When God's Promises are Conditional

 

Many of God's promises to us are unconditional, however, there are some in which we must meet conditions before we can expect Him to fulfill His promise. 

If we do something, then God will do something. I call these "if/then" promises. 

In the example below, I put the if/when in bold for us to easily see.   

If we request wisdom from God by asking in faith without doubting Him,

then He will give it. 

James 1:5-7

What is the "if" part that we are required to do? 

If we request wisdom from God ...

But is it enough to simply ask God for wisdom? 

No. Before He grants us wisdom, He expects us to ask a certain way. 

in faith

How much faith? 

without doubting Him.

I like to divide the phrases by structuring them so I can see the main parts and supporting parts. It helps me see and remember the main points.

If we request wisdom from God 

by asking in faith (part 1)

without doubting Him, (part 2, expanding on part 1)

then He will give it. 

James 1:5-7

With the Scripture structured this way, it's easier to see both parts of our responsibility in the request and His response. 

If we request 1) in faith 2) without doubting Him, then He will give it.

Here's another example. Read the passage below and find the if/when.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Because there are several items in the "if" part and the "then" part, let's structure the verse into a list. My thoughts are in parentheses.

If my people, which are called by my name, (clarifies the question of which people)

1) shall humble themselves, 

2) and pray, 

3) and seek my face, 

4) and turn from their wicked ways; 

then 

1) will I hear from heaven, 

2) and will forgive their sin, 

3) and will heal their land. 

2 Chronicles 7:14

Making this simple listed helps with understanding each element. Sometimes, I write a number over the word/phrase in my Bible or make a list beside the verse.

Here's another if/then example. 

“If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to give honor to My name,” says the LORD of hosts, “then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings; and indeed, I have cursed them already, because you are not taking it to heart.

Malachi 2:2

Let's structure that verse so we can see the elements of if/when. Look for my notes in brackets.  with some questions and answers I noticed.

“If you do not listen, 

and if you do not take it to heart to give honor to My name,” says the LORD of hosts, 

[Is it enough to listen? No. We must take it to heart to give honor to the LORD]

“then I will send the curse upon you [notice the LORD gives us a chance to listen and take to heart]

and I will curse your blessings; 

and indeed, I have cursed them already, 

because you are not taking it to heart. [Did God have a reason to curse them? Yes, "because" is a term of conclusion. Because they didn't take heart, He cursed them.]

This is an example of spending a little extra time in Bible study to explore and learn truths in Scripture. Taking a few minutes to structure the verse(s) and make lists are easy ways to get more out of your Bible study time.

Here's another passage with an example of "if/then." This time the "if/then" is implied but easy to see.

And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, 

you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea';

and it would obey you. 

Luke 17:6

Another example of implied if/then.

Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. 

Matthew 6:31-34

The main point is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. By reading the verses before and after we see the context, and better understand it. 

The first two sentences explain the problem - us worrying about what we will have to eat, drink, or wear. Instead, Jesus told them to to do something else first. (seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.) 

The last two sentences summarize the whole passage so they were clear on the meaning. "So" is another term of conclusion. Because of the reminder that our Father knows our needs, we have a reason to live without worrying about them. He ends with an instruction, "so" do not worry. 

Want to practice on your own? Try it in Proverbs 2:1-6.

If/then phrases whether written or implied are great ways to add more depth and understanding to your time with the Lord, in His Word.

Remember to pray first, and ask God to send His Holy Spirit to teach you and fill you with the wisdom to not only read, but take to heart what He wants you to know.

I'm praying God will richly bless you as you seek Him above all things.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

 

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