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For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.<\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The Old Testament holds many teachings that instruct Christians in how to patiently endure with hope.<\/p>\n The words \u201cwere written before<\/span>\u201d are translated from prograph\u014d<\/span><\/em>, which is made up of pro<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201cbefore in time or position\u201d and graph\u014d<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201cto engrave,\u201d which is an ancient form of writing. Thus, prograph\u014d <\/span><\/em>means \u201cto write beforehand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLearning<\/span>\u201d is from the Greek noun didaskalia<\/span><\/em>, which is derived from the verb didask\u014d<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201cto instruct\u201d or \u201cto teach.\u201d So, didaskalia <\/span><\/em>refers to \u201cthat which has been taught\u201d or \u201cthat which has been learned.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPatience<\/span>\u201d is from hupomon\u0113<\/span><\/em>, which is made up of hupo<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201cunder\u201d or \u201cbeneath\u201d and a form of men\u014d<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201cto remain.\u201d Hupomon\u0113 <\/span><\/em>literally means \u201cto remain under.\u201d It is a picture of a beast of burden who remains under a heavy burden. Thus, it means \u201cto patiently endure difficult situations.\u201d<\/p>\n The word \u201ccomfort<\/span>\u201d comes from parakl\u0113sis<\/span><\/em>, which is derived from parakale\u014d <\/span><\/em>meaning \u201cto call alongside.\u201d It is the word used to describe the Holy Spirit as our \u201ccomforter\u201d who is called to our side when we need comfort and strengthening.<\/p>\n In the previous verse Paul quoted from Psalms 69:9<\/span>,<\/strong> which is clearly a Messianic passage referring to the reproachful suffering that Christ endured on our behalf. Apparently, as Paul reflected on this and other Old Testament passages, he recognized that all the Old Testament was written in a manner that expresses Christian principles.<\/p>\n He is not saying that the Old Testament was only, or even primarily, written for Christians. He is saying that all of it is there for our learning. Even though we are no longer under the Law, there is still a wealth of great instruction and exhortation to New Testament believers contained in those writings.<\/p>\n Paul\u2019s key point in this verse is that through the Old Testament, we have hope as we see the patience that was demonstrated by, and comfort that was afforded to, Old Testament saints. And since we know that God does not change, if He provided miraculously for faithful Old Testament saints, then He will also provide for New Testament saints in like manner. As we look at Abraham, Job, David, Moses, Elijah and others, we see that God had a personal, ongoing relationship with them and went to great lengths to nurture their relationships with Him. As their patience in trials grew, so did their reliance on Him, as well as their hope in Him.<\/p>\n Next time you are feeling defeated and spiritually weak, read about what David went through after he defeated Goliath and after Samuel told him that he would be King of Israel. See how he was persecuted by Saul and treated with contempt even when he himself had shown no malice to Saul. David had hope for the future, both earthly and heavenly. Do you?<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Application<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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