That We Might Have Hope – Romans 15:1-13 (Storms of Life)

Read: Romans 15:1-13

Key Verse: v4:

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.

What Does it Mean?

Twenty-first century Christians have a huge advantage over our first-century counterparts. We live in a literate society, with incredibly easy access to the whole of the Bible. The first-century Christians didn’t have that kind of access to the Hebrew Scriptures – and the New Testament as we know it was still being written. We take for granted our access to the Bible – not even having to carry it around now that we have smart-phones and tablets with Bible apps – but don’t fully appreciate it, or utilise it as much as we should. Paul writes to the Roman church that everything written in the Scriptures was written to teach us, encourage us and give us hope. The Bible is a rich source of knowledge that enables us to learn from the mistakes and successes of others. It is full of advice and warnings, wisdom and encouragements. It’s commonly joked that the word Bible should stand for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. With such easy access to the Word of God, we really don’t have any excuse for not reading the instruction manual for life. Within its pages is a wealth of information for every eventuality. No matter what storm we’re facing (or even if we’re not) there is wisdom in the Bible to comfort and sustain us. We need to marinade ourselves in the Word of God on a daily basis, so that our minds are filled with His truth rather than the false-wisdom of the world.

Bottom Line

The Bible is our manual for life. Within its pages are all the instructions and encouragement we need to lead lives that are to the glory of our God. Getting into a habit of daily reading the Word of God is something we should prioritise, because the more we are filled with the Word, the stronger and more resilient we become. When trials and difficulties assail us and we feel as if we’re being crushed on all sides, if we have been soaking in the Word, it will be the Word of God that oozes out of us, not anxious or fearful thoughts.

Journaling and Reflection

• We have no excuse for not reading the Bible when it is so readily available wherever we are. How much time a day (or week) do you spend in God’s Word? Be honest! How can you take steps to ensure you are marinading in the Bible on a regular basis?
• The Bible is full of wisdom and encouragement, advice and warnings. Why is it important to fill our minds with God’s truth instead of the ‘wisdom’ offered to us in the world?
• Paul writes that everything that was written in the past was written to teach us. How easy or difficult do you find it to learn lessons from the stories that you read in the Bible? Why?

Prayer

Father God, thank You that we have have such easy access to Your Word. I’m sorry for the times when I take the Bible for granted and neglect to spend time reading the instruction manual You have provided. Help me to be more conscious about marinading in Your Wisdom, so that I may respond in accordance with Your Will when I am under pressure. Amen.