Content is Imperative

In the last 13 years it has become so important to me to really study His Word (not just read) and take it seriously. I have been blessed to find some good studies that use the Word as the main teaching. I would encourage you to do the same. Stay away from studies that insert their opinion, cute sayings, or popular trends.

Let me give you an example of why it is imperative to study content. A Christian co-worker said the other day, "God will not give us more then we can bear." He said it in reference to his hectic life. I know that statement is popular and sounds good. It is used as if it is scripture. Did you know you will not find that phrase in the Bible?

Here is the closest scripture you will find: "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." I Corinthians 10:12-13

You may read this scripture and say, "What is the big deal? The statement is similar to the verse." BUT it is not when you put it into content and you miss out on so much. Read the whole chapter...go ahead get your Bible...I will wait.

When you read the first 11 verses of the chapter, Paul is giving a short history of Israel. At first he speaks of all the wonderful things Israel experienced from God leaving Egypt. Then in verse 5 things change, "Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert." WHY? Read verses 6-10, Israel turned to evil things and let temptation seize them. They turned to idolatry.

Now re-read these verses: "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." Now, does the statement, "God will not give us more then we can bear." still work here? NO! What it says is "He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." Even more important: it is about God being faithful and providing a way out of the temptation.

When we shorten scripture to a "cute and easy" phrase we miss out on all that God is saying to us. This is an issue for Christians today...we want it quick and we want other people to tell us. Stop! It does not come quick and you have to study the Word for yourself.

Here is my challenge to you. Find another statement Christians use as if it were scripture and try to find the verses it may originated from. Read it all in content and see how much more you will learn about God. Let me know what you find.