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"Through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures..."

Text: Romans 15:4b

A FRESH APPRECIATION OF THE SCRIPTURES

Paul had the highest regard for the Scriptures. Frequently, he would cite the Scriptures. He would signal the use of the Scriptures with these words “It is written.” Paul’s regard for the Scriptures is worthy of emulation.

THE SCRIPTURES AS A SPECIAL MEANS OF EDIFICATION

Paul highlighted one of the uses of the Scriptures in the following text.

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

1. The importance of “Hope”

a) Hope may simply be defined as “faith yet to be fulfilled”.

b) Hope and faith are really quite inseparable.

c) Hope keeps the heart strong and motivated to serve God faithfully.

2. The place of the Scriptures

a) Faith comes through an understanding of the Scriptures (Cf. Romans 10:17)

b) Faith in turn generates hope.

c) Both are nurtured through the Scriptures.

TWO SPECIAL FEATURES

Paul singled out two special features to be appreciated about the Scriptures:-

1. Patience (“perseverance”)

a) Diligent reading of the Scriptures will generate perseverance.

b) Perseverance is a core-value (“virtue”) that is worth cultivating.

2. Comfort

a) Diligence in the reading of the Scriptures also generates great comfort to the soul.

b) Comfort is a precious and prized entity that God gives to all His children- through the diligent study of the Scriptures.