J. E. Toews explains the "for" by noting that...

Paul has just made a very radical assertion. The strong people in the church shall act like Messiah Jesus, they shall absorb and carry the shame of the weak. To make sure they take his biblical interpretation seriously, Paul adds that the Scriptures (here specifically Psalm 69:9) were written before hand for the instruction of contemporary believers." (Toews, J. E.. Romans. Believers Church Bible commentary. Page 340. Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press)

Written (1125) (grapho [word study]) from root graph- = primarily means to scratch on or engrave as on an ornament, reports, letters, etc; English = graph, graphic, etc) means to engrave or inscribe with a pen or stylus characters or letters on a surface which can be wood, wax, metal, leather, stone, parchment, dirt (John ), paper, etc. (Click to review all 191 uses of grapho in the NAS)

Cranfield notes that here Paul

justifies the use for the purpose of exhortation of the Christologically understood OT passage just quoted. All Scripture has its relevance and applicability to us—though of course it must be applied intelligently. (Cf Application) (Cranfield, C. E. B.  A Critical and Exegetical commentary on the Epistle to the Romans. London; New York: TandT Clark International)

Cottrell explains that verse 4...

is a parenthesis in which Paul reminds us of the validity of citing OT texts as a basis for ethical exhortation to Christians: For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, … “Everything that was written” refers to OT Scripture, and declares that every part of it has meaning and value for those living under the New Covenant. It was written not just to teach us theological truths, but also to be a source of practical instruction for Christians concerning how to live. (Cottrell, J. Romans : Volume 2. College Press NIV commentary Joplin, Mo.: College Press Pub) (Bolding added)

S Lewis Johnson says that...

The appropriateness of the Old Testament citation is supported by a reference to the general purpose, and the more specific moral purposes, of the Scriptures. Instruction with a view to hope is his point. As Liddon says,

"The Old Testament is not merely archaeologically precious as a record of the past, but has enduring and spiritual value."

The Old Covenant was designed to instruct us, to the end that we might through endurance and encouragement cling to our hope of an enduring future. (Cf. Ro 8:28-30)

The practical value of the Word of God cannot be more strongly emphasized. They (the Words of Scripture) give us the power to endure affliction and temptation, and too often contemporary believers have neglected these benefits. In difficulty we flee to our counselors, some amateur and others professional, but they can never do the work of the Word of God. It is possible through the Scriptures to have the Lord Jesus Christ as our constant companion and permanent, moment by moment Counselor. Let us not run to men, but to Him. (Johnson, S. L. Romans Sermons)

Comment: Johnson is correct - we have the Spirit of Christ within us (Ro 8:9), which is the fulfillment of His promise in Mt 28:20 to remain with us even to the end of the age! The Spirit is our Counselor and our Guide, enabling us to live the victorious Christian life.

Peter reminds us of the divine plenary (complete in every respect) inspiration of the Old Testament (as well as the New Testament) writing that...

that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation (NLT "no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves" - i.e. the Scripture did not originate from any private explanation held by the writer) for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. (2Pe 1:20-21-note)

Comment: In short, when Scripture "speaks", God speaks! Do you believe that is true?

The Pulpit Commentary notes that...

The psalm quoted (quoted verbatim from last half of Septuagint (LXX) of Psalm 69:9) was peculiarly one of endurance and comfort under vexations and reproaches, and of hope beyond them. It was written afore-time for our instruction, that so it may be with us, as it was with Christ.

Denney says that...

Here Paul justifies his use of the whole OT...(It) was written to teach us, and therefore has abiding value. (Romans 15:4-6 Commentary - Expositor's Greek Testament)

The NIV Study Bible agrees writing that...

Here Paul defends his application of Ps 69:9 to Christ. In so doing, he states a great truth concerning the purpose of Scripture: It was written for our instruction, so that as we patiently endure we might be encouraged to hold fast our hope in Christ (see 1Co 10:6, 11).

The Wycliffe Bible Commentary asks...

What value does the OT have for the Christian? It has instruction to give to Christian believers. In reading and responding to the OT Scriptures, the Christian learns both endurance and consolation. Instruction, endurance, and consolation are all essential elements for the Christian who has hope (v. 4). The OT can do this because it is a book about God and His people rather than about ideas. (Pfeiffer, C F: Wycliffe Bible Commentary. 1981. Moody or Logos)

John MacArthur agrees that...

Whatever was written in earlier times obviously refers to the divinely-revealed truths we now call the Old Testament. They were written for the times in which they were recorded but also for our instruction, for God’s people in the present age. As we have seen, beginning with Romans 14:1, Paul emphasizes that the ceremonial requirements of the Old Covenant are no longer binding on believers, Jews or Gentiles. But even though we are not bound to obey all of the commands of that covenant, every part of God’s revelation written in earlier times is still valuable for our instruction. Knowledge of all Scripture had spiritual benefit for Christians in Paul’s day and still has benefit for Christians for all time. (MacArthur, J: Romans 9-16. Chicago: Moody Press or Logos)

Barnes takes an interesting perspective on the phrase whatever was written in earlier times commenting that...

This is a general observation which struck the mind of the apostle, from the particular case which he had just specified. He had just made use of a striking passage in the Psalms to his purpose. The thought seems suddenly to have occurred to him that all the Old Testament was admirably adapted to express Christian duties and doctrine, and he therefore turned aside from his direct argument to express this sentiment. It should be read as a parenthesis.

