STRAIGHT OUTTA CONTEXT

WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME

Icebreaker Game: MISSING WORD CHALLENGE!

DIVIDE INTO 2 TEAMS, EVENLY DISTRIBUTED, AS MANY MEN AS WOMEN PER TEAM..

1 Chronicles 16:11

11 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.

1 Corinthians 8:6

6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

1 John 5:3

3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,

1 Thessalonians 5:17

17 pray continually,

2 Timothy 1:7

7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Acts 16:31

31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

Colossians 3:2

2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Ephesians 4:32

32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Hebrews 10:32

32 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering.

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

John 1:4

4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

John 3:16

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Luke 6:31

31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Matthew 5:14

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Philippians 4:4

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Proverbs 3:5

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

Proverbs 15:22

22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

Proverbs 18:10

10 The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 23:15

15 My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed;

Proverbs 27:17

17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Psalm 37:4

4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 119:105

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Psalm 136:1

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.

Psalm 150:6

6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

Psalm 56:3

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

1 John 4:19

19 We love because he first loved us.

Matthew 11:30

30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Philippians 4:13

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Romans 12:12

12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Psalm 118:24

24 The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.

Romans 3:23

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

1 Corinthians 10:31

31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Hebrews 11:1

1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Proverbs 10:12

12 Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.

Deuteronomy 5:7

7 “You shall have no other gods before me.

Philippians 2:14

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing,

1 Timothy 6:6

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

STRAIGHT OUTTA CONTEXT

The Word of God is an absolute necessity.

All sixty-six books were inspired and authored by the Holy Spirit of God using 40 human instruments. Orthodox Christianity believes that in the Scriptures in their original manuscripts are without error and fault.

This Bible is not merely a collection of quotes or one-liners but is literally the Word of God. When the Scriptures speak, God is speaking. That is why we must approach the Bible with extreme care and with an intentional purpose. How it is read, memorized and quoted is of utmost importance.

However, Christians often misunderstand, misquote or misuse verses in the Bible. For example, we may turn to the concordance in the back wanting to find a verse on a particular subject, read the ones suggested, find a favorite one, and then start quoting away!

Or, possibly we hear others misquoting verses, they sound right in the moment, so we also begin spreading the misuse without taking the time to study the verse in its author-intended context.

Have you ever misused or misunderstood a verse?

...Where Two or Three Are Gathered...

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” — Matthew 18:20(NIV)

This verse is often used as an encouragement that God is with us in tough circumstances—all we need are two to three people in a prayer group and we’re set. In fact, you don’t even have to say the full verse, just start it out: “Where two or three are gathered… ” 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—that God would be present with the witnesses as they sought to make matters right and restore a fallen member.

So, it’s pretty safe to say that unless you’re in the midst of church discipline, you’re taking this verse out of its original context.

This verse is usually quoted as an encouragement to one another when there is low attendance for a worship service or given as a benediction during a prayer meeting.

In fact, if someone really wants to stretch this verse, they may use it as justification for skipping church to “worship” with their family at home, while the football game is playing in the background.

Is God still with us when two or three are gathered? Yes, of course. He’s also with us when it’s just one or one thousand.

Matthew 18:16–20 CSB

But if he won’t listen, take one or two others with you, so that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact may be established. If he doesn’t pay attention to them, tell the church. If he doesn’t pay attention even to the church, let him be like a Gentile and a tax collector to you. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.”

...JUDGE NOT, THAT YOU BE NOT JUDGED..” – MATTHEW 7:1

Out of Context: We’re living in a day that values tolerance above all, unless, of course, someone disagrees with our beliefs, lifestyles, or opinions; then, we’re extremely intolerant. We may even boldly shout, “Only God can judge me!” However, this is Tupac theology, not Biblical theology.

In Context: This verse is not a warning against speaking out against certain actions or behaviors. In fact, in other places of Scripture, we’re told “we’ll know them by their fruit.”

We’re also commanded in the Great Commission to “make disciples,” which includes helping others wage war against sin. However, Matthew 7 is a warning against self-righteousness and hypocrisy.

If we’re going to correct someone, then we must expect to be held to the same standard. If we judge with aggression, then we can expect to be judged with aggression.

