Things Were Written for Our Learning Romans 15:4

Paul the apostle instructed the believers in Rome, “Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification”, and he added, “For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached you fell on me.” In chapter fifteen and verse four of Romans, Paul told the believers that the, “things were written aforetime were written for our learning” where we read:

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning,

that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

The verse begins, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, ...” Paul began with the word, “for” which means “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and therefore” “whatsoever things” or “as great as, far as, how much was” “were written” which means “were of old set forth or designated before hand in the scriptures” “aforetime” or “before” “were written” or “were of old set forth or designated before hand in the scriptures” “for our learning” which means “to be used as Paul, his companions and his believing readers teaching, instruction, doctrine and precepts”. Paul shared how the things “delineated” within the scriptures were put there for “teaching and doctrine”.

The verse continues, “... that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Paul added the word, “that we” which means “so Paul, his companions and his believing readers”, “through patience” or “by way and manner of steadfastness, constancy and endurance” “and comfort” which means “and calling near, summons, importation, supplication, entreaty, exhortation, admonition and encouragement” “of the scriptures” which means “pertaining to certain portions of the Holy Scriptures” “might have hope” or “would have, hold and possess expectation of good” . Paul recognized through the “scriptures” he, his companions and his believing readers would obtain “steadfastness, endurance, exhortation and encouragement” as well as “expectation of good”.

When we consider these words of Paul, we see how the “scriptures” were given to people so they might “learn” the “teachings of God” and enjoy “patience, comfort and hope” through them. God in His infinite wisdom and knowledge knew people would need instruction from Him, and He provided the “scriptures” to guide them toward a relationship with His Son Jesus. When people realize their sin and their need for Jesus, they may receive forgiveness by receiving Him as “Savior and Lord”. When they do, “learning, patience, comfort and hope” come into their lives, and God's plan of redemption and salvation of man is being made complete.

Next time Paul shares with the believers in Rome consider, “the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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