Adam Clarke writes that here Paul...

refers not only to the quotation from the 69th Psalm, but to all the Old Testament scriptures; for it can be to no other scriptures that the apostle alludes. And, from what he says here of them, we learn that God had not intended them merely for those generations in which they were first delivered, but for the instruction of all the succeeding generations of mankind.

Mounce writes that Romans 15:4...

contains a principle of great significance for the twentieth-century believer. Everything that was written in Scripture in days gone by was written for us. Not only did it serve the needs of its own day but it is still relevant in the modern world. Scripture is relevant because it speaks to our deepest needs. It is through the endurance taught in Scripture and the encouragement it brings that we are enabled to live in hope. (Mounce, R. H. Romans: The New American Commentary. Broadman and Holman Publishers or Logos)

The Reformation Study Bible clearly states that...

It is basic New Testament teaching that the Old Testament Scriptures were written by divine inspiration for the benefit of Christians (Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., and Silva, M.. Reformation Study Bible. Nashville: T. Nelson)

J Vernon McGee forthrightly states that...

The Old Testament, therefore, does have a definite application to believers today. I frequently receive letters from folk who say, “I didn’t know the Old Testament was so practical,” or, “I had not realized that the Old Testament had such meaning for us today. I did not know it spoke of Christ as it does.” Paul here says that it was written for “our learning.”

In my opinion, the greatest sin in the church of Jesus Christ in this generation is ignorance of the Word of God. Many times I have heard a church officer say, “Well, I don’t know much about the Bible, but …” and then he gives his opinion, which often actually contradicts the Word of God! Why doesn’t he know much about the Bible? These things were written aforetime for our learning. God wants you to know His Word. As an officer of the church, are you boasting that you are ignorant of the Word of God? Well, you had better get down to business and find out what God has said to you in His Word. Ignorance of the Bible is the greatest sin of the hour—in and out of the church. Paul says these things were written for your learning.

What will a knowledge of the Bible do for you? “That we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” The Word of God imparts patience, comfort, and hope.

You won’t find any hope in the daily newspaper. You won’t find any hope in modern literature. Look at any field and see if you can find any hope. There is none whatsoever. It is dark and dismal when you look out at this world today. My friend, the only place you can find real hope is in the Word of God.

I was in the state of Washington, speaking at a Bible conference, and it rained and rained and rained. Then it rained some more. Oh, how dark and dismal the days were! For our flight back home we went to the airport, and it was still raining. The plane took off and went up through a heavy layer of cloud. In a few moments we broke out into the light—the sun was shining up there. Oh, how beautiful it was. Less than a mile up, the sun was shining. Here we had been living like a bunch of gophers in all that rain. Now, don’t misunderstand me—Washington needs all that rain to grow that lush vegetation and beautiful trees. But because I live in Southern California, I am used to sunshine, and I love it.

There are a great many Christians today who are living down beneath the clouds. The Lord says, “Come on up here and get in the sunshine of hope!” That is what the Bible will do for you, my friend. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Cor. 10:11). When I was teaching the life of David, scores of people told me what an encouragement David was to them. One person said that he was going through a very dark period in his life and that the study in the life of David delivered him from suicide. Well, that is the reason God put these things in His Word. God put David’s sin on display—and it wasn’t very nice—but God paints mankind exactly as he is for our learning. Everything in the Old Testament is written for our learning and to give us patience and to give us comfort and to bring hope into our lives. (McGee, J V: Thru the Bible Commentary:  Thomas Nelson or Logos)

John Calvin wrote that...

This is an interesting passage, by which we understand that there is nothing vain and unprofitable contained in the oracles of God (Ed note: Calvin is clearly includes the OT); and we are at the same time taught that it is by the reading of the Scripture that we make progress in piety and holiness of life. Whatever then is delivered in Scripture we ought to strive to learn; for it were a reproach offered to the Holy Spirit to think, that he has taught anything which it does not concern us to know; let us also know, that whatever is taught us conduces to the advancement of religion. And though he speaks of the Old Testament, the same thing is also true of the writings of the Apostles; for since the Spirit of Christ is everywhere like itself, there is no doubt but that he has adapted his teaching by the Apostles, as formerly by the Prophets, to the edification of his people. Moreover, we find here a most striking condemnation of those fanatics who vaunt that the Old Testament is abolished, and that it belongs not in any degree to Christians; for with what front can they turn away Christians from those things which, as Paul testifies, have been appointed by God for their salvation? (Romans 15)

Expositor's Bible Commentary notes that Paul...

Having cited Psalm 69, a portion evidently regarded in the early church as messianic, the apostle is led to refer to the Scriptures in a more general way as useful for the instruction of NT believers--in fact, as deliberately planned for their edification. The very phenomenon of quoting from the OT speaks loudly of the dependence of the church on the course of redemption history reflected there. Things both new and old enter into Christian faith. The example of Christ was bound to influence the church to revere and use the OT, and this was made easier because at the beginning its constituency was largely Jewish-Christian. As for the Gentiles, in many cases at least, they had become familiar with the OT in the synagogue (Acts 13:44-48) before hearing the gospel and putting their trust in the Lord Jesus. (Gaebelein, F, Editor: Expositor's Bible Commentary 6-Volume New Testament. Zondervan Publishing)

MacDonald writes that...

This quotation from the Psalms (referring to Romans 15:3) reminds us that the OT Scriptures were written for our learning. While they were not written directly to us, they contain invaluable lessons for us. As we encounter problems, conflicts, tribulations, and troubles, the Scriptures teach us to be steadfast, and they impart comfort. (MacDonald, W and Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson or Logos)

In sum, the phrase Whatever was written in earlier times obviously refers to the Old Testament Scripture. They were written for the times in which they were recorded but they are timeless and so are also for our instruction, so that as we patiently endure we might be encouraged to hold fast our hope in Christ.