Even though we remove the plank in our eye, Jesus still says we must remove the speck in our brother’s.

Matthew 7:1–5 CSB

“Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. For you will be judged by the same standard with which you judge others, and you will be measured by the same measure you use. Why do you look at the splinter in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the beam of wood in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the splinter out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a beam of wood in your own eye? Hypocrite! First take the beam of wood out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye.

...FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU...

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.” – JEREMIAH 29:11

Out of Context: This verse is typically given to someone as a sentiment during a difficult time, or on a graduation card after crossing a stage receiving his or her diploma or degree.

As a stand-alone promise, it appears as though God exists to make us all popular, rich, healthy, and powerfully well known! God declares the American Dream over my life!

In Context: This incredible promise is given not to an individual, but to a people group—Hebrews exiled in Babylon. God promised that He had not given up on His people and that even though things looked dire, they still had a future and a hope!

The book of Jeremiah leading up to chapter 29 is about Israel’s disobedience and God’s punishment.  In fact, chapter 29 is written to the exiles in Babylon, who were there because of disobedience (see chapter 25 and 27).  The promises in chapter 29 are for restoration following judgment understanding that discipline will bring obedience

So, the word “prosper” doesn’t refer to money or material blessings; it refers to physical and spiritual salvation. It’s a beautiful promise that God is not done with His people and that their future and hope were only found in Him.

The promise is that He will see His plans through, and His people get to be a part of them.

…Money is the root of all evil...

1 Timothy 6:9–10 CSB

But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Sin is the root of evil.

“...God will never give you more than you can handle....”

God always provides a way out when we are tempted by sin—we have free will that allows us to choose God over temptation. God knows how much we can take as human beings, and has ensured that nothing immovable stands between us and an eternity with Him.

1 Corinthians 10:13 CSB

No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide a way out so that you may be able to bear it.

…I CAN DO ALL THINGS...

“I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO STRENGTHENS ME.” – PHILIPPIANS 4:13

Out of Context: This verse has nothing to do with dunking a basketball, hitting a game-winning homerun, bench-pressing a bus, winning the lottery or closing a business deal.

In Context: The Apostle Paul is under house arrest awaiting his trial, where he may possibly be put to death for preaching the resurrection of Jesus.

However, instead of being defeated by unfortunate circumstances, Paul is using this opportunity to teach the young church in Philippi that he can endure any and every circumstance—ups and downs, highs and lows—because he has a strength that only comes from Christ.

This supernatural strength to endure all seasons and situations is always with Paul because the Holy Spirit of Christ is always with him, even in prison. The NIV phrases v. 13 as “I can do all this”, referring directly to Paul enduring hardships as a result of living out his faith no matter what the cost.

Philippians 4:10–14 CSB

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know both how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship.

“...Ask and it will be given to you...”

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Luke 11:9

Ask many theologians what the number one most misused verse in the Bible is, and you’ll likely hear “Luke 11:9,” followed by a long sigh. This verse is often used, particularly by televangelists, as the source of “name it and claim it” Christianity, which treats this verse as an absolute. “Want that new Mercedes? Claim it in the name of God, and you’ll get it! Want that winning lottery ticket? Claim it! Just knock, and you’ll be richer than your sinful neighbor!” This kind of thinking, while conducive to filling pews and reaping large tithes, is not scriptural. Luke 11:9 has little to do with guaranteeing our personal fulfillment. Let’s look to the context of the verse rather than attempting to apply it by itself. To understand Luke 11:9, let us look to the beginning of the chapter.  In Luke 11:1, Jesus' disciples ask Him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” In response, Jesus teaches them what we know today as the Lord’s Prayer, which serves as an example of how we are to pray. Nowhere in the Lord’s Prayer—the example of how to pray, given by God, Himself—do we see Jesus claiming a new donkey and cart, or piles of gold. It is a humble supplication, asking God to help us live the way He wishes us to live, and to provide for us as we need to be provided for in order to do this. This is God’s promise. This is what God guarantees us. Jesus told His disciples, “Ask and it will be given to you…” after giving them the example of what to ask for—things like the forgiveness of sin, the coming of God’s kingdom, and the basic sustenance—our simple daily bread—needed to allow us to serve Him. Ask for these things, and they shall be given to you. Ask for a Cadillac, and receive the collective sighs of a thousand theologians.

