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Romans 15:4 - Finding Encouragement, Patience and Hope.

Romans 15:4 (NIV) For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

COMMENTARY PEARL

   Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4.
   There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than a study of the Bible. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, that is rarely seen in these times.
   No knowledge is so firm, so consistent, so far-reaching, as that obtained from a study of the Word of God. If there were not another book in the wide world, the Word of God, lived out through the grace of Christ, would make man perfect in this world, with a character fitted for the future, immortal life. those who study the Word, taking it in faith as the truth, and receiving it into the character, will be complete in Him who is all and in all. Thank God for the possibilities set before humanity....
   The time devoted to a study of God's Word and to prayer will bring a hundredfold in return.
   The Word of God is the living seed, and as this seed is sown in the mind, the human agent must give diligent care to the successive stages of its growth. How is this to be done? After the Word has been prayerfully received, it is to be cherished, and practiced in the daily life. It is to spring up and bear fruit, putting forth first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear.
   It is not enough to study the Bible as other books are studied. In order for it to be understood savingly, the Holy Spirit must move on the heart of the searcher. The same Spirit that inspired the Word must inspire the reader of the Word. Then will be heard the voice of heaven. "Thy Word, O God, is truth" will be the language of the soul.
   The mere reading of the Word will not accomplish the result designed of Heaven; it must be studied, and cherished in the heart. The knowledge of God is not gained without mental effort. We should diligently study the Bible, asking God for the aid of the Holy Spirit, that we may understand His Word. We should take one verse, and concentrate the mind on the task of ascertaining the thought which God has put in that verse for us. We should dwell on the thought till it becomes our own, and we know "what saith the Lord."...
   The Word of God is the bread of life. Those who eat and digest this Word, making it a part of every action and of every attribute of character, grow strong in the strength of God. It gives immortal vigor to the soul, perfecting the experience and bringing joys that will abide forever (Signs of the Times, June 25, 1902).  {LHU 111}

COMMENTARY

Here's Where to Look for Encouragement
   Are you feeling down? Do you need a mood elevator?
   Put down the chocolate. Don't have a pity party. Pick up your Bible instead. When you're discouraged, you don't need a coffee break. You need a Word break!
   God gave us the Bible to encourage us. One way you can think of the Bible is as a mood elevator.
   The Bible says in Romans 15:4, "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope" (NIV).
   Take a closer look at that verse. Four words stand out to me: "everything," "Scriptures," "encouragement," and "hope." What does that mean? Everything in the Scriptures is for your encouragement and hope.
   That's a big statement - but it's true! Even the tough parts of God's Word ultimately are there to encourage your life in the right direction.
That's why you need to spend time alone with God every single day. No matter what you call it - daily devotional, quiet time, Bible study--you need to get alone with God, read his Word, and talk to him.
   The Bible says in Psalm 119:114, "You're my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me" (MSG).
   If you're discouraged and have lost hope, I can tell you one thing that is probably true, without ever meeting you: You need to spend time in God's Word. The more you read God's Word when you're down, the more he lifts you up. No matter how you're feeling, you need to read God's Word. It is essential to your life!
   So the next time you feel discouraged, don't come home and turn on the television. Instead, open your Bible and read it.
   God's Word will give you true encouragement and hope, because it has God's power in it. It is the only thing that has power to change your life! [Daily Devotional by Rick Warren: https://pastorrick.com/devotional/]

Joyful Struggles
   After the Soviet Union occupied Romania and attempted to control its churches, the Lutheran pastor Richard Wurmbrand, also known as Nicolai lonescu, held underground worship services in bomb shelters. As a result, he was imprisoned and tortured for 14 years, three of them spent alone in a cell with no lights or windows. To keep his sanity while in solitary confinement, he would recite Scripture and preach a sermon to himself every night.
   We can learn from those who have been persecuted. There is also a lot to learn from people in the Bible, "for whatever things were written before were written for our learning: In its pages, we discover that men favored by God and entrusted with great responsibilities were sometimes overcome by temptation. Inspiration records this so we can see how these great men who fell into sin were able to strive again after righteousness. Their examples can encourage us when we fall; like them, we can once again be conquerors through the grace of Christ.
   The Scriptures also give us hope. It is "through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures [that we] might have hope." Patience in this verse can also mean "brave perseverance or consolation." The precious promises of the Bible help us persevere through our earthly struggles with patience and joy. One day, our perseverance will be rewarded when our Savior returns.
   To receive the "comfort of the Scriptures," open its pages and read the stories of those who have come before you. As you see how the lives of holy men and women demonstrated persistent faith in times of difficulty, it will inspire hope in your heart.
   Heavenly Father, help me to patiently learn from Your wonderful Scriptures. And when I stumble, may I rise again through Your power. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts]

Hope for Today
   There is wisdom in the ages that have preceded us. Let's not forget to look to the experience of those who have gone before us in finding encouragement, hope, and a path forward for our own healing, restoration, and endurance.
   If you have a favorite book of the Bible, read some of it today. If you don't know where to begin, perhaps read a proverb. If you are feeling overwhelmed by life, read a psalm. If you need encouragement to keep going, Paul's letters may be of help. If you struggle to know what to focus on right now, look to the words and life of Jesus. May the Spirit guide your heart and reveal the nature and nurture of the Father in deeper ways as you meditate on Scripture today.
   Memorize a verse today to come back to throughout your week when you need a bit of courage or redirection in hope. [365 Days of Courage by Sara Perry of Broadstreet Pub]

ILLUSTRATION

   Virginia and I shared a special friendship - and a boss with a quick temper. When our supervisor was triggered, his face turned red, the veins in his neck protruded, and his voice blasted through the halls of our workplace. At twenty-two, I was utterly terrified of him.
   He didn't scare Virginia, though. His outbursts concerned her, and she wanted to help him by introducing him to Jesus. She wrote a calming Bible verse on a small square of paper and carried it daily in her pocket, waiting for just the right opportunity.
   One day, our boss began screaming at a helpless coworker. Virginia reached for his hand and gently placed the scripture in it. I watched in fear, expecting his rage to shift to her. But instead, he stopped yelling, read the paper, and walked away.
   Virginia gave our boss a Bible verse during each episode of anger after that. Surprisingly, he always accepted them. The words of Jesus, delivered through my friend, seemed to settle his spirit, offering him healing and hope.
   What a great role model Virginia provided for me at such a young age. She demonstrated a unique way to share Jesus with another person, even a difficult one. I learned about the power of scriptures in teaching patience and self-control and supplying comfort. And I learned how Jesus's words could change a life, including mine, one verse at a time. Becky Alexander
   Faith Step: Try Virginia's method of sharing Jesus this week. Write a Bible verse of hope on a square of paper, and look for a chance to slip it into somebody's hand. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Romans 15:4 - Finding Encouragement, Patience and Hope:
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200630-0837.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2012/20121008-2044.html

2 Timothy 3:15-17 - The Bible: Gods Owner's Manual for Life.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230814-0906.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/