Writing to the Corinthians Paul reminds them that the Old Testament passages...

happened as examples (in context they were warnings and admonitions) for us, that we should not crave evil things, as they also craved (Nu 11:4,34)... and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. (1Cor 10:6,11).

Ray Stedman adds his keen insight on this verse:

"The Old Testament is really the richest commentary ever written on the New Testament. If you are coming to a place where faith is beginning to fail and your heart finds itself in the grasp of doubt, then turn to the record of God at work with men of the Old Testament. You will find, as you read thoughtfully, that your faith will begin to flame up again because "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God," {cf, note Romans 10:17}. It's as the Word of God rings in our ears that faith is created in our hearts to lay hold of the truth we hear, and to make it available in our lives." (Power to Please) (bolding added)

Harry Ironside wrote that Romans 15:4...

stresses the importance of Old Testament Scripture. "Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." Link with this 1Cor 10:6,11 . "All Scripture is not about me, but all Scripture is for me" is a quotation well worth remembering. (Romans 15:4ff Commentary)

Robert Haldane wrote that...

Some persons have blasphemously said that the Old Testament is now out of date. But the writers of the New Testament give no such view of the Old. Instead of this, they refer to it as proof, and treat it as of constant use to the people of God. All that is therein written, whether history, types, prophecies, precepts, or examples, although under another dispensation, is intended for the instruction of believers, to train them to patience, and to impart the consolation which the Scriptures provide for those that have hope in God.

“Take, my brethren,” says James (James 5:10), “the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.” The passage quoted in the preceding verse (see note Romans 15:3) is not only useful to us, as applicable to Christ, but it is, as the Apostle shows, useful as an example. If the reproaches of those who reproached God fell upon Christ, the people of God ought to live and act in such a manner as the Apostle elsewhere enjoins, when he says “Let us go forth, therefore, unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach.” If Christ did not please Himself, neither ought His people to please themselves, but to please Him and His people for their edification. (Haldane, R. An Exposition on the Epistle to the Roman. Ages Classic Commentaries)

H G C Moule offers sage comments on why we should not neglect the Old Testament...

For all the things forewritten, written in the Scriptures of the elder time, in the age that both preceded the Gospel and prepared for it, for our instruction were written — with an emphasis upon “our” — that through the patience and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might hold our hope, the hope “sure and steadfast” of glorification in the glory of our conquering Lord. That is to say, the true “Author behind the authors” of that mysterious Book watched, guided, effected its construction, from end to end, with the purpose full in His view of instructing for all time the developed Church of Christ. And in particular, He adjusted thus the Old Testament records and precepts of “patience,” the patience which “suffers and is strong,” suffers and goes forward, and of “encouragement,” paraklesis, the word which is more than “consolation,” while it includes it; for it means the voice of positive and enlivening appeal.

Rich indeed are Pentateuch, and Prophets, and Hagiographa, alike in commands to persevere and be of good courage, and in examples of men who were made brave and patient by the power of God in them, as they took Him at His word. And all this, says the Apostle, was on purpose, on God’s purpose. That multifarious Book is indeed in this sense one. Not only is it, in its Author’s intention, full of Christ; in the same intention it is full of Him for us. Immortal indeed is its preciousness, if this was His design. Confidently may we explore its pages, looking in them first for Christ, then for ourselves, in our need of peace, and strength, and hope. Let us add one word, in view of the anxious controversy of our day, within the Church, over the structure and nature of those “divine Scriptures,” as the Christian Fathers love to call them. The use of the Holy Book in the spirit of this verse, the persistent searching of it for the perceptive mind of God in it, with the belief that it was “written for our instruction,” will be the surest and deepest means to give us “perseverance” and “encouragement” about the Book itself. The more we really know the Bible, at first hand, before God, with the knowledge both of acquaintance and reverent sympathy, the more shall we be able with intelligent spiritual conviction, to “persist” and “be of good cheer” in the conviction that it is indeed not of man (though through man), but of God. The more shall we use it as the Lord and the Apostles used it, as being not only of God, but of God for us; His Word, and for us. The more shall we make it our divine daily Manual for a life of patient and cheerful sympathies, holy fidelity, and “that blessed Hope” — which draws “nearer now than when we believed.” But may the God of the patience and the encouragement. He who is Author and Giver of the graces unfolded in His Word, He without whom even that Word is but a sound without significance in the soul, grant you, in His own sovereign way of acting on and in human wills and affections, to be of one mind mutually, according to Christ Jesus; “Christwise,” in His steps, in His temper, under His precepts; having towards one another, not necessarily an identity of opinion on all details, but a community of sympathetic kindness. No comment here is better than this same Writer’s later words, from Rome (Philippians 2:2-5); “Be of one mind; having the same love; nothing by strife, or vainglory; esteeming others better than yourselves; looking on the things of others; with the same mind which was also in Christ Jesus,” when He humbled Himself for us. And all this, not only for the comfort of the community, but for the glory of God: that unanimously, with one mouth, you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; turning from the sorrowful friction worked by selfwill when it intrudes into the things of heaven, to an antidote, holy and effectual, found in adoring Him who is equally near to all His true people, in His Son. Wherefore welcome one another into fellowship, even as our Christ welcomed you, all the individuals of your company, and all the groups of it, to our God’s glory. These last words may mean either that the Lord’s welcome of “you glorified” His Father’s grace; or that that grace will he “glorified” by the holy victory of love over prejudice among the Roman saints. Perhaps this latter explanation is to be preferred, as it echoes and enforces the last words of the previous verse. But why should not both references reside in the one phrase, where the actions of the Lord and His disciples are seen in their deep harmony? For I say that Christ stands constituted Servant of the Circumcision, Minister of divine blessings to Israel, on behalf of God’s truth, so as to ratify in act the promises belonging to the Fathers, so as to secure and vindicate their fulfilment, by His coming as Son of David, Son of Abraham, but (a “but” which, by its slight correction, reminds the Jew that the Promise, given wholly through him, was not given wholly for him) so that the Nations, on mercy’s behalf, should glorify God, blessing and adoring Him on account of a salvation which, in their case, was less of “truth” than of “mercy,” because it was less explicitly and immediately of covenant; as it stands written (Psalm 18:49), “For this I will confess to Thee, will own Thee, among the Nations, and will strike the harp to Thy Name”; Messiah confessing His Eternal Father’s glory in the midst of His redeemed Gentile subjects, who sing their “lower part” with Him. And again it, the Scripture, says (Deuteronomy 32:43), “Be jubilant, Nations, with His people.” And again Psalm 117:1), “Praise the Lord, all the Nations, and let all the peoples praise Him again.” And again Isaiah says (Isaiah 11:10), “There shall come (literally, “shall be”) the Root of Jesse, and He who rises up — “rises,” in the present tense of the divine decree to rule [the] Nations; on Him [the] Nations shall hope” with the hope which is in fact faith, looking from the sure present to the promised future. Now may the God of that hope, “the Hope” just cited from the Prophet, the expectation of all blessing, up to its crown and flower in glory, on the basis of Messiah’s work, fill you with all joy and peace in your believing, so that you may overflow in that hope, in the Holy Spirit’s power: “in His power,” clasped as it were within His divine embrace, and thus energised to look upward, heavenward, away from embittering and dividing temptations to the unifying as well as beatifying prospect of your Lord’s Return. (The Epistle of St Paul to the Romans)

