Scripture Reading: Psalm 19:7-11
"Stop Taking that Passage Out of Context"
Intro.
1. Since we are to “rightly divide” the word of truth, it follows that the Scriptures can be mishandled, misused, twisted and perverted, 2 Tim. 2:15; cf. 2 Pet. 3:16. [Decontextualized passages destroy souls!]
-“I find that people tend to be one-sided in their handling of the Bible. They ‘lean into’ certain texts or truths to the exclusion of others. Some focus only on a portion of a verse. Others use one text to cancel out another.” (John Koessler, Moody Bible Institute).
2. Recently came across an article that caught my attention: “5 Passages Your Pastor Wishes You’d Stop Taking out of Context”, Kyle Rohane (christianitytoday.com).
3. Gospel preachers’ work includes correction, 2 Tim. 2:24-26.
4. Briefly look at some passages from this article, and others, that are also often taken out of context (misapplied).
I. PASSAGES OFTEN TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT.
A. Jeremiah 29:11 (Cottage industry has emerged around this verse).
-To captives in Babylon. God’s plan included 70 years of trial and oppression! Then, return (29:10, 14, 20).
B. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
-Not romantic love (weddings); love in a unified church (1 Cor. 12).
C. Matthew 7:1.
-Often used to deflect Bible teaching. cf. 7:6; Jno. 7:24. Use God’s standard of judging on ourselves, first, Matt. 7:2-5.
D. John 3:16-17: Saved by “faith only.”
1. Faith…obey, Jno. 3:36; 6:27-29 (Heb. 5:8-9); Jas. 2:24.
2. By faith, Abraham obeyed, Heb. 11:8.
3. Jesus came to save, because we are condemned in sin, 3:17.
E. Acts 2:38: “Baptism ‘because of’ salvation.” Matt. 26:28; Rom. 10:9-10; Repent “because of” remission of sins?
F. James 1:27: “Church-supported institutions.” (orphanages, etc.)
1. Context is the individual, Jas. 1:21-26, 27.
2. The church cannot fulfill your individual responsibility, Jas. 1:27.
G. 1 Corinthians 7:15: “Not under bondage allows remarriage.”
1. First, do not sunder marriage, 1 Cor. 7:10-11 (Matt. 19:6). All marriages, Matt. 19:6 (Heb. 13:4).
2. Now, marriage of believer to an unbeliever, 1 Cor. 7:12-14.
a. Do not compromise your faith for the unbeliever, 7:16.
b. You are not now, nor have you ever been, a slave to man, 7:15; cf. 7:23. (“not under bondage” - verb, perfect, passive, indicative, 3rd person singular)
-Perfect tense: “…the perfect tense has to do with completed action. But the perfect tense is a primary tense because it emphasizes the present, or ongoing result of a completed action.“ (Jeff Smelser, http://ntgreek.net/lesson23.htm)
c. Silent concerning remarriage; No remarriage right is given, since it does not fit the exception given by Jesus in Matt. 19:9 (1 Cor. 7:10-11).
Conclusion
1. Rightly dividing (cut straight): We must “analyze correctly” the word of God, 2 Tim. 2:15. Requires diligence, and is necessary to be approved by God.
2. God’s word is pure; we must not defile it though careless, or deliberate misuse, Psa. 12:6-7.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: August 24, 2017