Romans 15:4, Instruction of Scripture

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

The knowledge of God and from God in Scripture is the highest knowledge, the apex of all knowledge. It is the basis or foundation of our faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Dr Carl McIntire, the founder of the Bible-Presbyterian movement says “The genius of the Protestant faith has always been that the Holy Spirit speaks through the Scripture directly to the individual.” It is profitable for you when you appropriate it for yourself with prayer.

Just as when you make a product you need to have your input, you need the right input, you also have need of the right manufacturing process to give you the right product. The Scriptures is to be patiently studied for personal, practical, spiritual benefit. As the Apostle Paul said to Timothy in 2 Tim 3:16-17,“16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 

Doctrines are the principles that undergirded our actions, why do we do what we do. Reproof as a warning. It shows us that which is false. Correction – to set me right again, to set us on the right path again. Scripture teaches us how we must put away sin and put on holiness. Through His Word, our sins are exposed. When we repent of our sins, we find healing. We are instructed the right practice. Scripture teaches us what is good and what is evil, it instructs in righteousness.

Hence, God’s children are to persevere in the study of God’s Word, therein finding encouragement and hope to live this life to God’s glory in spiritual prosperity and at the end of life’s journey find eternal life. Amen.