Alexander Maclaren addresses the question of whether the OT Scriptures are still "relevant" to us today in view of the fact that we possess the NT....

 Scripture (Maclaren is referring to the Old Testament)...encourages us by its records and by its revelation of principles.

Who can tell how many struggling souls have taken heart again, as they pondered over the sweet stories of sorrow subdued which stud its pages, like stars in its firmament? The tears shed long ago which God has put ‘in His bottle,’ and recorded in ‘His book,’ have truly been turned into pearls. That long gallery of portraits of sufferers, who have all trodden the same rough road, and been sustained by the same hand, and reached the same home, speaks cheer to all who follow them. Hearts wrung by cruel partings from those dearer to them than their own souls, turn to the pages which tell how Abraham, with calm sorrow, laid his Sarah in the cave at Macpelah; or how, when Jacob’s eyes were dim that he could not see, his memory still turned to the hour of agony when Rachael died by him, and he sees clear in its light her lonely grave, where so much of himself was laid; or to the still more sacred page which records the struggle of grief and faith in the hearts of the sisters of Bethany. All who are anyways afflicted in mind, body, or estate find in the Psalms men speaking their deepest experiences before them; and the grand majesty of sorrow that marks ‘the patience of Job,’ and the flood of sunshine that bathes him, revealing the ‘end of the Lord,’ have strengthened countless sufferers to bear and to hold fast, and to hope. We are all enough of children to be more affected by living examples than by dissertations, however true, and so Scripture is mainly history, revealing God by the record of His acts, and disclosing the secret of human life by telling us the experiences of living men.

But Scripture has another method of ministering encouragement to our often fainting and faithless hearts. It cuts down through all the complications of human affairs, and lays bare the innermost motive power. It not only shows us in its narratives the working of sorrow, and the power of faith, but it distinctly lays down the source and the purpose, the whence and the whither of all suffering. No man need quail or faint before the most torturing pains or most disastrous strokes of evil, who holds firmly the plain teaching of Scripture on these two points. They all come from my Father, and they all come for my good. It is a short and simple creed, easily apprehended. It pretends to no recondite wisdom. It is a homely philosophy which common intellects can grasp, which children can understand, and hearts half paralysed by sorrow can take in. So much the better. Grief and pain are so common that their cure had need to be easily obtained. Ignorant and stupid people have to writhe in agony as well as wise and clever ones, and until grief is the portion only of the cultivated classes, its healing must come from something more universal than philosophy; or else the nettle would be more plentiful than the dock; and many a poor heart would be stung to death. Blessed be God! the Christian view of sorrow, while it leaves much unexplained, focuses a steady light on these two points; its origin and its end. ‘He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness,’ is enough to calm all agitation, and to make the faintest heart take fresh courage. With that double certitude clear before us, we can face anything. The slings and arrows which strike are no more flung blindly by an ‘outrageous fortune,’ but each bears an inscription, like the fabled bolts, which tells what hand drew the bow, and they come with His love. (Maclaren. Expositions of the Holy Scripture)

Middletown Bible...

If the strong are going to be what they ought to be to the weak (Ro 15:1, 2), then they must have the mind of Christ (Ro 15:3). The only way to have the mind of Christ is through understanding the Scriptures, those things which have been "WRITTEN BEFORE."

How thankful we can be that these things have been written for us:

"But these are written that ye might believe..." (John 20:31)

"These things have I written unto you...that ye may know..." (1John 5:13).

"For our sakes, no doubt, (this) is written..." (1Cor. 9:10).

