6Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.
Joshua: A Leader’s Journey to Strength and Courage
After Moses died, Joshua became the leader of Israel, tasked with bringing the people into the Promised Land. Imagine filling Moses’ shoes—what a challenge! But God didn’t leave Joshua to do it alone. In Joshua 1:6-9, God gave him clear instructions: “Be strong and courageous” (v. 6), “Be strong and very courageous” (v. 7), and again, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened” (v. 9). These weren’t just encouraging words; they were commands to rely on God’s strength for leadership.
So, where would Joshua find this strength? God told him: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (v. 8). Thinking deeply about God’s Word was the key to Joshua’s strength and success.
Joshua’s story shows us the importance of obeying and depending on God. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” By focusing on God’s Word, Joshua found the courage and strength to lead Israel. His journey teaches us that true leadership comes from humility and following God. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” This reminds us to follow Jesus, the ultimate leader.
As we move forward, let’s remember Joshua’s example. Be strong and courageous. Rely not on your own efforts. Instead, depend on the strength found in God’s Word and presence. By doing so, you’ll find that the best leaders are those who follow Jesus Christ.
The Secret of True Strength
Amidst God’s commands to Joshua, He gave him a crucial directive that was the key to his leadership success: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8, ESV). This wasn’t just a suggestion; it was the secret to Joshua’s inner strength and courage.
Joshua wasn’t expected to rely on physical might or conventional wisdom. Instead, God pointed him to the transformative power of His Word. Joshua immersed himself in Scripture. He found the strength necessary for the monumental task of leading Israel into the Promised Land. The strength he needed wasn’t about physical prowess. It wasn’t about strategic brilliance. It was about spiritual depth and reliance on God’s promises.
In our journey, like Joshua, we find that the secret to true strength and courage lies in God’s Word. It’s not about self-help techniques or motivational speeches but about allowing Scripture to shape our thoughts and actions. As we meditate on God’s Word, we are equipped to face life’s challenges with confidence and resolve.
This principle resonates with the reformed faith, which emphasizes the sufficiency of Scripture. As we follow this example, we learn that true leadership and strength are rooted in humility and submission to God. Just as Paul urged, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1, ESV), we are reminded that the best leaders are those who follow Jesus, the ultimate Leader. So, be strong and courageous, not by your own might, but through the strength found in God’s Word and presence.
The response of the People
After receiving God’s commands, Joshua stepped up to rally the Israelites, and their response was nothing short of remarkable. They answered him with powerful words of commitment: “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go… Only be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:16, 18 ESV).
What’s fascinating here is how the people’s response creates this beautiful echo of God’s original words to Joshua. It’s like a divine conversation coming full circle – God speaks courage into Joshua, and the people reflect it right back. They pledged, “Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you, as he was with Moses!” (Joshua 1:17 ESV).
This moment reveals something profound about leadership in God’s kingdom. The people realized that Joshua’s strength wasn’t based on his abilities. It didn’t depend on his charisma either. His strength came directly from his obedience to God’s commands. Their willingness to follow Joshua was actually a reflection of their faith in God Himself. They understood that courage grounded in faithfulness would be the key to their victory.
By echoing heaven’s mandate back to Joshua, the people created this incredible harmony between divine calling and human support. They weren’t just making empty promises; they were so committed that they added, “Whoever rebels against your commandment and disobeys your words, whatever you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:18 ESV). Talk about being all in! The people recognized the divine stamp on Joshua’s leadership and stood ready to follow him whether into battle or peace.
Encounter with the Divine Commander
Here’s a powerful moment that really captures the heart of biblical leadership:
Picture Joshua standing near Jericho, probably sizing up those massive walls, when suddenly he encounters an armed figure. Instead of backing down, Joshua boldly approaches and asks, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” (Joshua 5:13 ESV). The response he gets completely flips the script: “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come” (Joshua 5:14 ESV).
This wasn’t just any warrior. It was the Angel of the Lord. This figure is widely understood to be Christ Himself appearing before His incarnation. His answer reveals something profound about leadership. It’s not about getting God to sign off on our plans. It’s about aligning ourselves with His divine purpose.
The real question wasn’t whether God was on Joshua’s side – it was whether Joshua was on God’s side. Joshua gets it immediately. In a beautiful act of submission, he falls face-down and asks, “What does my lord say to his servant?” (Joshua 5:14 ESV). This moment perfectly captures key aspects of the reformed faith. It emphasizes our complete dependence on God’s sovereignty. It also highlights the supreme authority of His Word in guiding our lives.