Proverbs 29:18 says: Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Proverbs 29:18 CSB

Without revelation people run wild, but one who follows divine instruction will be happy.

Hosea 4:6 says: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Hosea 4:6 CSB

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you from serving as my priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your sons.

These Scriptures are the two most mis-understood passages in the Bible.

Now both of them are very popular Scriptures, we have heard them time and time again from most modern day preachers who talk about God fulfilling your vision, or your destiny, or your hopes and dreams. Let me say straight out of the gate, THAT IS NOT WHAT THESE TWO PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE ARE TALKING ABOUT!! Both of theses Scriptures are speaking of what happens when the Word of God is neglected or ignored. Let me say again, these Scriptures are NOT talking about fulfilling your vision, or your destiny or your hopes and dreams, etc. However, and this is unfortunate, the mainstream of Christianity today has grossly changed the meaning of these two passages of Scripture to fit this man-centered, false teaching and heresy.

I had to respond to this, because I have had it up to here (Note: my hand is now underneath my chin!) with people like this, and many, many others mis-interpreting these two passages of the Bible! Why do they always leave out the rest of the verse?? Because by quoting only the first part of these verses, it appears to validate their message. What do I mean by only using the first part of the verses? Well, lets first look at Proverbs 29:18. This is how most Christians read this verse: Where there is no vision, the people perish. That’s it! But whatever happened to the other half of this verse? How come nobody reads this part: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he? How about Hosea 4:6? Here’s how many Christians read this: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, again, that’s all! What about the rest of this verse: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children? If they did read the rest of these verses, the meaning changes all together. How you may ask? Well let’s take a look!

With regards to Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision” simply means no teaching of the Word of God, which was brought to the people by the prophets, who received the Word from the Lord through visions. In 1 Samuel 3:1 it states: And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. Amos 8:11-12 further states: Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. Simply put, “the people perish” without the Word of God! Next part of Proverbs 29:18 says: “but he that keepeth the law, happy (or blessed) is he.” This is said in great detail in Psalm 19:7-11 - The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

SOLA SCRIPTURA – THE SCRIPTURE ALONE!

Looking at Proverbs 29:18 from the 1568 Bishops Bible it states: When the worde of God is not preached, the people perishe: but well is hym that kepeth the lawe. So the TRUE meaning of this Scripture is that where the Word of God is neglected, ignored or not preached forth, the people will perish, but those who do hear the Word of God AND obey it, happy, or blessed are they! This has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with fulfilling your destiny, or having a vision. This was all I heard in my former church, all about vision and destiny and the pastor would always quote the first half of Proverbs 29:18 - Where there is no vision, the people perish. That would be all I ever heard! But praise be to the Lord! His Word has opened my eyes to His truth and now I know what this Scripture truly means!

Now let’s look at Hosea 4:6 - My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Again, most Christians only read it like this: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”. But, ask yourself this question: does this mean that we need to go out there and acquire as much knowledge as we can so we will not be destroyed? Does this mean that I have to read 5000 books and gain so much information that I will not be destroyed? Of course not!! Again, this means that where there is no instruction in the Word of God, then the people will walk in darkness, blindness and eventually be destroyed.

So then what is this verse saying? The answer to that comes in the next line in the verse: “ because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children”. This was referring to the priests who had neglected God’s Word and turned from His Law and eventually lead the people down the same road with them. Again, this has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with visions, fulfilling your destiny, seeking more knowledge simply for knowledge sake! Both Proverbs 29:18 and Hosea 4:6 have EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE STUDY AND THE OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD!!

I know there’s much more that can be said, and I also know that I could go on further, but this is all I wanted to share about this from my heart! I had made this mistake with these two verses for many years in my Christian walk, but it was not until I read and studied God’s Holy Word and put aside all the man-centered teaching I had been fed that I fully understood these two verses of Scripture correctly. Don’t just take my word for it…Search the Scripture for yourself!

SOLA SCRIPTURA!

The Scripture ALONE! May the Lord bless you!