11 March 2026
Christians sometimes treat the Old Testament like a closed chapter. Something ancient. Something distant. Yet the apostle Paul says otherwise. In his sermon on Romans 15:1–13, Mark Penrith points us directly to Romans 15:4, “For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures.” Mark Penrith explains it plainly. “The Old Testament is not a relic. The Old Testament is a reservoir.” God gave these Scriptures for the strengthening of His people.
Paul reminds believers that Scripture teaches us. The past speaks into the present. Mark highlights this purpose when he says, “Every psalm, every prophecy, every promise.” None of it is wasted. None of it is irrelevant. God designed His Word to shape our thinking and steady our hearts. Romans 15:4 says these things were written “for our instruction.” When believers read the Scriptures, God Himself instructs them. He corrects our assumptions. He anchors our thinking in truth.
But instruction is not the only purpose. Scripture also strengthens weary hearts. Paul says hope grows “through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures.” Mark describes the effect of the Word this way, “All of it was written to teach you. To steady you. To encourage you.” Life places pressure on believers. Work demands attention. Parenting stretches patience. Trials test faith. In those moments the Word of God sustains the soul.
This endurance is not self-produced. It grows through exposure to truth. As we read God’s promises, hope rises. As we see God’s faithfulness in history, our confidence grows. Mark reminds us why Scripture matters so deeply, “All of it was written to teach you. To steady you. To encourage you. To instruct you, so that you may not lose hope.” God knew His people would face difficulty. So He filled His Word with promises that strengthen the weary.
This truth reshapes how we approach the Bible. Scripture is not merely information. It is nourishment. It feeds the soul. It trains the heart to trust God when circumstances feel uncertain. Romans 15:4 reminds us that God designed His Word to produce hope.
Begin your day with Scripture. Even a few minutes can redirect your heart toward God. Let your children see that God’s Word matters in your home. Read it. Trust it. Let its encouragement shape your life.
Prayer
Father, thank You for giving us Your Word. Use the Scriptures to teach us, strengthen us, and fill us with hope. Help us treasure Your truth each day. Amen.