MAY 8

Revelation 3:14-22
Memorise 2 Peter 3:16
“…speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood…”

Sometimes when you read certain devotionals or listen to some messages, there are some who would take a single verse or a few verses and attempt to draw lessons from them that are simply not found in that verse. Perhaps at face value, it does seem like that is what the Bible is teaching. However, when you examine the verse within the context, one would quickly realise that although the application sounds correct (i.e. it is teaching a lesson that may be biblically-sound), it is based on a wrong interpretation of the verse, and therefore not right.

One very common example would be Revelation 3:20, a verse often quoted by those sharing the gospel. They would say that Jesus is standing outside your heart’s door and desires to come in to sup with you. Thus we must open our heart and welcome Him in, i.e. believe in Jesus. However if you examine the verse in its context, you would realise that these are words spoken to the lukewarm church at Laodicea. They were believers whom the Lord loved and was chastening. They were called to repent and turn back to the Lord. Their problem was their backslidden state, and so the Lord in knocking was sincerely asking them to return to a life of blessed communion and fellowship with their Lord and Saviour. Thus it is clear that this verse is not for unbelievers but for believers, for those who had become lacklustre in their relationship with God.

There are many more examples of such misinterpretations of God’s Word. Many like these are often well-meaning, and do not really result in any erroneous doctrines. However there are those who in their zeal to make certain applications do butcher God’s words and force them to say something that was not intended at all. As a result they mislead believers, and wrest Scriptures to their own destruction.

Let us be serious in reading our Bible, seeking the help of the Holy Spirit in teaching us to understand His word correctly. When we read the word of God, remember – these are the words of life, the words that give us new life, new birth! Do not be too quick to immediately ask “How does this verse apply to me?” before you have answered the basic question, “What does this verse mean?”

Thought: The Bible says that in Christ, we are “new creatures”. The Word of God is powerful, only if we understand it correctly, and take it seriously!
Prayer: Lord, thank You that we have thy Word, “a more sure word of prophecy”.