Why Context is Necessary in Scripture

 

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 

Philippians 4:13 (NASB95)

There are dangers in pulling out one verse that sounds encouraging or condemning, without considering the context in which it was written. The very encouraging verse from Philippians 4 is often quoted but sometimes misused. 

Paul authored this letter to the believers in Philippi. How do we know? 

God's Word tells us. Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:

Paul was in prison. How do we know? 

It's recorded in the Bible, in the same letter. Philippians 1:12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else,

In the first chapter of Philippians, Paul acknowledges his imprisonment but is writing to thank them for their gifts. 

Philippians 4:15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.

He also writes to reassure them because they were concerned for Paul. 

Philippians 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

Then the next sentence, verse thirteen he writes;

 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 

Considering what we know from the letter, Paul's "I can do all things" statement is based on his circumstance--being imprisoned for preaching the gospel. He has enjoyed prosperity and wealth but is now in prison. His comment speaks to trusting God in any circumstance, regardless of the need. A few verses later he clarifies his statement.  

Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:13 is not about Paul expecting God to give him the strength to do everything he wanted to do. Paul's expectation and trust is that God will supply his needs, in this case, while he is imprisoned for preaching the gospel. 

What difference does it make?

If we count on this verse as a standalone promise from God, and someone believes God will give them strength to do anything they want but they fail, we have misled them into a false belief. Be careful to share the Word of God accurately and in context.

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

That's why it's so important to spend time reading the Bible, 

so we will understand the meaning 

rather than simply trying to find a verse that sounds good for our situation. 

The Bible contains both encouragement and instruction. 

Mostly, it shows us God's great love for us and His will for our lives.

Of course, we pray for the Holy Spirit to teach us before we look for answers in the Bible. Then we can search a passage by asking and answering questions such as;

Who? (to whom was it written? Who wrote it?)

What? (is being discussed or addressed? What is it explaining or asking?)

When? (After an event? Before an anticipated event?)

Where? (In prison? In the wilderness? In a synagogue? In a group of believers or nonbelievers?)

Why? (to address what issue or concern? to instruct about what?)

 and

How? (did this come up? How did it become a problem or habit? How are we to handle it or respond? How will God respond?)

By looking at the Scripture in light of those answers, 

we will be closer to ensuring we are handling the Word of God correctly. 

 

Beloved, I pray you will diligently seek to read and understand Scripture. 

It's God's Word to us--a rich and faithful Word. 

I pray it dwells in you richly.

He wants you to know Him and how very much He loves you. 

I'm praying your Bible study time will thrill your heart 

and leave you encouraged and 

empowered to share what you've learned with a world 

that so needs to hear it.

Lisa