"They are written for our admonition..." (1Cor. 10:11). (ROMANS CHAPTER 15)

FOR OUR INSTRUCTION: eis (expresses purpose = with a view to) tên hêmeteran didaskalian:

For our instruction - unto our instruction. The preposition eis expresses purpose = with a view to instruction.

Observe three truths from this verse:

1. All the Scriptures are for our instruction - We must be willing to learn what the scriptures teach if we expect to be encouraged by the truth of scripture rather than by an accidental sound of words or reflections of our own ideas and desires. We need a systematic diet of instruction, not just a few crumbs a day, if we are going to fight successfully to maintain the full assurance of hope to the end.

2. All the Scriptures are intended by God to give perseverance and encouragement. - When the instructions of the scriptures are properly understood, they produce perseverance and encouragement. Perseverance is what you have to have to keep on going in a path of obedience when you feel miserable and when you encounter all manner of opposition. Perseverance comes from the scriptures which is exceedingly practical! Again and again the we find that meditating on the Word of God will give you God's perspective on things and that Biblical perspective will make a hard situation endurable. How foolish we are if we neglect them.  If you want to have staying power, if you want to endure to the end in the path of costly obedience, then turn off the television, the mp3 player, and the internet and meditate on the Word of Truth.

3. All the Scriptures have as one of their goals the sustenance of our Christian hope when we read of others who have persevered. And these Old Testament examples of perseverance make a difference in our lives by sustaining our hope, a hope that keeps us going in tough situations, when you are battling to cope with the daily temptations to disobey and throw in the towel on your responsibilities.

We frequently see hope linked with perseverance as in Ro 15:4. In Ro 5 Paul writes that we exult in our tribulations which work out the fruit of perseverance which in turn grows our character which in turn "strengthens our confident expectation" (Hope) (Ro 5:3-4). As we bear the affliction, our ability to bear up increases (link muscles that are exercised by weight lifting) and as we "pass the test" of the affliction, it stabilizes our hope which began this "cascade" of attributes (Ro 5:2 "exult in hope of the glory of God"). Our sure future with Jesus and like Jesus fuels our present life for Jesus which is even now lived of the sphere of in Christ (in His power, the power of His Spirit). Ro 8:25 says "if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it." See 2Cor 1:6 which mentions "patient enduring" and notice juxtaposition of "hope" in 2Cor 1:7. See 1Thes 1:3 "steadfastness (patience) of hope" (NLT = "your continual anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.")

In sum, clearly the Old Testament is profitable for New Testament saints. In the OT we find the record of how God taught men to live not to please themselves, but to please Him.

Instruction  (1319)  (didaskalia [word study]) is a general term referring to instruction or “doctrine” which is used by God's Spirit to shape our will and renew our minds. Instruction then indicates far more than impartation of intellectual knowledge. The emphasis, in fact, is on practical knowledge, knowledge that can be, and should be, applied to living the supernatural, (Spirit, grace enabled) transformed life that should characterize a follower of Christ.

How are you doing? Are you in the Word of Truth that the Truth might get "into" you, renew your mind, transform you into the image of God's Son, set you apart from the corrupt lusts of the world? (2Ti 2:15-note, 1Pe 2:1,2-note, Ro 12:2-note, 2Cor 3:18-note, 2Pe 1:4-note, Jn 17:17)

If you are an elder or church leader are you applying Titus 1:9-note?

Titus 1:9 holding fast (present tense = continually - Jesus uses this word in Mt 6:24-note where it is translated "devoted" - Are you devoted to the Word?) the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching (didache), that he may be able both to exhort in sound (hugiaino ~ "hygienic" ~ "healthy") doctrine (didaskalia) and to refute those who contradict.

Didaskalia - 21x in NAS translated as doctrine(9), doctrines(3), instruction(1), teaching(7), teachings(1).- Mt 15:9; Mark 7:7; Ro 12:7; 15:4; Eph 4:14; Col 2:22; 1 Tim 1:10; 4:1, 6, 13, 16; 5:17; 6:1, 3; 2Ti 3:10, 16; 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1, 7, 10

Didaskalia appears 15x in the Pastoral Epistles where it implies the systematic explanation of the Word of God. It could embody developing a means of teaching people individually, or in small groups meeting in homes. The point is that an excellent minister is to disseminate sound teaching to all people at all times through all means. That is the heart and soul of the ministry, since the Word is the only source of life and truth. It is no surprise, then, that an elder was required to be able to teach  (1Ti 3:2; Titus 1:9-note).

Didaskalia is derived from didasko, to teach which describes instruction given meant to shape one's will by the content of what is taught. Didasko speaks less of the method of teaching and more of the actual content.

The Biblical concept of teaching differed quite radically from secular Greek teaching in the matter of its goal. Whereas the Greek teacher sought to impart knowledge and skills, teaching for the Jew sought to change one’s entire life. The ministry of teaching in the OT sense that carried over to the early Church was therefore concerned “with the whole man and his education in the deepest sense.” It included the intellect, but its final goal was the will. Rengstorf says that “to the Jewish ear didaskein suggests the successful and total molding of the will of another by one’s own.” 

Paul wrote to Timothy that

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching (didaskalia), for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness (2Ti 3:16-note) (Why? What for?) SO THAT (Hina - [There are 663 "hina's" in NT - many divine opportunities for the Spirit to teach us!] purpose clause - always pause and ponder "What's the purpose? You will be forced to read the context. You will be practicing the discipline of ["mini"] meditation on Scripture - cf Josh 1:8, Ps 1:1-3) the man of God may be adequate (has everything he needs - supernatural supplies so to speak - the Word and the Spirit Who takes that Word and uses it in our lives), equipped for every good work.

