What other biblical examples show the importance of context in understanding Scripture? Context Lessons from the Wilderness (Matthew 4:6) - Satan quotes Psalm 91: “He will command His angels concerning You…” (Matthew 4:6). - He rips the promise from its setting. Psalm 91 is addressed to those who “dwell in the shelter of the Most High” (Psalm 91:1); it is not a license for reckless self-exaltation. - Jesus answers with Deuteronomy 6:16, restoring balance: “You shall not test the LORD your God.” - From the opening temptation scene, we learn: • Know the wider passage. • Compare Scripture with Scripture. • Refuse interpretations that contradict God’s character. More Passages That Shine Only in Proper Context – Quoted: “For I know the plans I have for you…” – Context: A letter “to the exiles” in Babylon (v. 1). The promise follows seventy years of discipline (v. 10). – Takeaway: God’s plans include correction before consolation; patience is implied. – Quoted: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” – Context: Paul speaks about contentment “in any and every situation” (vv. 11-12). – Takeaway: The verse empowers endurance, not ego-driven achievement. – Quoted: “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves…” – Context: God appears to Solomon after the temple dedication; the promise presumes covenant obedience (vv. 11-13). – Takeaway: National healing follows covenant repentance; it is not a blanket guarantee to any nation without the covenant. – Quoted: “If we deliberately go on sinning…” – Context: Written to believers tempted to abandon Christ for old sacrifices (vv. 1-25). – Takeaway: The warning targets apostasy, not isolated stumbles. – Quoted: “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” – Context: Paul addresses teachers who “suppose that godliness is a means of gain” (v. 5). – Takeaway: The issue is craving wealth over contentment, not possessing money per se. – Quoted: “All things work together for good…” – Context: Promise limited to “those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” – Takeaway: The “good” is conformity to Christ (v. 29), not mere comfort. – Quoted: “Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it.” – Context: Jesus speaks to disciples assigned to bear fruit after His departure (vv. 12, 15-17). – Takeaway: Requests must line up with Jesus’ character and mission. – Quoted: “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” – Context: James confronts a claim of faith that shows no practical love (vv. 14-16). – Takeaway: Works are evidence of genuine faith, not a substitute for grace. – Quoted: “You shall not murder.” – Context: Sixth commandment regulates unlawful killing; the same law later prescribes capital punishment (Exodus 21:12-14). – Takeaway: The command does not forbid all killing, but murder specifically. – Quoted: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.” – Context: Jesus condemns hypocritical judgment (vv. 41-42), yet commands righteous discernment (John 7:24). – Takeaway: The verse restricts self-righteous condemnation, not moral evaluation. Practicing Context-Aware Reading - Read the paragraph, chapter, and book—not just the verse. - Note the original audience and situation. - Trace how the passage fits the storyline of redemption. - Let clear passages illuminate difficult ones. - Always ask: Does my understanding honor Christ and uphold the whole counsel of God? |
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