Strange Ideas: Part 1

My wife recently gave me a wonderful gift. It is a T-shirt that she had made for me. This is what she printed on the front: "I can do all things with a verse taken out of context." Hopefully, you find that as funny as I do. As I have worn it out in public I have wondered what people think about it. If you don't know the scripture reference then this will make no sense at all.

Aside from amusing me, the shirt got me thinking. As a preacher, I am passionate about people understanding the Bible accurately and it drives me bonkers when people, especially other preachers, take verses out of context. There is a dark edge to the humour of my T-shirt! This post, and some that follow, is about looking at verses that are commonly taken out of context and putting them back where they belong.

Let me begin with the one misquoted on my T-shirt. The verse in question is written by Paul in Philippians 4.13. In the NRSV it says: "I can do all things him who strengthens me." The 'he' refers to Jesus. And Jesus gives strength for Paul to do 'all things'. But the question is, "What does Paul mean by 'all things'?" Taken out of context, the all things can mean anything, indeed, everything! And you will hear many television preachers apply this to healing, financial success, or any 'great' endeavour. But is that what Paul means?

This is the full paragraph taken from the NIV (2011):

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

So what are the all things, or as in the NIV "all this" that Paul is talking about? He is talking about rejoicing in the Lord and being content no matter his circumstances. This is not about strength for specific tasks. This is about strength to rejoice and strength to be content in Christ. In other words, it's about strength to be faithful as Jesus is faithful. This is about Christian character and maturity whatever the circumstances.

So, next time you hear someone say, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" or some version of that, ask them what they mean. Perhaps they are psyching themselves up for some task. Perhaps they are gritting their teeth and bearing some circumstance, rather than reminding themselves to rest in God and trust in Christ. I think Paul has learned to live out the words of Psalm 46.10 "Be still and know that I am God" and Psalm 131.2 "like a weaned child I am content." (Don't forget to read those verses in context!)

Here's a cheeky aphorism that is important to keep in mind when reading Scripture: "A text without context is a pretext." If you don't read Scripture in context then you will make it mean whatever you want. That is not God's intent for how we read his Word.

Blessings on you!