Encouragement of the Scriptures

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My parents' Bibles from when
they served as missionaries in Germany. 


Scripture

Romans 15:4

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Observation

Paul reminds the Roman Christians that they are not to be concerned with pleasing themselves but with serving others. Right in the middle of that discussion, he pauses to emphasize the importance of the Scriptures. Everything that had been written before was given by God for the instruction of His people.

The Scriptures are not merely a record of God's dealings with humanity. They are the foundation upon which the Christian life is built. Through them we learn steadfastness, receive encouragement, and discover hope. God's Word has always been His means of forming His people.

Application

A little over a week ago, I was asked to preach a sermon on Scripture based on Article IV of the Articles of Faith of the Church of the Nazarene. I have to confess that I had never preached an entire sermon on this article of faith before.

Something unexpected happened during my study and preparation. I began to understand more deeply how vital the Scriptures are to our spiritual lives. It is through the Scriptures that we come to know the nature and character of Jesus Christ and of the Triune God. As we learn the character of Christ, we are invited to imitate Him. Over time, that imitation becomes transformation, until we no longer know whether we are consciously imitating Christ or simply living like the One with whom we have been spending time.

That is exactly the point.

When we spend time in the Scriptures, we come to know Christ. The Scriptures become faithful companions throughout our lives. Again and again, we discover that God's Word speaks into every season and circumstance. There is a reason Paul says the Scriptures give us hope. They offer far more than instruction.

Through His Word, God graciously reaches out to us and draws us into a deeply personal relationship with Himself. If reading Scripture becomes just another item to check off our daily to-do list, we have missed its greatest gift. Imagine the Lord waiting to meet you each day in His Word. That is why reading, studying, praying, and meditating on Scripture are so essential to our lives.

In the middle of an important discussion, Paul almost pauses to remind his readers, "Don't forget the Scriptures!" It is through steadfast immersion in God's Word that we find encouragement—and ultimately, hope.

Prayer

Lord, open my heart to learn from You each day through Your Word. May the Scriptures shape my life until I reflect the character of Christ. Amen.

 

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