“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” – Rom. 15:4
Hope is born by way of placing our faith in Christ when we are born again, and it is needed throughout life. Even the best believers are often forced to face challenges that make life difficult. They need hope to help with their hardships. Thankfully God has provided a source whereby we can abound in hope. That source is God’s Word, “the scriptures“.
Notice that they are written “for our learning”. They speak to us about the will of God, the ways of God, the wisdom of God, and prepare us for the work of God. Facing things we don’t understand, questions we can’t answer, enemies we can’t defeat, and difficulties we can’t endure, we need what God’s word alone can provide. We put ourselves in great peril if we neglect it.
Some of God’s greatest servants suffered seasons of hopelessness. Great men like Job (Job 7:6), Jeremiah ( Lam.3:18), and the Psalmist ( Psa. 42:4-5) were at times given to doubt and despair. So we are foolish to think that we can neglect God’s Word without any ill-effects. The scriptures provide spiritual nourishment that can’t be found any place else. They are essential to our well-being. We should study them diligently, meditate upon them continually, and obey them fully. Doing so will enable us to “abound in hope” ( Rom. 15:13).
Notice what the instruction of God’s word produces – “patience and comfort”. The word “patience” means “perseverance” or endurance. The word “comfort” speaks of “encouragement” – both comfort and courage. In other words, our knowledge of the scriptures enables us to overcome difficulties and disappointments. Let us then say with the Psalmist “in his word do I hope.” ( Psa. 130:5). – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
