44 - Bible Commentary | Karuna Sadan

The Purpose of Scripture

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)

The purpose of written scripture

1.for our learning

All the Old Testament scriptures were written for our learning, for our instruction so that we would not make the same mistakes that they did. Someone said, “A smart person learns from his mistakes, but a truly wise person learns from the mistakes of others.” You and I don’t have to make the same mistakes by learning from them.

2.the scriptures produce patience in us

Patience is a product of the Scriptures. If tribulations produced patience, every Christian would be patient because everyone on the face of planet earth has experienced some degree of tribulation one time on the other. Patience comes through God's Word. However, problems cause us to exercise or use our patience and thereby become spiritually stronger

3.the scriptures comfort us

During this current Covid-19 pandemic, people are experiencing a roller coaster of emotions and as such they need comfort.

Ecclesiastes 7:7 (NKJV) says “Oppression destroys a wise man’s reason”

Ecclesiastes 7:7 (KJV) says “oppression maketh a wise man mad”

Comfort can make a huge difference in the manner a person behaves. In their search for comfort, many turn to alcohol, drugs and other means of comfort. One powerful God-ordained way to be comforted is to read the word of God.

Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. (1 Corinthians 10:11)

The purpose of scripture

As an example to us
As an admonition to us (as a warning

A wise man does not learn by experience; that’s a very painful way to learn. He learns from the successes and failures of others.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God

and is profitable

profitable for doctrine
for reproof
for correction
for instruction in righteousness

that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

God uses scripture to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Prayer for a Couple

Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus (Romans 15:5)

Offering

the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:16)

Two things about an offering

1.offering must be acceptable

2.It must be sanctified by the Holy Spirit

Prayers based on

Come Holy Spirit of the Living God, sanctify this offering (Romans 15:16)

Come Holy Spirit of the Living God, sanctify me (us) (Romans 15:16)

Come Holy Spirit of the Living God, sanctify this place (Romans 15:16)

For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient (Romans 15:18)

Speaking in simple terms, It means that if you are not praying then don't preach on prayer.

If you are not fasting then don't preach on fasting

If you are not giving then don't preach on giving

Now you know why many people preach against prayer, fasting and giving - it is because they simply don’t do these things and hence cannot preach on these topics. So they preach and teach against it.

[Even as my preaching has been accompanied] with the power of signs and wonders, [and all of it] by the power of the Holy Spirit. [The result is] that starting from Jerusalem and as far round as Illyricum, I have fully preached the Gospel [faithfully executing, accomplishing, carrying out to the full the good news] of Christ (the Messiah) in its entirety. (Romans 15:19 Amplified)

Apostle Paul was known primarily for his preaching of the Gospel of God's grace but his preaching and teaching was also accompanied with the power of signs and wonders

What was the result?

that starting from Jerusalem and as far round as Illyricum he had fully preached the Gospel

Therefore, Apostle Paul could be making a distinction between just preaching the Gospel and fully preaching the Gospel. A minister hasn't fully preached the Gospel unless there are accompanying signs and wonders. This must probably be where the phrase "full Gospel" came from.

Powerful Scripture on Giving

They were pleased to do it; and surely they are in debt to them, for if these Gentiles have come to share in their [the Jerusalem Jews’] spiritual blessings, then they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. (Romans 15:27)

The God kind of Love is imparted by the Holy Spirit

I appeal to you [I entreat you], brethren, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love [given by] the Spirit, to unite with me in earnest wrestling in prayer to God in my behalf. (Romans 15:30)

So when you are running in reserve in your love walk then start fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit and ask Him to fill you with His love. (Romans 5:5)

But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:29)

You do not go to a place and prepare. You go prepared to that place. Of course, you can go and spend time in prayer there but the bottom line is, you go prepared. Do not go if you are not prepared.

Prayer based on Romans 15:29

Father, we pray that when Pastor Michael comes to UAE (or elsewhere), he shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:29)

Chapter 15