What can you learn from the Bible anyway?
Value of the Old Testament
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For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope.
Romans 15:4 (NET)
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If you’re like me, you might have struggled with the Old Testament.
In contrast, the New Testament seems so clear (well, apart from Revelations).
A lot of the lessons of the OT are buried in the stories and require a lot more thinking.
Sometimes I think it’d be nice if the things were just spelled out for us.
This verse is good for me when I’m struggling with something in the Bible.
Whenever that happens, I can sit down and remind myself that what I’m reading was written to teach me, to encourage me, and to help me endure the trials of life with hope.
Even the tough and strange passages.
Make no mistake, life is tough.
In one of my seminary classes, my professor mentioned how difficult life can be, saying, “I don’t know how people do this without Jesus.”
I remember that a lot when I watch lost people flail through life, struggling.
I feel sad because they’re trying to live life without the author of life.
How do they even do that?
Not well.
But we have hope. We have God’s Word, preserved for us through His phenomenal working in history, and given to us for our instruction.
Every day there’s something the Master can teach you.
Class is in session.
Are you ready to learn?
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2026 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.