Again we remember what Paul would later write, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV). The message is clear – true strength in leadership doesn’t come from pushing our own agenda but from humbly submitting to God’s will. When you’re facing your own Jericho walls today, remember Joshua’s example. Real courage isn’t found in having all the answers, but in knowing Who to ask for direction.
Leadership as Followership
Christian leadership isn’t about making God a co-pilot in our plans, but about recognizing Christ as the Captain of the Lord’s host, the one who commands and directs. Joshua’s story clearly indicates that the best leader is first a follower—a follower of Christ. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
When Joshua encountered the Angel of the Lord, he didn’t assert his own authority. Instead, he fell on his face in worship, asking, “What does my lord say to his servant?” (Joshua 5:14, ESV). This moment captures the essence of true Christian leadership: aligning ourselves with God’s plans rather than expecting Him to endorse ours. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) reinforces this by urging us to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Joshua’s encounter exemplifies a profound truth central to the reformed faith: true strength comes through submission to God’s sovereignty. As Paul later writes, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10, ESV). Leadership in God’s kingdom means following Christ so closely that you lead others to Him. By meditating on His Word and submitting fully to His will, we find the courage and strength needed for any challenge. This is the heart of true Christian leadership—being a follower of Christ first and foremost.
The Power of Godly Obedience
Joshua’s journey illuminates a profound truth about Christian leadership: true strength flows from complete dependence on God. As captured in Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” leadership finds its foundation in Scripture and submission to divine authority.
The essence of courage in leadership isn’t the absence of fear, but moving forward in faith despite our fears. As Isaiah 41:10 assures us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This promise transforms how we approach leadership challenges. We’re not called to drum up courage on our own—God both commands and provides it.
Christian leadership isn’t about drafting God into our plans or asking Jesus to join our army. Instead, it’s about ensuring we’re aligned with His divine strategy and enlisted in His army. As Solomon wisely counsels, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5, ESV). Christ isn’t seeking CEOs to partner with—He’s looking for servants who’ll follow His lead wholeheartedly.
Just as Joshua faced his Jericho, we’ll encounter our own walls. I do not believe this is reading ourselves into the text either. We all have challenges that we face that are often specific to us. The same God who commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous speaks that word over us today. This strength comes through consistent meditation on God’s Word day and night (Joshua 1:8) and complete submission to His lordship. Whether leading in ministry, family life, or any other arena, we must recognize that Christ leads us into every battle we face.
Jesus’s words in Matthew 16:24 set our marching orders clearly: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” This self-denial and submission to Christ’s lordship becomes the wellspring of true leadership strength. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me”—not through self-reliance, but through complete dependence on God.
When we grasp this beautiful paradox—that the most effective leaders are first and foremost followers of Christ—we begin to understand what it truly means to be strong and courageous in the Lord. As we align ourselves with His plans and follow the true Commander of the Lord’s army, we’ll find ourselves equipped to lead others into their own promised lands, all for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28).
Let’s dive into one of the most fascinating figures in Scripture. Moses gives us an incredible picture of what it means to stand between God and His people. Romans 16 shows us countless heroes of the faith. However, I’d like to focus on Moses. His life remarkably foreshadows Christ’s work as our ultimate Mediator.
Standing in the Gap
That moment in Exodus 20:21? “The people remained at a distance.” Meanwhile, Moses approached the thick darkness where God was. That’s not just a dramatic scene—it’s a profound picture of mediation. Consider this: everyone else hung back in fear. But Moses walked straight into that overwhelming darkness to meet with God. That’s real courage!
This brings to mind Hebrews 4:16. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace. We may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Moses’s bold approach to God paved the way for what Christ would ultimately accomplish.
When we consider what mediation really means in Scripture, it’s more than just playing referee. It’s about bridging an impossible gap—the gap between a holy God and sinful people. Moses understood this at a deep level. He didn’t just relay messages back and forth; he invested himself fully in both relationships—with God and with the people.
God’s Perfect Preparation
I love how God prepared Moses for this role—it’s a masterclass in divine providence! Born a Hebrew but raised in Pharaoh’s court—talk about being uniquely positioned! Even when Moses’s first attempts at reconciliation flopped (remember that incident with the Egyptian? ), God was working out His perfect plan.
