4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,
6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
V. 4 - “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction” - What was written? A Messiah would come, provided by the Lord. (Gen 3:15, 12:2-3, 15:4-6; Isa 7:14, 11:1-5, 11:10;, e.g.) The Messiah would suffer for our sin. (See: Isa 52:13-53:12) He will be exalted. (Isa 53:10-11) These are not “secret knowledges”, only to be known by a chosen few. However, if you choose not to believe in Jesus as Lord, you will ‘blow off’ the scripture. It will seem silly to you.
“We might have hope” - The scriptures, written over hundreds of years - from Moses to Peter, John and Paul (about 1450 BC to 60 AD) - portray the Lord’s promise and fulfillment of same to bring mankind back into a personal relationship with Him. Christ came that we might have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10) Christ promised we would have peace with God in this life, and also the life to come. Paul emphasizes that if peace in this life is all there is, our faith is pitiful. The best and greatest is yet to come. (See: 1 Cor 15:12-20)
V. 5 - “Perseverance and encouragement” - These words are repeated (verses 4 and 5). Hope and praise. Hope for us, and praise for Jesus Christ. God gives us the strength to go on when faced with trials and persecution, and builds us up at the same time.
“grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus” - God, through the Holy Spirit, gives us the perseverance and encouragement to withstand the attacks from Satan upon the believer. The ‘same mind’ is not urging ‘uni-think’ or ‘hive-mind’ type of surrendering self. We are not little robots, all programmed the same, obeying the imprinted commands. “Love one another” is the same mind Paul is urging. (See: John 13:34-35, 15:12, 17; Rom 12:10, 13:8; Gal 5:3; Eph 4:2; 1 Thes 3:12, 4:9; 2 Thes 1:3; Heb 10:24; 1 Pet 1:22, 4:8; 1 John 3:23, 4:7, 11-12; 2 John 1:5)
Why? Because God first loved us! (John 3:16; Rom 5:8; 1 John 3:1, 4:19)
V. 6 - “so that with one accord“ - That we all may sing out, “Praise the Lord!” And it will go on forever! (See: Rev 4:8-11, 5:8-10)
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