Reading Scripture - PART 3
In part one of these reflections on reading the scriptures I mentioned the value and the necessity of reading scripture in its context. In other words, an individual verse primarily belongs to the unifying and explanatory context it is found in, as is the case with all writing. Whilst this seems obvious, the way we read scripture regularly makes it anything but. We lift verses out of context in large measure due to a promissory interpretative view of God’s word – scripture is seen as a treasury of personal promises instead of the salvation narrative/record - past, present, and future - that it is. It is the story of God.
To illustrate this, we will look at two New Testament verses and one from the Old. All these scriptures are regularly quoted out of context, and therefore somewhat misleadingly. As a caveat, there are times when Paul will appeal to the Old Testament in ways that are clearly not driven contextually. Although this is occasional, it is not normative.
“I can all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4.8
This verse is employed in settings as diverse as a team praying before a sporting event in the hope they will triumph (pity if the other team is praying the same), to some sort of guarantee that whatever we do we will come out on top. I am sure Paul’s reaction would be one of bemusement, possibly horror. The “all things” he was referring to is his ability to be content whether he lived in plenty or want. He wasn’t moved by the Dow. This form of contentment is rare – Paul alludes to it as being the secret to living. He needed the strengthening that comes from Jesus, and the provision of the Spirit to live unmoved, and in victory. This form of victory is certainly not seen as a victory by much modern preaching in which it is always God’s will for you to do better than last year in every area of your life. But we know the testimony of God’s people and scripture is not always upward and onwards, bigger, brighter, better. This hermeneutic gives no room for difficult circumstances that may well be the will of God (even if only for a season). 1 Peter 4.12-19.
Paul, in Philippians 4.8, is not suggesting we are invulnerable, constantly victorious – at least, in the terms we interpret. What he is saying is something quite different, but much more powerful.
“Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus … Amen.” Ephesians 3.20
This verse is normally interpreted as God is able to do bigger and better (“far more”) than you prayed for or thought. But it is saying something entirely different – it is saying that God in Christ, by the power of the Spirit, will accomplish wonderful things we can’t begin to imagine. Our future, largely in the age to come, contains marvels beyond our comprehension. Paul is echoing the prophet Isaiah who said, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55.8-9. In other words, we can’t begin to imagine what God thinks. He doesn’t just think in terms of more than we think or imagine. God is not an extrapolation of our highest thoughts or most potent imaginations; were he so, he would not be God.
“Do not say to yourself, ‘My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today.” Deuteronomy 8.17-18
This text, a favourite for receiving offerings, is taken out of context regularly, and I posit, recklessly. The promise of the power to obtain wealth was given to confirm a covenant that has been superseded by Jesus Christ. Wealth is figured in the Old Covenant as a means of promise and guarantee. The same is not true of the New Covenant which is secured for us by the Holy Spirit. He is the guarantee of the completion of our salvation on the last day. Money is neither necessary nor sufficient to this cause. 2 Corinthians 1.22; 5.5. Ephesians 1.14.
Deuteronomy does not promise us the power to get wealth, even though some believers do make a lot of money. Whilst individuals may have the ability and circumstance to create wealth, it is not a promise to the church at large with the aim of confirming the Mosaic covenant, much less the covenant in Jesus’ blood. We have something significantly more secure and wonderful than fickle finances to secure the inheritance/promise of, a to-be-completed redemption - the Holy Spirit.
Reading scripture in context is vital to the well-being of the church of Jesus. Seeing through the eyes of the authors, by the Spirit, leads to a less self-focussed interpretative model that appears more like a tapestry of promises – woven for personal benefit.