STOP TWISTING THE SCRIPTURES
Using Philippians 4:13 As an example “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
I’m sure everyone understands the language here and the tense used in the verse: “I can do all things…” Paul is speaking personally how the Lord strengthens him through persecutions, beatings, imprisonments, etc. If you have been called and are experiencing similar trials to Paul’s, you can rightly say “I can do all things through Christ…”
As usual there are many in various Christian congregations that simply misses or twist what a particular verse means. This verse is Philippians has absolutely nothing to do with health, wealth, prosperity, zealousness, lustful pleasures, earthly possessions, keeping up with your neighbor, positions of stature, power, winning in sports or personal, promotions where one’s ego is overlaid in prideful arrogance.
This verse is about serving Christ Jesus and running the good race for the Kingdom of God. This verse is also about being content, regardless of hardships in any situation or circumstance. This verse is about bringing glory to God alone, not your glory.
Far too many faith healers, prosperity preaches, positive thinking evangelists misuse this verse for their own profit and image. If God blesses you along your journey that is fine and a humbling experience. Using God’s word to profit is wrong and downright deceitful. In Philippians Paul bears witness to the sufficiency of Christ, and that he is made ready to endure any circumstance because Jesus has empowered him to do so. This should be our stance when reading this verse as well. As a believer and follower of Christ and not having the sufficiency of Christ to enable us to endure no matter what situation we find ourselves; and not seek to get rich, believe we can win games, fights, lotteries, arguments, bets, or rise to prominent positions because of a twisted understanding of scripture.
The devil attempted to use twist scripture using Psalm 91:11-12 to full Jesus. The devil said: “He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you, on their hands they will lift you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.”
However, the actual verses are as follows: “For he will command his angels concerning you, to watch over you in all your ways. In their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.”
You see how subtle the change in wording is. The devil incorrectly used the scripture to deceive Jesus, just like many teachers today use the scriptures to deceive and prosper at your expense. In the exchange with the devil Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:16 and we should also use the rebukes from Deuteronomy as well. The verse reads: “You shall not put Yahweh your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah.”
In summary, we are to be familiar with the scriptures, and their context. We should not go beyond what is written Paul says (1 Corinthians 4:6) by adding our own understanding, and twisting the scriptures for ill-gotten gain, and unfettered pride. Please remember that everything written is about Christ Jesus, not about use and we are to always bring glory to God, not ourselves.
May God bless and keep al from the trickery of deceitful people.
22 November 2021
The Christian Underground Journal
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