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| Photo by: Arvind Balaraman |
Here are some well-known and often quoted verses:
- The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another (Genesis 31:49b).
- For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11).
- And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive (Matthew 21:22).
- And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)
- I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13).
Let’s
take each verse and look for its context:
- To whom is it written/spoken?
- What is the historical setting?
- Where does this particular verse fit in the context of the whole picture?
- Are there other Scriptures that shed light on this one?
We’ll examine the verses at the top of
this post.
The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent
one from another (Genesis 31:49b). Laban said this to Jacob, his son-in-law, when Jacob had taken his
wives, servants, and herds away from Laban. Laban followed, and then they made
an agreement to go their separate ways—and that Jacob would take no other
wives. This lovely statement was Laban’s farewell response. No other Scriptures
apply to this one, but we know that God’s blessing was indeed on Jacob as they
were absent one from the other.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith
the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11). This
was a letter written by Jeremiah to the Israelites in captivity. Now these are the words of the letter that
Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which
were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all
the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to
Babylon (Jeremiah 29:1). So, the historical setting is a message from God to
Israel at that time. Can we claim this lovely blessing today? What other
Scriptures might shed some light on this one? Psalm 139:17-18, How precious also are thy thoughts unto me,
O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in
number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. Psalm 5:4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. Lots of verses speak of God giving people peace. Here’s one
of them: Therefore
being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). Can we claim this verse for ourselves? Yes, because
God never changes. He desires peace and a wonderful end for every believer. He
thinks of us constantly. What a blessing!
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer,
believing, ye shall receive (Matthew 21:22). Jesus spoke this verse to His disciples. Does this verse mean that
whatever we ask God for, we’ll receive? Anything? How about a new Maserati sports
car? A mansion? A Chanel dress? What is the context of this verse? It comes
after Jesus cursed the fig tree and the disciples noticed it had completely
withered away. Jesus told His disciples they would do greater things than that,
and that anything they asked they would receive. Another few verses clarify
this one: And
this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according
to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he
hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired
of him (1 John 5:14-15). If ye abide in me, and my words abide in
you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you (John 15:7). The lesson is that God will honor prayers
that are according to His will.
And we
know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who
are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). These words were part of Paul’s letter to the Christians in
Rome. The context is Jesus interceding for believers’ prayers and that
believers will be conformed to the image of God. I found several verses that go
along with this one. 2 Timothy 3:17 is about the Bible’s purpose; That the man of God may be perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works. James 1:2-4 says, My
brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh
patience. But let patience have her perfect work,
that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. God works all circumstances together for our good, and He
works in us as we’re instructed by the Bible. This is a verse to cling to.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth
me (Philippians 4:13).
This is a “Superman verse” at first glance, but let’s look further. Paul is
writing to the church at Philippi from prison. Clearly, Paul would have been
limited in what he could do—merely by his circumstances. The context is key to
understanding this verse. Let’s read it in its context. Paul has received a
care package from the believers. He is thanking them. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I
have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both
how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am
instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye
have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction (Philippians 4:11-14). This verse is about being content
in the midst of suffering. It’s about going through the hard times in joy.
(Read the first part of chapter 4. It’s incredible!) This verse might be better
translated “in Christ” instead of “through Christ.” Paul’s position in Christ
enables him to be joyful in prison, to be content even though he has needs, and
to be grateful to believers for the little things they did to help him be more
comfortable. What a lesson and a challenge for us today! A companion verse is: But my God shall supply all your need according to his
riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19, the
same chapter!).
………………………………………………….
I
wonder how often we pull Bible verses out and use them inaccurately? I know I have. I’m learning to look up details, to see the verse in
its context, and to look up key words to see what they mean in Greek or Hebrew.
I’m also looking for other verses that shed light on the verse I’m studying.
These simple steps can save us from wrong interpretations.
Study to shew thyself approved
unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of
truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
Thank you. God bless.
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