For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through perseverance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 WEB
Every sincere Christian benefits from the encouragement of the scriptures. Although Christ died to free us from the condemnation of the law, we still live our best lives in alignment with the word of God. To quote Jesus from Matthew 4:4 when tempted by Satan, “But he answered, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’ WEB”
Paul’s words in this verse from his letter to the Romans is a slight departure from his message in the preceding verses. The apostle wrote about the value of living to please that which is good. He describes how Christ did not live to please himself. Instead, Jesus lived to accept the punishment for the sins of mankind. This was his purpose, to please and serve the will of God for our salvation.
Because Christ had paid for our sins and we no longer live under the law but are saved by the grace of God an issue arises concerning the relevancy of Old Testament scripture in the lives of those who accept Christ as lord and Savior. Jesus says in Matthew 5:17, “Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill. WEB”
Walk According to His Commandments
In addition, Jesus says in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments. WEB” We read in 2 John 1:6, “This is love, that we should walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, even as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it. WEB” Free of the condemnation of the law, we are commanded by Christ to love one another and to love God.
In our daily walk with Jesus, as we live in love for God and our fellow man, we endure the trials of this world. This is the perseverance Paul references in the verse we consider today. Beyond that , Paul directs the faithful to the encouragement of the scriptures which were written for instruction, guidance, and comfort in the days of old, as well as to give hope for us today and in times to come.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the encouragement of the scriptures. Thank you for forgiving my sins. Give me wisdom to understand your holy word and help me to love and live in obedience to your will. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Dead and the Living
