The Bible: ExplainedExemplo

What is the Bible for?

Let’s get honest about something. It’s easy to make Scripture say what we’d like it to say versus what it actually says. That’s why there are so many heated debates on social media that incorporate verses in a way that’s not always helpful to others or honoring to God. 

So here’s the deal: Scripture is not for weaponizing or for winning arguments. It’s meant to encourage, correct, and transform us, and help us become more like God. 

It’s critical that we use the Bible correctly. We’ve got to use verses in the right context. And we’ve got to make sure we’re using the truth of the Bible in a grace-filled way. 

Don’t cherry-pick verses to craft an argument or bully someone else or justify your desires. In fact, taking verses out of context is one way we see Satan trying to tempt Jesus. 

Before Jesus’ ministry gets started, we see Him fast for 40 days in the wilderness. During this time, Jesus was preparing internally before He ever taught others externally. He was filling up on Scripture and preparing for opposition through prayer. 

After this 40-day period, Satan tempted Jesus three times. One time, he told Jesus to throw Himself off a cliff because the angels would save Him. He was actually quoting from Psalm 91. But Jesus said this in response:

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” Matthew 4:7 NLT

Taking Scripture out of context is a twisted tactic we shouldn’t repeat. So don’t use Scripture as a way to con others into getting what you want. 

Wisdom about this comes with practice and with prayer, so don’t panic. Jesus could see through Satan because he knew Scripture and He knew His Father. So it takes patience. It takes time. But when you spend time consistently with God through reading His Word and talking with Him through prayer, the Holy Spirit will be faithful to help you know when something doesn’t honor God. 

So remember—don’t use God’s Word as a weapon against others. But do use God’s Word as a way to wage war on our spiritual battles with our enemy. God will help you know the difference as you continually seek Him. 

Pray: God, test my motives. Reveal anything in me that is not from You. Help me interpret Scripture in the right way with the right motives. Remove my agenda and replace it with more of You. Give me discernment to know what is from You and what is from the enemy. Help me use Scripture as a weapon against my spiritual enemy but not as a weapon on people. Thank You for the power of Your Word and the presence of the Holy Spirit.