The Value of Sacred Scripture Romans 15:4

 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (KJV)  For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (NASB95) Romans 15:4

 In this lesson, we focus upon the text of Romans 15:4, which says, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”  Let us consider the significance of each phrase. Introduction

 The Greek word prographō means “to write in advance or before, to write beforehand, either in the same document, or in an older document… and perhaps by another author, as well” (Rom. 15:4; Eph. 3:2-5; Jude 3-4).  Jesus had a deep familiarity with the Old Testament, turning to it in time of trial (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10). So also must we (1 Cor. 10:11). For whatever was written in earlier times…

 The Greek word didaskalia refers to “instruction, i.e., the act of teaching, or the content of that which is taught.”  Note the difference between true and false doctrine. Was written for our instruction…

 The doctrines of men render our worship vain (Matt. 15:9; Mark 7:7; Col. 2:20-23), result in spiritual instability (Eph. 4:14-15), and derive from Satan himself (1 Tim. 4:1-3).  True doctrine is rooted in the declarations of Sacred Scripture (Rom. 15:4; 2 Tim. 3:16-17), conforms to godliness (1 Tim. 6:3), and derives from the God of heaven (Titus 2:10). Was written for our instruction…

 Note also the difference between sound doctrine (1 Tim. 4:6) and unsound precept and practice (1 Tim. 1:10; 2 Tim. 4:3-4).  Let us be devoted to sound doctrine (Titus 1:9; 2:1), faithfully giving ourselves to the work of teaching (Rom. 12:7; 1 Tim. 4:13, 16; 5:17; 6:1; 2 Tim. 3:10) and the task of living in harmony with the same (Titus 2:6-8). Was written for our instruction…

 The Greek word hupomonē, literally, “a patient enduring,” refers to “(1) the capacity to hold out or bear up in the face of difficulty, endurance, fortitude, patience, perseverance, steadfastness; or (2) the act or state of patient waiting for someone or something, expectation.”  Patience is characteristic of God (Rom. 15:5; 2 Thess. 3:5). So that through perseverance…

 Patience is required of disciples (Luke 8:15; 2 Cor. 6:4; 12:12; Col. 1:11; 1 Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:4; 1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 3:10; Titus 2:2; Heb. 10:36; 12:1; 2 Pet. 1:6; Rev. 1:9; 2:2, 3, 19; 3:10; 13:10; 14:12).  Patience has great spiritual benefits (Luke 21:19; Rom. 2:7; 5:3, 4; 8:25; 15:4; 2 Cor. 1:6; James 1:3, 4; 5:11). So that through perseverance…

 The Greek word paraklēsis, literally “a calling to one’s aid,” refers to “(1) act of emboldening another in belief or course of action, encouragement, exhortation; (2) strong request, appeal, request; (3) lifting of another’s spirits, comfort, consolation.”  Encouragement is characteristic of God (Luke 2:25; Acts 9:31; Rom. 15:5; 2 Cor. 1:3, 5; Phil. 2:1; 2 Thess. 2:16; Heb. 6:18). And the encouragement of the Scriptures…

 Encouragement is required of disciples (Rom. 12:8; 2 Cor. 1:4, 6, 7; 2 Cor. 7:4; cf. Barnabas [Acts 4:36], Titus [2 Cor. 7:7, 13; 8:17] & Philemon [Phile. 7]).  Encouragement comes through divine truth (Acts 13:15; 15:31; Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 14:3; 1 Thess. 2:3; 1 Tim. 4:13; Heb. 12:5; 13:22). And the encouragement of the Scriptures…

 The Greek word elpis refers to “(1) the looking forward to something with some reason for confidence respecting fulfillment, hope, expectation; (2) that which is the basis for hoping, (foundation of) hope; (3) that for which one hopes, hope, something hoped for.”  Sinners have no hope (Eph. 2:12; 1 Thess. 4:13); in contrast, Christians enjoy an abiding hope (1 Cor. 13:13). We might have hope.

 Consider the nature of hope: Christian hope is conditional (Heb. 3:6; 6:11). Christian hope is presently unrealized (Rom. 8:20, 24). Christian hope is distinctive and singular (Eph. 4:4).  Consider the physical objects of hope: Men hope for physical deliverance (Acts 27:20; Phil. 1:20). Men hope for monetary support (Acts 16:19; 1 Cor. 9:10). We might have hope.

 Consider the spiritual objects of hope: Believers hope for a bodily resurrection (Acts 23:6; 24:15). Believers hope for Christ’s return (Titus 2:13). Believers hope for eternal life (Titus 1:2; 3:7). Believers hope for a heavenly home (Col. 1:5).  Consider the outcome of hope: Hope results in boldness (2 Cor. 3:12). Hope results in growth (2 Cor. 10:15). Hope results in perseverance (1 Thess. 1:3; Heb. 10:23). Hope results in preparedness (1 Thess. 5:8; 1 Pet. 3:15). Hope results in purification (1 John 3:3). Hope results in rejoicing (Rom. 12:12). We might have hope.

 Consider the foundation of hope: Hope is rooted in God’s character (Rom. 5:2, 5; 15:13; Heb. 6:18). Hope is rooted in God’s grace (2 Thess. 2:16). Hope is rooted in God’s promise (Acts 26:6, 7; 28:20). Hope is rooted in God’s revelation (Col. 1:23; Gal. 5:5; Heb. 7:19). Hope is rooted in godly examples (Rom. 4:18; 2 Cor. 1:7; 1 Thess. 2:19) Hope is rooted in study and application (Rom. 5:3-5; 15:4; Eph. 1:18). Hope is rooted in Christ’s character (Col. 1:27; 1 Tim. 1:1). Hope is rooted in Christ’s resurrection (Acts 2:26; 1 Pet. 1:3, 21). We might have hope.

 Truly, “whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”  May God bless us as we attempt to implement the principles contained in this great verse. Conclusion