APRIL 9, 2024
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)
Paul seems to deviate slightly from his main point with these words. In the previous verse, he quoted Psalm 69 to support the idea that because Christ did not please Himself in this life, self-gratification should not be the main priority of Christ-followers.
Now Paul, as he so often does, goes to the Scriptures to support his teaching about Christ. Of course, the Scriptures of which we speak are the Old Testament Scriptures. While it is true that, as Christians, we are not under the Old Covenant, that does not mean that the Old Testament is a dead book to us. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (II Tim. 3:16) While “by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified,” that does not mean that we are released from any obligation to obey the righteous precepts of the Moral Law. In addition to the Moral Law itself, the Holy Spirit has through the inspired Scriptures set forth numerous righteous principles, all of which reveal the mind of God and answer to a good conscience.
Paul insists that those older Scriptures were written to teach all of God’s people, not just those who read them at the time. Those Scriptures are meant to bring encouragement and hope to God’s people in every generation. They help us to endure, even in and through suffering.
This verse answers modern Christians who ask why they should bother to read the Old Testament. Regardless of age, those writings remain the revelation of God’s heart. Though we have been freed in Christ from the Law, those 39 books are nonetheless the Word of God, full of truth, wisdom, history, and great encouragement for believers. Paul insists that we value those Scriptures; seeking encouragement and hope from them.
Paul’s simple point in this verse is that the Old Testament was admirably written and divinely inspired to express Christian duties and doctrine. Paul, therefore, turned aside from his direct argument to express this sentiment. These writings are for our teaching and instruction, that all the Old Testament might be applicable now in illustrating and enforcing the doctrines and duties of believers toward God and man.
By the example of the saints of old, who expressed their confidence in God and showed patience, we may learn to suffer and not only be instructed but also find comfort in our trials.
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