For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:4 (ESV)

 

All the Scriptures are written for our encouragement and hope.

We give thanks to God for what He has done as revealed in Scripture and as we have witnessed in our own lives. In context, what the Apostle Paul refers to as “hope” is the work of God’s salvation unfold in history and in our individual experiences.

Knowing our hope is built on the sure foundation of God’s grace and righteousness in Christ, we can boldly approach God without fear, and gladly rejoice in our salvation. The more we establish our faith on the gospel revelation of abiding in Christ, the more fruitful we become for Christ.

The Bible is not about rules, but a revelation of God’s love towards you. It communicates the right basis of your relationship with God in Christ and how you can grow in your knowledge of Him. Thus, it is wise and useful to cultivate a good habit in reading and meditating on God’s Word.

Learn to be teachable, and above all, obey and practice what God has revealed in His Word. This requires a shift in your mindset and attitude towards learning new things and repenting of old sinful habits. Allow the Holy Spirit to open your heart and mind to fully receive and grasp what God is saying, as well as to give you the grace to live as a beloved child of God. This not only free you from worldly passions, but it will allow God to work through you in the lives of others.