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Written for Us

Text: Romans 15:1–7 (focus on v.4)
Preacher: Alex Hogendoorn
Date: January 4, 2026  

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Tagline

The whole Bible—Old and New—was written to instruct us, encourage us, and lead us to hope in Christ.

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Sermon Summary

As a new year begins and many of us open our Bibles again, Paul’s words in Romans 15 remind us that Scripture is not divided into “useful” and “obsolete” parts. Writing to a divided church made up of Jewish and Gentile believers, Paul insists that the Scriptures “written in former days” were written for us—to give endurance, encouragement, and hope. The Old Testament is a gift that forms us together in Christ.

The sermon explored how Christians can read the Old Testament faithfully without returning to the law or treating it as irrelevant. We were invited to read the Scriptures Christologically: first, by asking the Holy Spirit to guide us; second, by looking for pictures that point us to Jesus; and third, by listening to the longings and unanswered questions in the text that find their fulfillment in Christ. The same Spirit who inspired the Scriptures now leads us through them, revealing Jesus on every page and strengthening our faith with hope.

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Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Question (pick one)

    •    Playful: What book of the Bible do you secretly find the hardest to get through—and why?
    •    Meaningful: When you think about reading the Old Testament, what emotions or expectations usually come up for you?

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Opening Prayer

Ask the Spirit to speak through the word and to lead your time together.

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Scripture Reading

Read Romans 15:1–7 aloud as a group.

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Main Discussion Questions

God Revealed

Romans 15:4 tells us that Scripture was written “in former days” for our instruction and hope. How does realizing that God has been patiently working out our salvation across centuries of history shape the way you see his faithfulness and sovereignty?

Humanity Mirrored

In what ways do you see yourself tempted to treat parts of the Bible as less relevant or less valuable? Why do you think that temptation is so common?

Gospel-Centered Vision

How does reading the Old Testament as pointing to Christ deepen your understanding of the gospel as one unified story rather than separate “old” and “new” messages?

Transformed Living

Which of the three practices from the sermon—asking the Spirit to guide you, looking for pictures of Jesus, or listening to the longings in the text—do you most need to grow in as you read Scripture this year?

Sharing and Witness

Have you had a chance to encourage someone lately with a word from the OLD Testament?

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For Further Study (ESV)

  1. Luke 24:25–27 — Jesus shows how Moses and the Prophets point to him.
  2. 2 Peter 1:20–21 — Scripture is written as prophets are carried along by the Spirit.
  3. Hebrews 11:13–16 — God’s people lived by faith, longing for promises not yet fulfilled.
  4. Hebrews 12:1–2 — The faith of those before us strengthens our endurance as we fix our eyes on Jesus.
  5. John 5:39–40 — Jesus says the Scriptures testify about him.
  6. Acts 26:22–23 — Paul proclaims Christ from Moses and the Prophets.
  7. Genesis 22:1–14 — Abraham and Isaac foreshadow God’s provision of a true sacrifice.
  8. Psalm 22:1–5 — Human suffering and longing that ultimately point to Christ.
  9. Isaiah 53:3–6 — The suffering servant bears the sins of many.
  10. 1 Peter 1:10–12 — The prophets searched and inquired about the grace now revealed in Christ.
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