Spurgeon has this summary in his notes on Romans 15:4

This is the text from which old Hugh Latimer was wont to preach continually in his latter days. Certainly it gave him plenty of sea room.

The apostle declares that the Old Testament Scriptures are meant to teach New Testament believers.

Things written aforetime were written for our time.

The Old Testament is not outworn; apostles learned from it.

Nor has its authority ceased; it still teaches with certainty.

Nor has its divine power departed; for it works the graces of the Spirit in those who receive it: patience, comfort, hope.

In this verse the Holy Ghost sets his seal upon the Old Testament, and for ever enters his protest against all undervaluing of that sacred volume.

The Holy Scriptures produce and ripen the noblest graces.

Let us carefully consider—

I. The patience of the scriptures.

1. Such as they inculcate.

Patience under every appointment of the divine will.

Patience under human persecution and satanic opposition.

Patience under brotherly burdens. Gal. 6:2.

Patience in waiting for divine promises to be fulfilled.

2. Such as they exhibit in examples.

Job under divers afflictions triumphantly patient.

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob patiently waiting as sojourners with God, embracing the covenant promise in a strange land.

Joseph patiently forgiving the unkindness of his brethren, and bearing the false accusation of his master.

David in many trials and under many reproaches, patiently waiting for the crown, and refusing to injure his persecutor.

Our Saviour patient under all the many forms of trial.

3. Such as they produce by their influence.

By calling us to the holiness which involves trial.

By revealing the design of God in our tribulations, and so sustaining the soul in steadfast resolve.

By declaring to us promises as to the future which make us cheerfully endure present griefs.

II. The comfort of the scriptures.

1. Such as they inculcate.

They bid us rise above fear. Ps. 46:1–3.

They urge us to think little of all transient things.

They command us to find our joy in God.

They stimulate us to rejoice under tribulations, because they make us like the prophets of old.

2. Such as they exhibit.

Enoch walking with God.

Abraham finding God his shield and exceeding great reward.

David strengthening himself in God.

Hezekiah spreading his letter before the Lord.

Many other cases are recorded, and these stimulate our courage.

3. Such as they produce.

The Holy Spirit as the Comforter uses them to that end.

Their own character adapts them to that end.

They comfort us by their gentleness, certainty, fulness, graciousness, adaptation, personality, etc.

Our joyous experience is the best testimony to the consoling power of the Holy Scriptures.

III. The hope of the scriptures.
Scripture is intended to work in us a good hope.

A people with a hope will purify themselves, and will in many other ways rise to a high and noble character.

By the hope of the Scriptures we understand—

1. Such a hope as they hold forth.

The hope of salvation. 1 Thess. 5:8.

“The blessed hope, and the appearing of our Lord”: Titus 2:13.

The hope of the resurrection of the dead. Acts 23:6.

The hope of glory. Col. 1:27.

This is a good hope, a lively hope, the hope set before us in the gospel.

2. Such a hope as they exhibit in the lives of saints. A whole martyrology will be found in Heb. 11.

3. Such a hope as they produce.

We see what God has done for his people, and therefore hope.

We believe the promises through the Word, and therefore hope.

We enjoy present blessing, and therefore hope.

Let us hold constant fellowship with the God of patience and consolation, who is also the God of hope; and let us rise from stage to stage of joy as the order of the words suggests.

Comforts
How much important matter do we find condensed in this single verse! What a light and glory does it throw on the Word of God! It has been well noted, that we have here its authority, as it is a written word; its antiquity, as it was written aforetime; its utility, as it is written for our learning. We may also infer from what immediately follows, its Divine origin; for, if by means of the Holy Scriptures, and the accompanying lively power of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 59:21), God imparts to our soul patience, and comfort, and hope, it is because he is himself, as the apostle here expressly teaches, the God of patience and comfort, and the God of hope (verse 13). He is the fountain of these gifts and graces, which by the channel of his inspired Word flow down into our hearts and lives, to strengthen them for his service. Nor must we fail to notice the gracious method of their communication, their regular development within us, as we find this to be the order of their course—1, patience; 2, comfort; 3, hope. From a calm sense of inward peace and comfort we are led by the same Spirit to feel a blessed, and, it may be, a joyous hope. But, in order to this, there must always be in us the ground-work of patience, in our suffering or doing the will of God.
James Ford.

Oliver Cromwell once read aloud Phil. 4:11–13, and then remarked, “There, in the day when my poor child died, this Scripture did go nigh to save my life.”

When George Peabody was staying at Sir Charles Reed’s house, he saw the youngest child bringing to his father a large Bible for family prayers. Mr. Peabody said, “Ah! my boy, you carry the Bible now; but the time is coming when you will find that the Bible must carry you.”

“Speak to me now in Scripture language alone,” said a dying Christian. “I can trust the words of God; but when they are the words of man, it costs me an effort to think whether I may trust them.”—G. S. Bowes.

As an instance of the patience, comfort and hope, which come from the gospel, note the following from Dr. Payson:—Christians might avoid much trouble if they would believe that God is able to make them happy without anything else. God has been depriving me of one blessing after another; but as every one was removed, he has come in and filled up its place; and now, when I am a cripple, and not able to move, I am happier than ever I was in my life before, or ever expected to be. If I had believed this twenty years ago, I might have been spared much anxiety.

