Taking Scripture out of context...

[FaithtoFaith]

I have a question, how do you determine or know when a scripture is used out of context. Please provide scripture examples if you can.

This has really caused me to be very careful about wanting to quote scripture, because I am not sure when it applies and when it doesn't.

Can someone with more understanding elaborate for me?

Thanks!

 

[GraftMeIn]

The Holy Spirit guides us in the truth of Gods Word.

John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

1 John 2:26-27
These things have I written unto you concerning them that would lead you astray. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as his anointing teacheth you; concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in him

It's also important that we study Gods Word on our own with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

John 8:31-32
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

 

[reeann]

I would ALSO recommend, if you have NEVER done it, is to prayfully study with the Holy Spirit's guidance the nature of God. This helps me tremendously because God teaches us who is He is clearly and who we are in relation to Him. After that, always remember to read the verses around the scripture.

After that, sometimes it is STILL difficult to understand a passage. At that point, I go to commentaries not to be taught (that is the Holy Spirit's job) but to grasp an understand of the events surrounding the scripture (i.e., Jesus is talkign to a group of Hebrews, Jesus is talking to Pharisees, Paul is addressing Roman Christians...etc..)

 

[vibrant]

when you just dig around the scripture, paying attention only the verse that appeals to you and disgarding the rest you can be in danger of taking things out of context.

ex. the prayer of jabez. people have taken it out of context by focusing only on the prayer, thinking that those particular words were the secret to his rich blessings (and by the power of human reasoning, saying those prayers will also bring us blessings)... ignoring the fact that he "was more honourable than his brothers." (1 Chronicles 4:9). it wasn't the words that moved God to grant his request, it was the man behind the prayer.

 

[reeann]

Amen Vibrant

 

[Gabriel]

Context is everything. Ypu can usually learn alot concerning the context of a book in the bible by reading the salutation. For example:

1 Peter: Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
By the salutation, who do we see that the book of 1Peter was written to? ALL people in the world or believers?


Later in verse 20 we read this:

20He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.


Now based on the conclusion that we come to due to the salutation beginning with verse 1, to whom is verse 20 and 21 written? To every single person in the world or to believers?

The most beautiful message taken out of context can be distorted terribly. The only way to understand the context of a single verse is to learn 1) Who wrote the book you are reading, 2) Who they wrote it TO, 3) Approximately WHEn it was written, and 4) What happened before and after the verse in question.

And as stated, PRAYER and careful consideration are a must. We must come to the end of ourselves and our own preconceptions and get to the message that is being laid out for us.