Romans 15:3,4 - For Christ did not please Himself

15:3

Paul then cites Jesus as an example to follow. Christ is infinitely more than an example. If He was only an example then He would not be our saviour, for our sin would remain. However, He is our saviour, and He is also an example.  Christ did not live to please Himself, instead He took upon Himself all our sins. He took upon Himself the reproach that should have been ours. Paul is quoting from the latter part of Ps 69:9. So if Christ was prepared to do that, we should be prepared to help the “weaker brother”.

15:4

Paul then makes the general observation that the Old Testament (“whatever was written in former days”) was “written for our instruction”. There are some who see the Old Testament as less important than the New. This is not so. It is true that we should read it in the light of the New Testament, but it is part of God’s word. We develop hope through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures. We generally aren’t keen on “endurance” for it means going through a tough time for a significant period of time, and that is hard. But we are to go through these times with the encouragement of the Scriptures. So when we are in a battle we should look to the Scriptures for encouragement, wisdom and strength.