As Stephen points out in Acts 7:25, “He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand.” Sounds familiar. How often do we jump ahead of God’s timing, thinking we know best?
Think about the decades Moses spent in Midian. Those weren’t wasted years; they were preparation years. God was teaching him patience, humility, and leadership through shepherding actual sheep before he’d shepherd God’s people. It reminds me of David’s preparation in the fields before becoming king.
Hebrews 3:5-6 puts it perfectly: “Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son.” Everything in Moses’s life was pointing toward something—or rather, someone—greater.
The Heart of a Defender
Here’s what really grabs me about Moses—his heart for justice. Perhaps this is why in my own life I have a heart for justice. At times, it has even gotten me in trouble. When he saw that Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave, he didn’t just shake his head and walk away. And later, when he spotted those shepherds hassling Jethro’s daughters at the well? He stepped right in. That’s what real mediation looks like—standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.
Numbers 12:3 tells us something surprising: “Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.” Don’t mistake this for weakness; we’re talking about strength under God’s control. It reminds me of Proverbs 31:8-9: “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
This combination of strength and meekness made Moses the perfect candidate for mediation. He was strong enough to stand before Pharaoh and demand justice. Yet, he was humble enough to fall on his face before God. That’s the kind of leader God uses—someone who knows both how to fight and how to submit.
Called to Be Peacemakers
You might be wondering—what does all this mean for us today? Jesus puts it plainly in Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” We’re called to follow in Moses’s footsteps (and ultimately Christ’s) as people who bring reconciliation.
In our divided world, this calling has never been more crucial. Whether it’s in our families, churches, or communities, we’re called to be people who bridge gaps and heal divisions. But here’s the key: we don’t do this by compromising truth. Real peace never comes at the expense of righteousness.
James 3:17 gives us a beautiful picture of this kind of peacemaking: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” That’s our model for biblical mediation.
Christ: Our Perfect Mediator
Here’s where it all comes together beautifully. Everything Moses did pointed to Christ. Hebrews 8:6 puts it perfectly: “But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.”
Moses entered the darkness to meet with God. Christ entered the darkness of death itself to bring us to God. That’s why 1 Timothy 2:5 declares, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
Consider how Christ’s mediation surpasses Moses’s in every way. Moses could only represent the people before God; Christ actually becomes our representative. Moses brought the law that condemned; Christ brings the grace that saves. Moses’s mediation was temporary; Christ’s is eternal.
Living It Out Today
So what do we do with all this? First, we’ve got to remember that real peace only comes through the gospel. In your family, at church, in your community—wherever God’s placed you—you’re called to be a reconciler.
Think about Ephesians 4:2–3: “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” That’s our playbook for being peacemakers!
This plays out in practical ways. In our families, it means being quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19). In our churches, it means dealing with conflict biblically and directly (Matthew 18:15–17). In our communities, it means being ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).
The Ministry of Reconciliation
As reformed believers, we understand that God’s sovereignty extends to every area of life, including conflict and reconciliation. When we step into difficult situations as mediators, we’re not acting alone. We’re participating in God’s reconciling work in the world.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 puts it beautifully: “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.”
The Greater Mediation
Let me wrap this up with a thought that never fails to blow my mind: While Moses’ mediation was temporary, Christ’s is eternal. Hebrews 9:15 puts it beautifully: “Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.”
Every time we step into conflicts as peacemakers, we reflect Christ’s greater work of reconciliation. This happens whether in our homes, churches, or communities. As Colossians 1:20 reminds us, He “made peace by the blood of his cross.”
Think about how this changes our approach to conflict and reconciliation. We’re not just trying to solve problems or make peace for peace’s sake. We’re participating in something much bigger—God’s cosmic work of reconciliation through Christ. I know I have a lot to do in my own life.
Our Daily Call to Mediation
Each day brings new opportunities to live out this calling. Maybe it’s mediating between arguing siblings, helping church members work through disagreements, or building bridges in your community. Whatever the situation, remember that you’re following in the footsteps of Moses and, ultimately, pointing to Christ.
Hebrews 12:14 challenges us: “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Notice how peace and holiness go together. True biblical mediation never sacrifices one for the other.
Remember, friends, our call to mediation isn’t about compromising truth but about pointing people to the Ultimate Mediator, Jesus Christ. Let’s embrace this high calling with confidence. We should embrace it with humility and joy. Our efforts to make peace are grounded in the perfect peace Christ has already made.
