Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written aforetime were written for our learning… There is much in this text as to the Scriptures. 1. Written for our learning. 2. Help to patience. 3. Full of comfort. 4. Support of hope.Let us take one branch — the "comfort of the Scriptures." Whatever are our burdens, there is comfort here. I. ARE WE BURDENED UNDER A SENSE OF SIN? Many are so, like David (Psalm 51). The Bible does not make light of this, but rather reveals the greatness and number of our sins. Yet it is full of comfort, telling of the way of forgiveness, pointing to the fountain opened. It is a proclamation of mercy, a message — yea, many messages — from a loving Father. II. ARE WE TROUBLED BY DIFFICULTIES OF CHRISTIAN LIFE AND CONFLICT? There is "comfort in the Scriptures." 1. The Bible tells of "grace sufficient for thee." 2. It points to One who can be touched in our behalf, who is our Captain and Deliverer. 3. It gives bright examples, too, of many who "out of weakness were made strong." III. ARE WE ANXIOUS ABOUT TEMPORAL AFFAIRS? How many words of direction and encouragement meet us! Promises in the sermon on the mount, and lessons from the lilies and the fowls. Invitations to cast every care on Him who careth for us in the Scriptures also the veil over the future is uplifted, and the better and enduring inheritance exhibited. IV. ARE WE SUFFERING FROM BEREAVEMENT? With our Bible in hand we suffer not as others who have no hope. Our minds are diverted from second causes to "It is the Lord." We read the eleventh chapter of John, and are soothed by the sympathy there manifested. V. ARE WE BURDENED WITH FEAR OF DEATH? There is still comfort in the Scriptures. Only let us come to Him in whom is salvation, and then the last enemy is destroyed. They promise victory (1 Corinthians 15.); a house not made with hands (2 Corinthians 5.); a prepared place (John 14). No evil to be feared (Psalm 23), and from the Apocalypse gleams of glory to be seen. (J. Lancaster, M.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. |
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