Why is it important to study Old Testament types and pictures?
Old Testament types and pictures are important because, as Paul writes in Romans 15:4, the Old Testament was written for our learning, not necessarily doctrine, and those pictures enhance understanding of New Testament truth—such as Exodus 12's Passover Lamb pointing to Christ our Passover sacrificed for us.
Les explains that Paul, writing to the Gentile church at Corinth, commands believers to purge out the old leaven. Leaven pictures sin and evil, and salvation takes away the stigma of sin, for Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us. John called Jesus the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Les then goes back to Exodus 12, noting that Paul in Romans 15:4 says the Old Testament was written for our learning, not for our doctrine necessarily. There is a big difference. As we learn all the pictures and types of the Old Testament, it enhances what we must understand in the New. Exodus 12 shows Israel in Egyptian bondage, providing the Passover backdrop.