March 25, 2014

“Earlier Writings…”

Blessings folk!

We are looking at one verse today.
It might be familiar.
I suspect that the context will catch us by surprise.

Remember, we have seen in Romans 14, 15 that we are to accept OneAnother.
The debate was over the freedom/liberty to eat/drink and to “celebrate/not celebrate” a particular day.

We saw yesterday that we are to live in a manner that is edifying to our neighbors.
Jesus Christ is our Example.

Read the following...verses 1-3 are familiar...pay close attention to verse 4.

Romans 15:1-4
15 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.
2 Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.
3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”
4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

“Whatever was written in earlier times…”?
This is speaking of the what we refer to as the Old Testament.
This is the reason that we study the Old Testament.
It was written for our instruction.
It brings encouragement.
It gives us hope.
When we persevere in life and in the Word the Hope of God is manifest in us.

These truths are in the context of bearing the weakness of OneAnother…
Of edifying OneAnother…
Of not pleasing ourselves, rather OneAnother…
Of living as Jesus did.

Read/study all the Word.
Too many view themselves as “new testament” Christians. This is a subtle deception of the evil one.
Seek the Lord in all His Word.
You will be amazed.