”For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Romans 15:4New International Version (NIV)
Romans 15:4 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
Hope comes from the teaching of everything written in the past
Romans 15:4 reveals that “hope comes from the teaching of everything written in the past“. And this is because Scripture (the Old Testament) was written (inspired by God) to teach us about endurance and to encourage us so that we might have hope.
Moreover, the Book of Romans is the writing with the third most references to hope, behind the Psalms and the Book of Job. It’s, therefore, no coincidence that when Paul neared the conclusion of his letter to the believers in Rome, he returned to the subject of hope. And in Romans 15:4, Paul highlighted the importance of hope.
Scripture is important
Scripture is important for Christian living. No wonder Paul informed Timothy that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). And when you meditate on Scripture passages, you gain God’s long-term perspective on all matters.
Hope comes from learning from Scripture
Therefore, the hope that you will have will come from learning from Scripture. Because, according to the Psalmist in Psalm 1:1-3, Scripture prospers (benefits or profits) its student (Psalm 1:1-3). Meaning that you will definitely gain endurance and encouragement from reading and studying the Bible.
You must consequently be willing to learn from the Old Testament books by systematically feeding on them. As you do so, you will read of characters who persevered as per the testimony of Hebrews 11 – you will get to see how God worked in their lives by controlling their circumstances for their good (Romans 8:28-29) and His glory.
Consequently, don’t be like some Christians who look down upon the Old Testament because of the existence of the New Testament. Rather, be willing to gain the proper understanding of the Old Testament writings so that you can develop endurance and be encouraged.
Endurance
Endurance is the ability to stand firm under adversity. And hope is a function of it.
Therefore, endurance is key to your Christian walk because it helps you keep going on the path of trust and obedience even in the face of adversity or opposition.
Prayer/Blessing
Father in Heaven, help me to prioritize the reading and the studying of Your Word in my life. Let not the busyness of life take this away from me.
I also yearn for a teachable spirit. So create in me the teachable spirit so that I may learn from and properly understand the teachings contained in Your Word.
This is my earnest prayer in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 46-51 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