WAS WRITTEN THAT THROUGH THE PERSEVERANCE: egraphe (3SAPI) hina dia tes hupomones kai dia tes parakleseos ton graphon ten elpida echomen (1PPAS): (Jas 5:10,11 Heb 6:11,12)

The Scriptures, the Word of God written in the Old Testament, give us "perseverance and encouragement". How so? The OT stories of Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, David, Job, et al were written so that we might see how God worked in their lives, controlling their circumstances for their good and His glory. These OT examples are meant to encourage us to believe that God controls our circumstances as well (Read Ro 10:17-note), even though we may not always recognize His hand in our circumstances. For example, Job never understood that behind his trials was the hand of Satan allowed by the all controlling hand of God. Job however did understand that the trials had purpose (Job 23:10-note) and he came to the point of accepting them even though he did not fully understand them (James 5:11). The endurance (perseverance) of Job resulted in a greater personal revelation of God. (Job 42:5, 6)

And so we are encouraged by "so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us", encouraged that against all "human odds" they were able to "run the race," to bear witness of the power of the Lord enabling them to bear up under the trials of life with a Godward attitude. They did not just grin and bear it, but endured and persevered as "more than conquerors". These real events in the lives of real people happened to give us real encouragement! Are you reading the Old Testament stories so that you might be encouraged?

May we not shrink back (Heb 10:38, 39-note; 2Ti 2:12, 13-note) from our trials, afflictions and sufferings for our Savior, but instead, enabled by the Scriptures and the Spirit, may we persevere and hold fast to the end (Heb 3:6-note, Heb 3:14-note).

Jerry Bridges makes a slight distinction between endurance and perseverance...

Endurance is the ability to stand up under adversity; perseverance is the ability to progress in spite of it. These two English words are translations of the same Greek word and simply represent two different views of the same quality: a godly response to adversity. (The Fruitful Life- The Overflow of God's Love Through You)

Perseverance (patience, Ro 15:4KJV) (hupomone [word study] from hupo = under + meno = abide) is the word which speaks of patience in respect to things or circumstances. It is a God-honoring endurance which undergoes life's fiery trials because of the glory that lies ahead. It is this character quality which will determine whether we finish our course or not. (Heb 10:36-note; He 12:1-note ).

The difficulties in our lives,
The obstacles we face,
Give God the opportunity
To show His power and grace.

Hupomone is graphically described by William Barclay as that

lithe spirit which can bear all things, not simply with resignation, but with blazing hope; it is not the spirit which sits statically enduring in the one place, but the spirit which bears things because it knows that these things are leading to a goal of glory; it is not the patience which grimly waits for the end, but the patience which radiantly hopes for the dawn. It is the quality which keeps a man on his feet with his face to the wind. It is the virtue which can transmute the hardest trial into glory because beyond the pain it sees the goal... it is the triumphant adequacy which can cope with life; it is the strength which does not only accept things, but which, in accepting them, transmutes them into glory.  (Barclay, W: The Daily Study Bible Series. The Westminster Press or Logos)

Barnes commenting on the KJV word patience that...

This does not mean, as our translation might seem to suppose, patience of the Scriptures; but it means, that by patiently enduring sufferings, in connexion with the consolation which the Scriptures furnish, we might have hope. The tendency of patience, the apostle tells us, (Romans 5:4,) is to produce hope.

AND THE ENCOURAGEMENT: kai dia tes parakleseos: (1Th 5:11-note)

1Th 5:11 Therefore encourage (present imperative = Enabled by the Spirit, make this your daily practice to come alongside) one another, and build up (This is not a suggestion but another command in the present imperative! Something that you can accomplish only as you jettison "self" reliance and instead surrender to the enabling power of the Spirit, because otherwise our "natural" tendency is to tear down and not build up) one another (Eph 4:29-note is a good verse to keep in mind here! As the Spirit enables you, set a guard over your tongue! cp Acts 20:32-note - What builds up? What should we encourage others with?), just as you also are doing (You are doing it, but don't "rest on your laurels" so to speak. Keep at it. It is very needful for all saints to have daily encouragement - see warning in Heb 3:13-note).

The object of the believer's hope is not an idea or a concept but a person "Christ Jesus our Hope" (1Ti 1:1)

In Colossians Paul reminds us that hope is like a "spiritual retirement fund" for believers describing it as...

the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the Gospel (Don't miss this great "definition" of the Gospel! There's nothing else like it in the world!) (Col 1:5)

Scripture (OT) is not designed for us to read selectively, "cafeteria style," choosing parts to obey and ignoring those sections that don't seem as "relevant" or "practical" (forgetting that ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE!). Ultimately Jesus is the Word, so it follows that all of the OT in some way is about Him and points to Him. So as we read the OT, we discover more about Jesus Christ and the Spirit uses that truth to grow as more and more into His image as His disciples (2Cor 3:18-note).

Hope (1680) (elpis) (Click discussion of hope) as used most often in the New Testament refers to the desire of  some good with the expectation of obtaining it. Hope is that glorious Biblical truth which strikingly distinguishes the true Christian from his hopeless (or "hope so") pagan neighbors. Beloved do those in your sphere of influence who are otherwise hopelessly lost see the truth of this blessed hope in your life and hear it on your lips?

Later in this chapter also Paul prays

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound (overflowing) in hope by the power (dunamis) of the Holy Spirit (Who "energizes" a believer's hope?). (Ro 15:13-note)

So whereas hope in the present verse is associated with intake of the Word, it is the Holy Spirit Who takes the Holy Word and renews our mind and transforms our thinking producing hope. Our Lord indeed taught that...

It is the Spirit Who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. (John 6:63) (Ed: Beloved, we should all memorize these poignant, powerful words of Jesus, asking the Spirit of Jesus to drop this spiritual "plumb line" [the Truth in Jn 6:63] on everything we do, secular and sacred [as "priests" {1Pe 2:9} it's all sacred for us!], cp Jn 15:5).

