"Does the Bible Say?" (2)

There are many sayings people believe because they were taught them, heard people repeat them, or have assumed their correctness due to media/personal influence.

Just because we have heard it as true does not make it true.

Let’s see some of these verses and sayings this evening.

“God Helps Those Who Help Themselves.”

Is this Biblical?

No. It is from a 1698 article about government.

Algernon Sydney —Discourses Concerning Government

What does the Bible actually say?

Isaiah 25:4 ESV

4 For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall,

Romans 5:8 ESV

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

“God moves in mysterious ways.”

It is the title of a hymn

God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness.

This a proverb or a wise saying, but not in the Bible.

Jesus said:

Matthew 7:18–23 ESV

18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

God will not give you more than you can handle.

This is a wrong interpretation and an outright misquote of 1 Cor. 10:13.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV

13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

This verse has nothing to do with our strength or toughness, but with God’s provision.

There are multitudes of examples of people facing difficulty beyond their ability, but there is a recognition of the present and future care of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 1:9 ESV

9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.

Money is the root of all evil.

1 Timothy 6:10 (ESV)

10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

No, God may not want you and I having a new jet because the previous 9 jets were not good enough.

God may also bless you that you may bless others.

1 Peter 4:10 ESV

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

Walking Away, But In...

Know God’s Word

Know the God of the Word.