OK, let me confess: Iβm guilty of using Bible verses to say what I want them to mean.
This short list is more of a personal correction than anything else. Also, let me be clear, I donβt think itβs a felony to use verses in slightly different contexts. Iβm not the Bible verse police, but I do think itβs helpful to know the original context so we can understand and apply the full and beautiful meaning of Scripture.
So, take this list with a grain of salt.
1. I Can Do All Things.
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. β Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
This short verse is often quoted by sports teams, bumper stickers and tag lines as a rally cry to accomplish great things like running a marathon, climbing a mountain, winning the championship, finishing the remodel on the kitchen, etc. However, this short β and powerful β passage gets its meaning amidst the context of contentment. Paul is writing this letter to the church in Philippi to let them know that God has taught him to be content in times of plenty and in times of desperation (heβs writing this letter in prison).
So, in its proper context, this verse is a tribute to a man who learned to follow God in any circumstance. Whatever came Paulβs way, he handled with faith. It could be stoning, prison, shipwreck, beatings, etc. This passage is not a clarion call to go out and accomplish great feats of strength, but a beautiful reminder to pursue faith and trust God in the midst of the ups and downs of a life given fully to the cause of Christ.
2. Plans to Prosper.
βFor I know the plans I have for you,β declares the Lord, βplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.β β Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
This verse is often quoted during a trial to encourage or inspire β pointing us to the promise that God has specific plans to help us prosper so donβt worry! However, in context, this verse is dealing with a particular promise given to Israel from God; the promise points to the end of their Babylonian exile in specific terms β 70 years (verse 10). So, the word prosper doesnβt refer to money or material blessings, but physical and spiritual salvation.
But, someone might say, God still wants us to prosper, right? Well, in terms of salvation, yes. In fact, this passage is a great reminder of the fulfilled prophecy and the perfect Word of God. This is an amazing story that points us to a greater release and redemption for all of Godβs people. So, taking away our specific, individually focused application doesnβt subtract the awesomeness from this passage. In fact, it enhances it and reminds us of the collective salvation of Godβs people in history and in the future, still to comeβwhich is much better than money or material things in the here and now.
3. Where Two or Three Are Gathered.
βFor where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.β β Matthew 18:20 (NIV)
This verse is often used as an encouragement that God is with us in tough circumstances β all we need are two to three people in a prayer group and weβre set. In fact, you donβt even have to say the full verse, just start it out: βWhere two or three are gathered β¦ β and other church members will shake their heads in agreement. However, this passage really deals with building a testimony in the context of church discipline.
A proper, and reliable, testimony was extremely critical in the Jewish context. This passage was an encouragement to the church leaders during difficult times of confrontation and church discipline β that God would be present with the witnesses as they sought to make matters right and restore a fallen member. Is God still with us when two or three are gathered? Yes, of course.
Heβs also with us when itβs just one or one thousand.
4. All Things Work for Good.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. β Romans 8:28 (NIV)
This passage is often used to encourage another believer whoβs going through a tough time β reminding them that it will eventually work out for something good in their life. In other words, donβt worry about getting fired β God has something better in store for you β¦ all things work out for good, remember? There are two major issues in this passage to deal with to keep it in context.
First, the passage deals with those who love him. Thatβs an important distinction. Itβs not for everyone, but specifically for believers.
Second, the βgoodβ thatβs described in context is about Godβs ultimate sovereign plan of salvation and restoration, not so much our comfort.
So, the good here leads us to glorify Christ and His divine plan thatβs being accomplished no matter how hard the circumstances and no matter how devastating the loss. Itβs not so much about God changing your loss of job into a new opportunity as it is God using all of our circumstances for His divine good.
Are there any verses you would add to the list? source
