Romans 15: The Purpose of the Past

Last updated on: July 5, 2011 at 6:28 am by Dillon Burroughs

Romans 15: The Purpose of the Past 2011-07-05T06:28:28-04:00 Dillon Burroughs

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Romans 15 begins Paul’s wrap up of his great theological treatise. In the process, he offers a glimpse of the purpose behind the past writings of Scripture given in the New Testament. Verse four shares:

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Notice the details Paul provides: First, he makes clear that everything that was written was to teach us. Not a single verse of Leviticus or Lamentations is a waste; it all contains some meaning useful for today. Second, the Old Testament writings are designed to teach us. They are not to belittle us or demean us or confuse us.

Three results emerge–endurance, encouragement, and hope. When we wonder, “Why do we read Scripture?” let these three words come to mind. Scripture offers endurance for the day’s struggles, encouragement for the day’s challenges, and hope for each step along the way. This is the purpose of the past.

+++

Dillon Burroughs is the author or co-author of numerous books and is handwriting a copy of all 31,173 verses of the Bible at HolyWritProject.com. Find out more about Dillon at Facebook.com/readdB or readdB.com.

Handwritten copies of the Bible

Previous Post

July 4, 2011

Romans 14: Disputable Matters

Next Post

July 6, 2011 Romans 16: Be Personal

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category handwrite the entire bible handwritten bible Handwritten copies of the Bible transcribe the bible

Select a Month July 2018 April 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty. What seemingly impossible task will be accomplished?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Completing the temple Rebuilding Jerusalem Defeating Israel's enemies The Gathering of Israel