Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written aforetime were written for our learning… ence a means of it: — These words in their connection show us that Christ and the great truths of Christianity are to be found where a superficial observer would not expect to find them. The preceding verse, quoted from Psalm 69:9, would appear to be meant only of David; and yet the apostle was taught to consider them as also referring to Christ, of whom David was a type. We have similar instances in Psalm 22:8, 18; Psalm 69:21; Psalm 11:6, 7; Psalm 102:25, 26. Indeed, our Lord Himself intimates that He is the great subject of the Old Testament (John 5:39). I. WHAT IS THE "HOPE" OF WHICH THE APOSTLE SPEAKS, AND HOW IT APPEARS THAT IT IS OF IMPORTANCE WE SHOULD POSSESS IT. 1. It will be readily allowed that spiritual and eternal, not carnal and temporal, things are the objects of a Christian's hope — viz., God and His salvation (Lamentations 3:26), or the privileges and blessings of the gospel. 2. But as the subjects of this hope are already believers in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-7; Colossians 1:13), the attainment of these things is not properly the object of their hope, for these are already possessed; but a continuance of these blessings, together with guidance, protection, succour, and consolation in all difficulties and trials, timely deliverance from them, perfect holiness and meetness for heaven (Galatians 5:5), perseverance in grace, and, especially, eternal life (Titus 1:2), or the glory of God (1 Chronicles 5:2). 3. The Christian hope is an earnest desire after this, in consequence of a discovery of its great excellency, by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9, 10). Thus the first Christians (Philippians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:4-8), and even pious Jews, expressed their desire (Psalm 17:15; Psalm 73:24). 4. It is, moreover, a well-grounded and lively expectation of it, arising from our being entitled to it — (1) As justified (Titus 3:7). (2) As being children and heirs (Romans 8:17). (3) As being, in a measure at least, prepared for it, in proportion to our sanctification and recovery of God's image (Colossians 1:12). (4) As having an earnest of it (Ephesians 1:14), and being in the way to it. 5. The fruits of this hope are joy (Romans 5:1, 2), gratitude (1 Peter 1:3), humility, and patience (1 Thessalonians 1:3), not being weary of well-doing (Galatians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 15:58), aspiring after complete purity (1 John 3:3). 6. Hence we learn the vast importance of this hope; it is closely connected with the whole of religion. (1) The Christian life is a voyage, and hope an anchor (Hebrews 6:19), which we may not seem to want when wind and tide are for us; but when they are against us, it will be necessary to preserve us from losing the way we have made, from getting aground on the sand-banks of this world, from being dashed on the rocks of pride and self-confidence, or swallowed up in the whirlpools of despondency. (2) Christianity is a warfare: if righteousness be a breastplate, etc., hope is a helmet; it defends the head, where any injury received would be peculiarly dangerous. II. THE PROVISION GOD HAS MADE FOR OUR ATTAINING THIS HOPE IN GIVING US THE SCRIPTURES. 1. The Scriptures reveal the great object of this hope, and bring life and immortality to light, which neither the light of nature nor any other religion can do. 2. They discover the foundation on which we must build it — the death and resurrection of Christ. (1) These seal the doctrine which informs us about, eternal life and the way to it, and so remove the first great hindrance to our hope — our ignorance, and unbelief. (2) They expiate sin and procure our forgiveness, and so remove the second hindrance — our guilt and condemnation. (3) They procure for us the Holy Spirit, which removes the third hindrance — our depravity. (4) Christ, as "the first-fruits of them that sleep," is our forerunner, giving us an example of immortality being destined for man. 3. They furnish the seed and ground, as of faith, so of hope, in their doctrines, precepts, and promises, laying a foundation for faith, the root of hope, and showing us the way in which we may arrive at the object of it. 4. They furnish us with many and very bright examples (Hebrews 11:13, 16, 26). III. THE MEANS THROUGH WHICH WE MAY RETAIN AS WELL AS ATTAIN IT. "Through patience," etc. 1. In one point of view patience is the effect of hope; in another it is a cause. An appetite for food is an effect of health, and yet a cause of it; an inclination and ability to use exercise and be active is an effect of health, and yet a cause thereof. And thus may we say of patience. Thus it is mentioned as a fruit of hope (1 Thessalonians 1:3) and as a cause of it (Romans 5:2). 2. As to the respects in which patience is necessary, there must be — (1) A patient investigation and study of the Scriptures. (2) A patient progress through the various parts of Christian experience; we cannot step at once from our first awakening into glory. (3) A patient exercise of all our Christian graces as occasions call them forth. (4) A patient performance of all Christian duties (Romans 2:7; Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:9; Revelation 22:14). (5) Above all, a patient endurance of afflictions, which are chastisements of our faults, trials of our grace, purifying fires; in this respect especially we have need of patience (Hebrews 10:36). (6) But the word here used also means enduring, persevering to the end. In all these respects patience must minister to hope, and be a cause of an increase and confirmation of it. 3. But how shall this "patience have its perfect work" in us? Through the consolation of the Scriptures. They must be the medicine and food, the strength and refreshment of our souls. (J. Benson.) 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. |
    |