4 For 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.
Romans 15:4 ESV
Many people avoid the Old Testament for a variety of reasons. One of the common ones that I’ve heard is how frustrating it is to understand. And while I agree that there is a great deal of context and culture that can be challenging to understand, the Old Testament has so many gems that will help encourage the Christian walk. Here in Romans, Paul reminds us that the Scriptures are written for our instruction. When you couple the knowledge gained with endurance and encouragement, it creates an environment for hope.
This is why I want to personally encourage you to be patient with yourself. When you first begin to read the Bible, it can be confusing or frustrating. But just like any subject you’ve studied in school, you have to put in effort in order to master the content. One would think that Christians are created with the ability to just absorb the content and walk it out. However, we’re like infants and it takes time, maturity, and discipline to truly grasp the concepts. So don’t give up. Keep going. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you revelations of who God is or how the passage points to Jesus.
Here are a few scriptures to encourage your bible study time below…
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 ESV
9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
2 John 1:9 ESV
If you need accountability, it is not too late to join us as we journey through the Bible in a Year – Chronologically OR you can join our Online Bible Study of the book of Ephesians! Join us here.
If you’re looking to dwell in the word consistently, come join us.
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