Today we continue our series entitled, “Back to the Bible,” with Part 4: Finding HOPE in the Word. In this series we are covering scriptures that talk about scripture. For the past couple of days we have been in the Old Testament. Today we will jump back to the New. In Romans 15 the Apostle Paul is teaching believers how to endure for the long haul. Paul made it clear that there were going to be challenges along the way, but if we learn to rely on each other, and more importantly, to rely on the God of our salvation, we will be able to overcome every challenge and become the men/women God called us to be. It is in this context that Paul mentions the importance of the Word. Let’s see what he said. I will provide this verse to you in two versions: the New International Version and the J.B. Phillips Translation.
(Romans 15:4 New International Version)
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 15:4 J.B. Phillips)
For all those words which were written long ago are meant to teach us today; that when we read in the scriptures of the endurance of men and of all the help that God gave them in those days, we may be encouraged to go on hoping in our own time.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. Paul teaches us that the scriptures were written down in the past so we can learn from them in our present. The stories were documented so they could serve as a witness for us today. But the scriptures will do you no good if you do not read them. The power of the Word will not manifest in your life if you do not get God’s Word down in your heart.
2. Paul tells us that the scriptures “written long ago are meant to teach us today.” He went on to say that “when we read in the scriptures of the endurance of men and of all the help that God gave them in those days, we may be encouraged to go on hoping in our own time.” We are supposed to learn from both the dedication the men and women who have gone for us had towards God and the dedication He had towards them. When we read the stories of what are forefathers did towards God and what God did for them, it is supposed to bring us hope for our present-day challenges.
3. I like the way Paul makes a distinction between the endurance of the believers who have gone before us and the dedication God had towards them. We are supposed to learn from both. Let’s take a look at each.
a) You can find hope when you read stories of the endurance God blessed those who have gone before you to have. They overcame amazing challenges and seemingly impossible odds, by the grace of God. God does not have respect for persons. If He did it for them, He can do it for you. So reading how they overcame, can empower you with the hope to overcome today!
b) You can find hope when you read about God’s dedication to those who have gone before us. Despite their faults, flaws and failures; despite their imperfection and constant mistakes, God never turned His back on them. This gives us HOPE today. When we read of His dedication, it assures us that GOd will never leave us, never forsake us, never turn His back on us, and never relax the grip He has on us. God’s tireless dedication to us gives us HOPE!
Closing Confession:
Father, this is a season of expectation for me. My expectation is tied to Your Word. When I read about the faith of those who have gone before me, and how You blessed them to see the invisible, overcome the improbable and accomplish the impossible, it gives me HOPE! And when I read of Your dedication towards them — despite their faults, flaws and failures — it gives me HOPE for Your dedication towards me. I am reassured that You will never leave me, never forsake me, never turn Your back on me, never give up on me, and never relax the grip You have on me, in any degree. Your dedication towards me, even when I waver towards You, gives me HOPE. So I enter this day with a spring in my step, a smile on my face, and a song in my heart, because I have en everlasting HOPE! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
