Romans 15

As we are getting close to the end of Romans; I want to point out something that jumped out at me this morning. One reason we are reading the Scriptures daily is expressed clearly in verse 14: 

Rom. 15:4For 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.

Scripture, i.e., God’s true words to His people, will bring us encouragementso that we might have hope. Hope has been a thread woven throughout Romans (5:2-5, 8:20-25). Life can be tough, but we can have great hope if we allow Scripture to wash our minds of the lies of the world and replace it with His eternal truth.  Paul continues with this theme of the hope we have in Christ; reading the Scriptures reminds us of the joy and peace that comes from trusting in God.  Verse 13 boldly states“

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

This joy and peace results in increased hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.  I suggest you read the chapter again and notice how effortlessly Paul brings all three members of the Trinity into his closing exhortation. It reminds me of 2 Corinthians 13:13

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.