old life to the new life. Through redeeming his people by his blood, they are made new creations – they go from death to life, from despair to hope, from guilt to forgiveness. Jesus is the ultimate change agent in a Christians’ life. Through him, they are blessed with new life and new purpose. He is the bridge from their old, broken lives to a future of hope, and the bridge he built lasts for eternity.

1. The Search for the Old

In our passage from 2 Kings 2:13-18, we see a moment where the old was replaced with the new. Elijah, the great prophet, was taken up by God, and Elisha, his successor, stepped into his role. But as we reflect on this transition, we see that some weren’t ready to let go of the old. They searched for Elijah even after Elisha had taken up his mantle. Why? Because they weren’t yet convinced that the new leader could fill the shoes of the old one. This discontentment is not just something we see in the Bible—it’s something we experience in our own lives.

Elisha had been confirmed by God, and the prophets acknowledged that the spirit of Elijah rested on him. Yet, despite witnessing these signs, the other prophets insisted on searching for Elijah. They were not content with the new leadership. They were looking for the old because they didn’t yet believe that Elisha could do what Elijah had done. They were so attached to the past that they couldn’t accept the new work that God was doing.

This longing for the old isn’t unique to ancient Israel. Even today, churches can find themselves fixated on the past. There are those who long for a previous pastor or a time when things felt more certain and secure. But God calls us to embrace the new. Just as the prophets should have trusted Elisha, we are called to trust the work God is doing in our lives today.

2. Discontentment with the New

This shift from the old to the new mirrors the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant that Jesus brought. The old was good, but it was never meant to be permanent. John the Baptist was the last of the old order, preparing the way for Jesus. Yet, when Jesus arrived, many refused to accept Him. They were content with the old ways—the law and the prophets—but Jesus came to bring something greater. The Pharisees were so bound to the old covenant that they could not recognise the new work God was doing through Christ (John 9:27-30).

We see this same resistance in the book of Hebrews. The writer warns the people not to return to the old ways but to embrace the New Covenant through Christ (Hebrews 8:6). The Old Covenant was a shadow of what was to come, and now that the new has arrived, the old must pass away. Holding on to the old is like clutching a shadow when the substance has arrived.

3. Be Content with the New

As Christians, we must ask ourselves: Are we content with the new life we have in Christ, or are we still searching for something else? The New Covenant in Christ is greater than anything the old could offer. He is the King of Kings and his blood has forgiven our sins. Yet, so often, we are tempted to search for other things – freedom, pleasures, or comforts—that promise fulfilment but can never deliver.

If you find yourself longing for the things of the world, remember that true freedom is found in Christ. The world may offer pleasures, but they are fleeting and empty. In times of trouble, where do you turn for comfort? The true Christian will seek Christ as their refuge, just as they would seek out a loving spouse in times of crisis. When life is difficult, don’t search for solace in earthly things. Turn to Christ, who promises to be our help and strength.

Jesus came to set us free, not just from the bondage of sin, but from the empty promises of the world. If we are tempted to seek solace in worldly pleasures, let us remember the love of Christ – the love that led Him to the cross for our sake. Jesus gave up everything for us, and in return, He offers us freedom, forgiveness, and eternal life; but we must find our contentment in him.

The Call to Embrace Christ

In Pilgrim’s Progress, there’s a scene where Christiana and her company are shown a man with a muck rake, so focused on the dirt and straw around him that he cannot see the celestial crown being offered to him from above his bowed head. This man represents those who are so consumed with the things of this world that they miss the eternal glory Christ offers. We must not be like him. Christ offers us the crown of life, but we must be willing to let go of the muck and embrace the new life He offers.

The question remains: Will you search for the old, or will you embrace the new in Christ? Don’t be ruled by the fleeting pleasures of this world. Be ruled by the love of Christ, who offers you a new life, a new identity, and a new future. The old has passed away, and the new has come. Let us find our contentment in him alone.