Daily Bible Verse On Hope

 

Romans 15:4
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through perseverance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

In Romans 15, St.Paul is addressing the issue of Christian unity and how believers should relate to one another, especially when they have differing opinions or practices. He urges the stronger believers to bear with the weaknesses of the weaker ones and not seek their own pleasure but instead build each other up (Romans 15:1-2). He then uses the example of Christ, who did not seek His own glory but fulfilled the Scriptures and became a servant to the Jews for God's truth to be confirmed (Romans 15:3).

Now, let's look at Romans 15:4 in the context of these preceding verses. St.Paul says:

"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through perseverance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

Here, St.Paul is highlighting the importance of the Old Testament Scriptures as a source of learning, encouragement, and hope for believers in Christ. The "things written before" refer to the Old Testament writings, which were available to the early Christian community and are still preserved in the Bible today.

St.Paul emphasizes three key points about the Old Testament Scriptures:

    Learning: The Old Testament contains historical accounts, laws, prophecies, and teachings that provide valuable lessons and insights for believers. Through studying these Scriptures, Christians can gain a deeper understanding of God's character, His redemptive plan, and the experiences of people who came before them.

    Perseverance: The Christian journey is not always easy, and believers may face various challenges, trials, and persecutions. The Old Testament narratives often show how God's people faced adversity with faith and endurance. By learning from their examples, Christians can be encouraged to persevere through difficult times, trusting in God's faithfulness.

    Encouragement and Hope: The Scriptures offer encouragement by revealing God's promises and faithfulness throughout history. The Old Testament prophecies, in particular, point forward to the coming of the Messiah (Jesus Christ) and the hope of salvation through Him. As Christians reflect on these promises, they find hope and assurance in God's ultimate plan for redemption.

Romans 15:4 encourages believers to look to the Old Testament Scriptures for learning, perseverance, encouragement, and hope. By understanding God's dealings with His people in the past, Christians can be strengthened in their faith and find hope in the promises of God, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with Him and a more profound understanding of His plan for humanity through Jesus Christ.