In Romans 16, the Apostle Paul shares greetings with various church members in Rome. This demonstrates the vibrant life and unity among early Christians. He encourages them to greet each other “with a holy kiss,” a symbol of deep fellowship. Paul highlights this unity by stating, “all the churches of Christ send greetings” (Romans 16:16). Although he had not visited Rome, Paul knew many believers there. This shows the strong network of relationships in the early church. This is a testament to the unifying power of the gospel.
However, Paul’s commendation of unity shifts into a stern warning against those who threaten it. He urges the Roman Christians to “watch out for those who cause divisions. Avoid those who put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them” (Romans 16:17). This is not a call to silence every dissenting voice. Instead, the message is to remain alert. Be cautious against those who oppose the core tenets of the faith. They sow discord. Paul identifies these divisive individuals as serving their own appetites. They use smooth talk to deceive the naive (Romans 16:18). For the protection of the church, such individuals must be confronted. If necessary, they should be disciplined according to Scripture (cf. Matthew 18:15-17).
Paul’s message is both a commendation and a caution. He acknowledges the obedience of the Roman Christians. He urges them to be “wise about what is good.” They should also be “innocent about what is evil” (Romans 16:19). This call to wisdom and innocence serves as a reminder for church leaders. They must protect the flock from disruptive influences. As we reflect on Paul’s exhortation, we are challenged to cultivate a church environment marked by peace and unity. We must adhere to the truth of the gospel. We must be ready to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3).
Greeting One Another in Christ
In Romans 16:16, Paul tells believers to greet one another with a “holy kiss.” This gesture, though culturally specific, signifies the deep fellowship and unity that should define the church. This unity is not just a social nicety. It is rooted in a shared commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes this by saying, “All the churches of Christ greet you.” This reminds the Roman believers of their connection to the wider body of Christ, unified in doctrine and mission.
Paul’s call to greet one another warmly reminds us of the foundation of true Christian fellowship. It is built on shared beliefs and values. It goes beyond mere politeness. It reflects our mutual commitment to Christ and to each other as members of His body. Through this, Paul’s pastoral heart is evident. He encourages believers to express unity in genuine and heartfelt ways. This unity shows the transformative power of the gospel in their communal life.
Protecting the Church From False Doctrine
Following this vision of unity, Paul addresses a grave concern. There are individuals who “cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have been taught” (Romans 16:17, ESV). He urges believers to “watch out” for such individuals and to “keep away” from them. The Greek construction here demands our attention—we are to “watch out” (σκοπεῖν) with utmost vigilance. This is not a suggestion but a divine mandate. This echoes Paul’s warning to the Ephesian elders. He said, “I know that after my departure, fierce wolves will come in among you. They will not spare the flock” (Acts 20:29).
It is crucial to understand Paul’s directive. It is not a call to silence every dissenting voice. It is also not meant to suppress all disagreements over minor doctrinal matters. Instead, it is a call to be vigilant. We must guard against those who fundamentally oppose the core tenets of the faith. These individuals sow discord within the body of Christ. Paul’s distinction is important; he doesn’t categorize every disagreement as divisive. He highlights that divisive individuals undermine the very foundations of Christian truth. The “obstacles” they create aren’t merely preferences or secondary matters but are fundamentally opposed to apostolic doctrine.
In a church setting, opinions on practices or preferences may differ. However, Paul’s imperative is clear. The primary goal is to safeguard the church’s doctrinal integrity. Paul emphasizes this principle in another part. He says, “If anyone preaches a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:9, ESV). Unity is a precious and valuable asset that deserves protection. Achieving it necessitates adherence to sound teaching. Without a shared foundation of truth, unity becomes fragile and ultimately loses its significance.
So here is the question. How do we …
Identify Divisive Individuals
We can be thankful that Paul actually tells us how to identify these people. We can first identify them by their methods. They use two primary weapons to cause division.
The first is smooth talk (χρηστολογία).
The second is flattery (εὐλογία).
These individuals often present themselves as champions of unity. Yet, they simultaneously undermine the foundations of faith. Solomon wisely observed this: “Some people consider themselves clean. However, they are not washed of their filth” (Proverbs 30:12).
