Look at the Context

Posted on October 1, 2015 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

Look at the Context

Joshua 1:1-9; Mathew 28:18-20; 1 Timothy 1:7 2; Timothy 2:15; 3:16,17

When I was a young Christian I would claim Old Testament verses with promises for myself. Then one day a more mature Christian came alongside of me and he asked me if I had looked at the context of the promises. I said no.

He showed me I needed to look at the verses before and after the promise and look in the New Testament to see if the same verse or idea was found there. A verse without a context can become a spoof text.

Let’s look at Joshua 1:9 to see if the promise really does apply to us. The context tells us God tells Joshua, “Moses is dead” and then He appoints Joshua to lead the way to the promised land. God tells Joshua He would be with him. To accomplish the task of capturing the land and distributing it he needed to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:1-6).

In order to be strong and very courageous Joshua needed to observe the Scripture carefully and meditate on it day and night. If he followed the instructions God assured him he would prosper and succeed in obeying the command given to him. Why? Because his adversary would not be able to stand against him all his life, nor would God leave him or forsake him just as he was with Moses (v.5). As a matter of fact, God commanded him, “be strong and courageous do not be afraid or discouraged for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go”(v.9). Good News! This idea appears 95 times in the Bible, 24 of those times it is found in the

New Testament. The promise and conditions are ours.

Will you join me in studying and meditating on God’s Word? Will you rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you? Will you place your faith in what God promises you to do?

Today’s Affirmation

I will read and meditate on God’s Word in order to be strong and courageous. – Pastor Bob Wood is a pastor-teacher/mentor/prayer warrior and friend of America’s Keswick. You can email him at Dgtbob@aol.com

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 27-29; John 14

Think About This: I would rather die trusting God than live in unbelief. Smith Wigglesworth

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29