The Word W.O.R.K.S. Week 1 ~ Endurance and Comfort of the Scriptures = Wholeness
Welcome to week one of our Embrace the Word study of “The Word W.O.R.K.S.”
I hope you have dived into our reading and writing plan. It is a great way to engage in the Word every day. Don’t be afraid to dig deeper into the theme by reading the daily scriptures in context and doing your own study. Consider sharing with our community on FB or IG.
Endurance and Comfort of the Scriptures
Romans 15 (1-7) contains Paul’s teachings to believers. He teaches that strong Christians should live with those of weaker faith in mind. If the church is to walk in unity, each one should concern themselves with the needs and cares of others. Paul writes that Jesus is our example. He quotes from the 69th Psalm, sharing that Christ did not live for Himself but lived a life that was poured out for us. Similarly, we should live a life of service and devotion to God and each other.
Tucked in Paul’s teachings is this beautiful passage of truth:
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4
Contextually, Paul is saying those passages in Psalm 69 were written to teach us, comfort us, and help us to endure. The scriptures should bring us hope.
The Word Teaches Us
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Through the work of the Holy Spirit human authors wrote, but the Word is literally God-breathed. It is, therefore, abundantly valuable for every area of our lives. This passage offers four ways the Word helps us:
- The Word teaches us. There is no better way to know God and how to live in a way that pleases Him than the Word.
- The Word reproves us. The Word points out the places in our life where we miss the mark. It doesn’t leave us there but points us to Christ, who offers hope of salvation.
- The Word corrects us. As a teacher, I cannot overstate the role of correction in instruction and teaching. Without it, we’d walk in error, with no hope of getting it right.
- The Word trains us. The scriptures train us in righteousness–it helps us to live “in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage” (AMP).
When we receive all that the Word gives, we will be ready to do God’s work with strength and perseverance.
The Word Comforts Us
This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life. Psalm 119:50
Amid trouble, the Word brings us comfort. Sometimes we must endure hardship as good soldiers. It is then that the Word of God comforts us. It is the salve to our wounded hearts. Remembering the promises of God can ease the ache in our souls. Even when the painful situation persists, God’s Word brings us solace.
The KJV says, “Your Word quickens me.” Quicken comes from the Hebrew term “Chayah,” which means “be restored to life or health.” The Word of God revives our weary souls! So we wrap ourselves in the blanket of God’s truth and find comfort.
The Word Helps Us Endure
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
We may be tempted to give in to fear, doubt, anxiety, or insecurities. But God’s Word inspires us to hold on. Our hope is in God’s promises found in His Word. These “great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:4) help us to hold on when we want to give up.
We can fully embrace each of God’s promises. Make them our confession and hold on to them tightly! The confidence we have is in the One who promised! God cannot fail and cannot lie, so we can stake our claim in EVERYTHING He said. Every promise is answered; they are all fulfilled in Christ. And we say AMEN (2 Corinthians 1:20).
The Word Gives Us Hope
You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word. Psalm 119:114
In a world of hopelessness, God’s Word gives us hope. The truth of God’s Word permeates our souls to ignite hope in us. As we take in the Word and meditate on it, we rehearse God’s truth in our hearts and minds. We can take refuge in the Word and find hope as our Savior speaks.
When despair tries to creep in, we can confess the Word. When life tries to strip away our peace, we can remember every promise God made to us. When all seems lost, hope is made alive as we embrace the Word.
God’s Word is a source of hope. All that was written is for us. The stories of the patriarchs, the narratives of Israel’s kings, the chronicles of the exiles, and the account of the remnant who returned to their native land–ALL scripture teaches us. It gives us instructions for living. We should take a deep dive into God’s beautiful treasure. Let it bring you comfort. Let it help you endure. “We find encouragement through the Scriptures and a call to perseverance that will produce hopeful living” (VOICE).
Let’s Talk
- Share a verse or two that especially brings you encouragement and hope.
- How can you Embrace God’s Word in a new way that ignites your faith and brings you fresh hope?
- Will you commit to reading, writing, memorizing, and meditating on the Word?
Let’s Pray
Father,
Thank You for the encouragement and the comfort of Scripture. Help me to lean in with my heart and embrace Your Word in a new and fresh way. Thank you for teaching me, comforting me, helping me endure, and giving me hope. Thank you for every promise that has been fulfilled in Christ. Please help me to hold tightly to them.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
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. Romans 15:13
Your friend in the journey,
Remember, The Word W.O.R.K.S.! We are walking in Wholeness, Obedience, Righteousness, and Kingdom Success through the Word of God.