Secondly, these divisive people can be identified by their motivations. Paul exposes their true nature by identifying them as those who serve “their own appetites” rather than Christ. This echoes Peter’s warning about false teachers who “follow their own sinful desires” (2 Peter 2:10). Such individuals are driven by selfish ambition. They prioritize personal advancement over the glory of God. Their motivation is not to serve Christ or build up the church. Instead, they pursue their own interests, often seeking influence, recognition, or power. To protect the weaker brethren and maintain the church’s spiritual health, leadership must confront these individuals. If necessary, they should be disciplined according to Scripture’s guidelines (cf. Matthew 18:15-17). This ensures the church’s integrity and unity, preventing those who seek discord for personal gain.
A Call to Wisdom and Innocence
Paul’s message to the Roman Christians is both a commendation and a caution. He acknowledges their obedience, which is well-known, and expresses his joy over them. Yet, he emphasizes vigilance. He urges them to be “wise about what is good.” He also encourages them to be “innocent about what is evil” (Romans 16:19, ESV). This exhortation highlights the importance of discernment in distinguishing truth from error. It encourages believers to remain separate from practices that lead to moral and spiritual compromise.
Paul tempers his warning with an affirmation: “For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil” (Romans 16:19, ESV). He is aware of the threats ahead. He emphasizes that the responsibility to guard the church against divisive influences lies heavily on church leaders. Elders and pastors must discern and, when necessary, discipline those who threaten the unity and doctrinal purity of the congregation. This is an act of pastoral care, not authoritarianism. Paul writes in Acts 20:28-30, urging leaders to “pay careful attention…to care for the church of God.” Church leaders, likened to shepherds, must protect their flock from wolves, ensuring the church’s integrity and unity.
Church leaders act as shepherds of God’s flock. They have a solemn responsibility to protect the community. This protection is from those who seek to disrupt it. Paul’s exhortation to “keep away from them” (ἐκκλίνατε) demands decisive action. This may include clear theological instruction, loving confrontation, and, when necessary, church discipline. This responsibility is underscored by the need to be “wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil” (Romans 16:19). It emphasizes discernment in judgments. Leaders must strike a balance. They must act decisively against clear doctrinal threats while embodying humility and adherence to scriptural principles. This involves patience and awareness of the subtleties of false teaching, which can often appear as “truth adjacent.”
Paul’s pastoral instruction serves as a timeless reminder for congregations to remain vigilant. Church leaders, as shepherds, have the responsibility to protect the sheep from “wolves” (Matthew 7:15, ESV). Jesus warned about “false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing.” Similarly, Paul reminds the church to stay firm in sound doctrine. This guards against influences that could lead believers astray. By doing so, they protect the flock and preserve the church’s purity and unity. This ensures the church remains committed to the truth of the gospel.
In today’s ecclesiastical climate, doctrine is often sacrificed for false unity. Paul’s exhortation is urgent. The rise of progressive Christianity, the prosperity gospel, and theological liberalism requires vigilance and courage. Paul emphasizes that church leaders must guard against divisive influences. Elders and pastors must discern and discipline when necessary. This is an act of pastoral care, not authoritarianism. Leaders are like shepherds who must protect their flock from wolves. Paul underscores this duty in Acts 20:28-30, urging leaders to “pay careful attention…to care for the church of God.” Church leaders must ensure the community stays true to the gospel. This preserves both its unity and doctrinal integrity.
Reflection and Application
If Paul were to write to our churches today, what might he say? Would he commend our outreach efforts and our commitment to truth? Or would he need to address those who stray from sound doctrine? As we consider these questions, let’s focus on building a church environment marked by peace and unity. This must be firmly rooted in the gospel truth. We must stay vigilant, ready to defend the faith once entrusted to the saints (Jude 1:3). Our fellowship should remain vibrant and faithful.
We must remember that the apostle who valued Christian fellowship also stressed the importance of doctrinal integrity. These goals are not in conflict. They are unified expressions of true biblical faithfulness. We work to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). We must also be diligent in defending the faith once for all entrusted to the saints (Jude 3).
May the Lord grant us wisdom as we navigate these waters. We must always remember that true biblical unity can only exist where truth is cherished and protected.
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.
