Hope From Past Instruction
Author: Stephen Weller
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4 ESV)
In verses 1 – 3, Paul has informed us that “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” We are further told to “please [our] neighbor for his good, to build him up.” He then gives an example: “For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”’
Those at the time of Paul did not have the New Testament with its instruction that we have to benefit from today, but they did have the Old Testament, and those Scriptures were “written for our instruction.” As Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16 – 17 ESV: 16 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” We therefore have the responsibility to study the Scriptures to learn about God and how he wants us to live.
Those Scriptures must be of great value to God, for they have endured the assault of the powers of darkness, working through evil men, to destroy them. They remain with us today as they were written and are essential to us thousands of years later.
These Scriptures are for our encouragement; they are “my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life: (Psalms 119:50 ESV). “My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!” (Psalm 119:25 ESV). Not only do we find life from the Scriptures but also hope.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3 ESV). We “have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God” (1 Peter 1:23 ESV). Our spiritual life begins with an imperishable seed that is eternal. We then look to Jesus, who was the first fruit of many to follow, who rose from the dead to newness of life, giving us hope that we will follow.
Father, thank you for the hope we have in Jesus Christ and the promise 4 “of an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for [us], 5 who by God’s power [is] being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this [we] rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, [we] have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of [our] faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 4 – 7 ESV).
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Summary Theme
The Enduring Purpose of Scripture: Hope, Encouragement, and Perseverance
Summary Paragraph
Romans 15:4 teaches that everything written in Scripture was given for the instruction and spiritual formation of believers. The Old Testament, though written long before Christ, continues to serve God’s people by cultivating endurance and providing encouragement. Through the truths revealed in God’s Word, His faithfulness, promises, and redemptive work—believers are strengthened to persevere in faith. This perseverance is not aimless; it is anchored in hope, a confident expectation rooted in God’s character and His fulfilled promises in Christ. Thus, Scripture is not merely historical record but a living instrument through which God sustains His people in every generation.
Discussion Questions with Extended Answers:
What does Paul mean by “whatever was written in former days,” and why is it important for believers today?
Answer:
Paul is referring primarily to the Old Testament Scriptures. Though written before the coming of Christ, these writings reveal God’s character, His covenant dealings, and His unfolding plan of redemption. For believers today, they provide a foundation for understanding God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises in Christ. They are essential because they instruct us, showing how God works in history and how His people are called to live by faith. Without them, our understanding of the gospel would be incomplete.
How does Scripture produce endurance in a believer’s life?
Answer:
Scripture produces endurance by reminding believers of God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and past acts of deliverance. When we read about figures like Abraham, Moses, or David, we see how God sustained them through trials. These examples teach us that suffering and waiting are part of God’s plan and that He is always at work. This knowledge strengthens believers to remain steadfast during difficulties, trusting that God’s purposes will prevail just as they have in the past.
In what way does Scripture provide encouragement?
Answer:
Scripture encourages by revealing God’s promises, His presence, and His compassion toward His people. Passages of comfort, such as God’s assurances of His love, forgiveness, and eternal plan, uplift the believer’s heart. Encouragement also comes from seeing how God redeems failure and works through weakness. This builds confidence that God is actively involved in our lives and that His grace is sufficient for every situation.
What is the connection between endurance, encouragement, and hope in this verse?
Answer:
Endurance and encouragement are the means through which hope is produced and sustained. As believers endure trials and receive encouragement from Scripture, their confidence in God deepens. Hope, in this sense, is not wishful thinking but a firm assurance that God will fulfill His promises. The more we are grounded in Scripture, the more our hope becomes stable and unshakable, even in uncertain circumstances.
How should this verse shape a believer’s daily interaction with Scripture?
Answer:
This verse calls believers to approach Scripture with intentionality, recognizing its purpose in their spiritual growth. It should motivate regular reading, meditation, and application of God’s Word. Rather than viewing Scripture as optional or purely informational, believers should see it as essential nourishment for their faith—providing strength to endure, encouragement in trials, and hope for the future. A consistent engagement with Scripture leads to a more resilient and confident walk with God.
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