Sunday, May 27, 2007

Bits and Pieces: Hope

"For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope," (Romans 15:4).

* In this important verse Paul makes a significant connection between the Scriptures and our Christian hope. Both Old and New Testaments are the prime objective tools the Holy Spirit uses to produce endurance and encouragement in our lives. The more consistently our hearts and attitudes are soaked in the Bible, the more certain and steadfast is our walk of hope.

* What a premium Paul places on the Scriptures in this verse! Our hope becomes more and more certain and stable as we are instructed from both Old and New Testaments. Learning from selfless saints of time past, we are motivated to endure in the present, looking with confidence to the future.

* How needed are perseverance and encouragement in believers' lives today! And Paul states that the Scriptures are the prime source for our instruction, leading to a settled hope. The more quality, consistent time we spend in the Word, the greater our steadfastness in the face of adversities, and confident courage to face the future.

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