Hope in Scripture is the absolute certainty of future good.  It is full assurance (see this "definition" in Heb 6:11-note, compare other uses in Hebrews = He 6:18, 19-note, He 7:19-note, Heb 10:23-note), a strong confidence that God is going to do good to us in future.

Hope, like an anchor,
is fixed on the unseen,
stabilized by the Rock.

Unseen by natural eyes yes,
but seen supernaturally by eyes of faith!
How's your spiritual vision?
Can you read the letters "H.O.P.E."?
(2Cor 5:7-note, 2Cor 4:18-note)

If you need a "vision correction," God's corrective lens is His Word, for it grows our faith and faith feeds "20/20" Spiritual Vision, even as Paul has taught us - Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of Christ (Ro 10:17-note). Are you in the Word of Truth? Better yet, is this precious Word of Life in you, renewing your mind, taking your natural eyes off of the world which is passing away (and even its lusts) and allowing you to focus on the things above where Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father?

Robert Haldane thus exhorts believers to...

read the Scriptures with a view not to gratify our curiosity, but to increase and nourish our hope of future glory. This passage teaches that we should encourage ourselves by the example of those who, amidst similar temptations, have overcome. For this purpose, the conduct of those who obtained a good report through faith is set before us, that we may not be slothful, but followers of them who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12) (Romans 15:4ff Commentary)

Charles Hodge on hope...

This may mean that the purpose of the divine instructions is to prevent all despondency, to sustain us under our present trials; or the sense may be that they are intended to secure the attainment of the great object of our hopes, the blessedness of heaven. Either interpretation of the word hope is consistent with the context, and both make sense. The former is more natural. (Romans 15:4ff Commentary)

Matthew Poole writes that Paul...

Lest any should think, that the testimony before (Ps 69:9 quoted in Ro 15:3) alleged concerns only David or Christ, he shows that it belongs also to us; that we may learn by their example to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Yea, he takes occasion from hence to inform us of the general use of the Scriptures, that whatsoever is written, in this or any other place, is written for our learning and instruction;  we are concerned not only by all the precepts, but in all the promises, Hebrews 13:5, menaces, Acts 13:40,41, rewards, Romans 4:24, and punishments, 1 Corinthians 10:11, therein mentioned and declared: and though this passage is more especially to be understood of the Scriptures of the Old Testament, yet it is true also of the Scriptures of the New Testament; they, being written by the same Spirit, are profitable for the same ends: see 2 Timothy 3:16. (Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible)

Matthew Henry agrees...

That which is written in the scriptures of the Old Testament in the general is written for our learning. What David had said in his own person Paul had just now applied to Christ. Now lest this should look like a straining of the scripture, he gives us this excellent rule in general, that all the scriptures of the Old Testament (much more those of the New) were written for our learning, and are not to be looked upon as of private interpretation. What happened to the Old-Testament saint happened to them for ensample; and the scriptures of the Old Testament have many fulfillings. The scriptures are left for a standing rule to us: they are written, that they might remain for our use and benefit. (Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible)

Barton says that...

All of Scripture (here referring to the Old Testament) was written and preserved for future generations. Our scriptural knowledge affects our attitude toward the present and the future. The more we know about what God has done in years past, the greater will be our confidence in what he will do in the days ahead. We should read our Bible diligently to increase our trust that God’s will is best for us....

How does the Bible encourage us? (1) God’s attributes and character constantly remind us in whom our hope is based (Psalm 46:1, 2). (2) The biographies of saints who overcame great obstacles give us examples of what can be done with God’s help (Hebrews 11:1-40). (3) The direct exhortation of Scripture calls for endurance and speaks encouragement (James 1:2, 3, 4; Hebrews 12:1, 2). (4) The prophetic statements support our hope for a wonderful future planned for us in eternity (Romans 5:1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Paul admonishes strong believers not to please themselves but to please God and others. Scripture records stories of those who pleased God, those who didn’t, and those who failed but learned from their mistakes. We are to endure as Christ endured and be encouraged by the examples of other believers. This gives us hope as we look toward the future.  (Barton, B, et al: The NIV Life Application Commentary Series: Tyndale or Logos)

William Barclay has an excellent description of a believer who has Biblical hope writing that...

The Christian is always a realist, but never a pessimist. The Christian hope is not a cheap hope. It is not the immature hope which is optimistic because it does not see the difficulties and has not encountered the experiences of life. It might be thought that hope is the prerogative of the young; but the great artists did not think that. When Watts drew “Hope” he drew her as a battered and bowed figure with one string left upon her lyre. The Christian hope has seen everything and endured everything, and still has not despaired, because it believes in God. It is not hope in the human spirit, in human goodness, in human achievement; it is hope in the power of God. (W. Barclay. The Daily Study Bible series, Rev. ed. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press)

The cynical editor H. L. Mencken defined hope (as does much of the modern, unregenerate world) as...

“a pathological belief in the occurrence of the impossible.”

Mencken's cynical definition does not even agree with Webster's Collegiate Dictionary  which defines "Hope" much like the NT --

"cherish a desire with anticipation, desire with expectation of obtainment, expect with confidence".

CLICK BELOW FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY OF
THE BLESSED HOPE

The Blessed Hope: Part 1
     The Blessed Hope: Definition
     The Blessed Hope: Source of

The Blessed Hope: Part 2
     The Blessed Hope: Stabilizing Effect
     The Blessed Hope: Sanctifying Effect

Other resources on the Blessed Hope