Do you have the hope that you’ll glorify God?

Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. We not only gain encouragement from this Scripture, but it indicates that all Scripture was written for our encouragement. Paul cited Ps. 69:9 in the previous verse because of His view of Scripture. It was written for our instruction by the Holy Spirit, as is the entire letter to the Romans! Being instructed by God is the means by which God gives perseverance and encouragement (we’ll see that in the next verse tomorrow). And what does perseverance and encouragement bring? It brings us hope! Hope of what? Hope of glory! Let me read Rom. 5:1-5 so we can see that Paul has had this great truth in his mind the entire time he was writing to the Romans. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Tribulation—bearing the weaknesses of others rather than pleasing ourselves for the glory of God brings about perseverance. And perseverance builds up our faith, or in Paul’s words in chapter 5, proves the character of our faith. How does that perseverance and encouragement come to us? Through the Scriptures which were written for our instruction in how to love with Jesus. Seeing the Holy Spirit at work in our lives in this way produces hope in us that God will be glorified in our lives and on that Great Day when Jesus returns to be glorified in His saints and be marveled at among all who have believed. Here’s the take away today. Be encouraged by the Scriptures today. They were written for our instruction so through perseverance and encouragement we might have hope that our lives will bring glory to God.