The Enduring Legacy of the Old Testament
Examining Romans 15:4 reveals Paul’s unwavering affirmation of the Old Testament’s crucial role in the Christian life. Despite dismissive views like that of Henry Ford’s infamous assertion that “all history is bunk,” the Apostle Paul emphasizes how God uses history as a grand tapestry to unveil His nature and plan of salvation. Joshua 1:8 reinforces this, urging believers to keep the “Book of the Law” constantly in their minds, meditating on it diligently and to faithfully adhere to its teachings. Paul underscores the enduring value of the Old Testament Scriptures, countering modern cynicism that often dismisses history as mere academic study. He proclaims that history, manifested through God’s revelation in Scripture, is God’s intended medium for revealing Himself and His redemptive purposes. Unlike abstract concepts, God’s communication is deeply intertwined with real historical events and everyday life, reminding us of His presence, reliability, and faithfulness. Understanding Paul’s words in Romans 15:4 invites us to appreciate the sovereign purpose God demonstrates through this divine revelation. We recognize that our Lord deliberately chose the historical narrative of Scripture to unveil His redemptive plan.
The Call to Study: More Than Head Knowledge
For many, the concept of deep, doctrinal study may seem daunting or even unnecessary. We hear believers say, “I’m not interested in studying doctrine; I want something practical—news I can use. I don’t need head knowledge.” However, a true grasp of biblical teaching is not detached from practical life but serves as its very foundation. Proverbs 2:6 states, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Doctrine is not dry intellectualism; it is the deep well of wisdom from which we draw strength and clarity for our daily walk.
Studying Scripture carefully does not always yield instant answers for immediate problems, yet it grants us profound insight into the eternal truths that underpin our lives. Through this wisdom, we develop a firm foundation that equips us to endure life’s trials. The Scriptures provide hope—not by offering quick fixes, but by immersing us in God’s enduring truth.
Endurance and Encouragement in Times of Discouragement
The Scriptures are filled with examples of God’s faithfulness and with teachings that guide our hearts toward perseverance. In times of weariness or discouragement, God’s Word gives us both encouragement and endurance. The psalmist writes, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him” (Psalm 42:11). When Paul speaks of Scripture’s power to instill hope, he emphasizes that it does so by steadying our souls through all circumstances. This hope does not fade; it enables us to remain steadfast, knowing that God’s promises are sure.
When we experience despair or feel our courage ebbing away, it is frequently a sign that we are ignoring the inspiration and guidance of Scripture. Hope and endurance are like twin pillars in the Christian life: hope provides a vision for a future rooted in God’s promises, while endurance steadies us in the present journey. Together, they transform our outlook, giving us patience amid life’s difficulties and keeping despair at bay.
God, Our Divine Instructor
The idea that God Himself desires to be our teacher should amaze us. Jesus invited His disciples to “come and learn from me” (Matthew 11:29). We often invest substantial time and resources in worldly education, seminars, and self-help resources, yet the Lord, in His grace, offers the deepest wisdom freely through His Word. As our Divine Instructor, He teaches us with patience, guiding us toward lasting joy, hope, and faithfulness.
Unlike earthly instruction, which can be riddled with error, God’s teaching is perfect and unchanging. His wisdom does not fail, and His Word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11). In the pages of Scripture, we find all we need for a life that is both pleasing to God and deeply fulfilling. This instruction is invaluable, not just for temporary success but for eternal life.
Living Coram Deo: Embodying Scriptural Truth
I love how R.C. Sproul puts it when he talks about The Christian life is lived coram Deo—before the face of God. To live coram Deo means to bring every thought, word, and action under the authority of God’s truth. In our study of Scripture, we should always seek ways to embody the truths we learn. James reminds us, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). The goal of Bible study is not merely to gain knowledge, but to allow that knowledge to shape our character, guide our decisions, and bring glory to God in every aspect of our lives.
As we deepen our understanding of Scripture, we are called to apply its wisdom to our daily walk. By studying doctrine, we are not just learning abstract truths but are being shaped into people who reflect God’s character. In this, we bring greater honor to our Lord, living in a way that is both obedient and joyful.
Hope Through the Endurance of the Scriptures
The Scriptures were written for our instruction, endurance, and encouragement, to grant us hope in all seasons. In a world that often casts history aside as “bunk,” we know from the testimony of Scripture that God has worked through time and history to reveal Himself to us. By studying His Word, we are given a path to walk faithfully, a light to guide us, and a hope that sustains us. Let us, therefore, approach the Word of God with reverence and eagerness, knowing that through it, God Himself instructs, encourages, and equips us for the life He has called us to live.
