The apostle Paul, writing by the inspiration of the Holy
Spirit tells us plainly what God's intention, purpose, and design is in giving
us the inspired Volume of Holy Scripture. "Whatsoever things were written
aforetime were written for our learning, that we
through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (
1. THE WORD OF GOD WAS WRITTEN
FOR OUR LEARNING. It was not written simply for us to learn the facts of
Bible history, the ways of morality, or even mere doctrinal truth. It is good
to learn these things; but the intent of Scripture is far more practical and
beneficial. The Word of God has been given to us so that we might learn the way
of life, salvation, and peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Everything in the Book of God speaks about and reveals the Son of God (Luke
24:27, 44-47; John
2. GOD HAS GIVEN US THE
SCRIPTURES TO TEACH
3. GOD HAS GIVEN US HIS WORD
SO THAT WE MIGHT ENJOY THE COMFORT OF THE SCRIPTURES. The fact that God is
my Father fills me with comfort. The gospel of God, the character of God, the
providence of God, and the promises of God are wells of consolation for the
believing soul.
4. GOD HAS GIVEN US THIS
BLESSED VOLUME SO THAT WE MIGHT LIVE IN THE HOPE OF THE SCRIPTURES. Faith
primarily looks to the past, trusting what Christ has accomplished. Hope is
based upon and arises from faith. Hope looks to the future, anticipating all
that Christ has promised.