It is sometimes interesting to consider the "insights" derivative one's taking of various biblical verses and/or statements out of context.
As children, we were often exhorted to learn our Sunday School "memory verses" and, indeed, were sometimes rewarded for so doing. At the same time, a certain downside exists in reducing Scripture to "sound bite" segments that can, and frequently do, lead to a perception of God's word in terms of isolated, disconnected pronouncements. A few examples - by no means limited to the younger set:
1. "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). Nocodemus' inability to grasp the full intent of Jesus and his ministry derived from the fact that God's kingdom ("reign") cannot be meaningfully comprehended ("seen") apart from one's having been spiritually reborn. The theme is not one's "going to heaven."
2. "Study to show yourself approved..." (II Tim. 2:15). This is not an injunction to read one's Bible (needful though that is), but centers rather on Paul's exhortation to Timothy that he so apply himself (original meaning of the word "study") in all aspects of life and service so as to gain God's approval and give witness to the validity of his ministry and calling. The subject is not necessarily, nor primarily, that of reading.
3. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13). Reference here is to the apostle's ability to remain firm and resolute in all circumstances. God will provide the necessary resources for surviving that which, in accordance with divine will, Paul must endure. It is not the expression of a psychological, religiously oriented "self realization" wherein one becomes persuaded that "I can do, or become, whatever I desire."
4. "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he" (Prov. 23:7). Focus here centers on the deceitful man who translates his thoughts into action. Despite pretentions to the contrary, his nature will ultimately carry through. In other words, "Be warned, be careful and be smart." It has no connection to "thinking one's way to success"
5. And finally...We recall the time one of our deacons, with no small degree of certitude, advise me that, so long as they eventually marry, there is nothing wrong with couples living together outside the bonds of matrimony. Scripture? Why, of course! No less a personage than the apostle Paul had himself stated that, "if you marry, you have not sinned" (I Cor. 7:28)!
Ever wonder why your pastor may have at times been tempted to become a used car salesman?
Burl Ratzsch
