Context is Key

Context is key when getting into the Word. The truth is that many of us Americans have bought into a materialistic, right-now mindset, and so we're tempted to pull verses out of context to fit that mindset. We need to understand that God's greatest desire is to glorify His name. Too often, we interpret God's promises in a way that is appealing to our sinful side. We often grab things out of Scripture and try to use them for our own benefit, instead of taking the necessary steps to submit to Scripture, to be humbled by it. So let's look at some of the most common verses that are taken out of context/misinterpreted.

"Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
- John 14:13

God is not a genie in a bottle. Yes, He has a good, pleasing, and perfect will. But this doesn't mean we should pray for whatever we want. We are sinful people and don't even know what's best for us, as the book of Romans says. Sometimes we pray with wrong motives. Praying random prayers that are self-centered is not God-honoring. We must seek His will when we pray.


"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
- Jeremiah 29:11-13

Most people overlook the context of the verse because it speaks to what they want to hear for their life. This was a corporate promise given to the nation of Israel, to a generation that came out of 70 years of captivity in Babylon. We think through an Americanized filter based on our preconceived notions of what blessing is. But God's promises are spiritual promises, not promises of instant gratification. Though God does bless us in many ways, he has not promised us our best life now. This world is not our home, and we should long for a better world.

“Judge not, that you be not judged."
- Matthew 7:1

Who is speaking? Jesus. To who? The religious leaders of the day. And why? Because they were being hypocritical in their judgments. The Bible talks about us judging. It talks in James 5:19 about leading others from being astray. Spiritual discipline is required. Tough love. There is a difference between that of "judging" (Being self-righteous and ungodly) and that of loving and caring. Romans 12: 16 - 21 talks about this. Matthew 18: 15-17 talks more about this.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
- Romans 8:28

This verse is often used to cheer people up. This verse should cheer you up but not necessarily in the way people usually say. It's usually used to say "don't worry, everything will be fine." What this verse really means is, "don't worry, everything will be the way God wants it to be." Unfortunately, what God wants isn't always going to be something that is necessarily fine in your opinion.

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
- Philippians 4:13

In that passage, Paul is teaching on contentment and arguing that no matter what our situation is, we should learn to be content. The ability to be content, whatever the situation, is contingent on what Jesus gives us. Athletes love this verse. This verse doesn't necessarily mean that Jesus will give the player victory, but rather that he or she can be content either way because of God's strength in him or her. It's not about God giving you the strength to dunk the basketball as much as it is Him working in you to be content no matter what happens in the game.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."
- Revelation 3:20

This verse is usually used as part of the unbiblical "Sinner's Prayer." Is the King of Kings meekly standing at the door of your heart knocking and hoping that you will open up and let him in? No. Revelation 3:20 has nothing to do with “doors of hearts.” It comes at the end of Christ’s message to the seven churches (specifically here, a stinging rebuke of the church of Laodicia). The door of verse 20 is to the churches, made clear by verse 22: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” It's about Christ knocking on the door of a lukewarm church, so that He might be let in and get to be center focus again. This isn't a letter to unbelievers but believers to not be lukewarm.