Understanding Scripture: Context, Unity, and Communion

 

Summary

Today, I began by welcoming everyone and discussing the importance of understanding the process of becoming a partner at Gateway, emphasizing that partnership involves responsibilities rather than just privileges. This introduction set the stage for a deeper exploration into our current sermon series, "Are You Sure About That?" which focuses on interpreting scripture correctly to avoid manipulation and misunderstanding.

In this series, we've been examining common misconceptions and misinterpretations of scripture, starting with Jeremiah 29:11, which is often taken out of context. We discussed the importance of understanding to whom the Bible was written and for whom it was intended. This distinction helps us grasp the true meaning behind the scriptures and apply them appropriately in our lives.

Today's focus was on the power of scripture, which is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. I emphasized the necessity of digging into scripture to understand its context and purpose, rather than clinging to misinterpreted truths. This approach not only enriches our understanding but also equips us for every good work as intended by God.

I shared personal anecdotes to illustrate how scripture has been misused and the consequences of such actions. For instance, the story of my daughter's testing anxiety and the well-intentioned but out-of-context scripture painted for her highlighted the need for correct biblical interpretation. Similarly, I discussed the misuse of scripture in the context of Paul's experiences in Philippians, where despite the wrong intentions of some, the preaching of Christ led to rejoicing because the ultimate goal was achieved.

The sermon also touched on the challenges of interpreting complex scriptures, like those surrounding communion, and the importance of unity within the church as emphasized by Jesus' prayer for all believers. This unity is crucial for reflecting God's love and purpose in the world.

As we moved towards the conclusion, I prepared the congregation for communion, reminding everyone of the significance of this act in remembering Christ's sacrifice and realigning ourselves with God's will. This moment of reflection was also a call to acknowledge our misunderstandings and to seek forgiveness where our interpretations or actions had led us astray.

In summary, today's sermon was a call to approach scripture with humility and diligence, ensuring that our interpretations align with God's intent and lead us to live out our faith authentically and effectively.

### Key Takeaways

1. Scripture is God-breathed and Intended for Teaching: The Bible is not just a collection of texts, but a divine guide meant for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. When we approach scripture, it's crucial to engage deeply, understanding the context and the divine purpose behind it. This engagement is not just academic but a spiritual discipline that equips us for every good work. [42:42]

2. The Importance of Context in Interpretation: Misinterpretation can lead to misuse, as seen in the anecdote of my daughter's testing anxiety. Scripture, when taken out of context, can mislead or even harm rather than uplift and empower. It's essential to study the Bible comprehensively, understanding the circumstances and audience of the original text. [44:09]

3. Unity in the Body of Christ Reflects God's Love: Jesus' prayer for all believers highlights the importance of unity within the church. This unity is not just about agreement but about embodying the love and purpose of Christ in a way that the world can understand and be drawn to. Disunity distorts our witness and hinders our mission. [52:46]

4. Communion as a Time of Realigning with God's Will: Communion is not just a ritual but a profound time of reflection and realignment with God's will. It's a time to remember Christ's sacrifice and to examine our lives, seeking forgiveness and cleansing from misinterpretations and misdeeds that separate us from God and each other. [01:11:58]

5. Scripture's Role in Personal and Corporate Identity: The Bible shapes not only our personal faith but also our corporate identity as a church. It's a living document that speaks to different generations in various contexts. Understanding this dynamic nature of scripture helps us remain flexible and responsive to the Holy Spirit's guidance. [49:40]

### Youtube Chapters

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [37:28] - Introduction to Partnership at Gateway
- [38:44] - Overview of the Sermon Series
- [40:04] - Misinterpretations of Scripture
- [42:42] - The Power and Purpose of Scripture
- [44:09] - Personal Anecdotes on Misinterpretation
- [45:38] - Challenges in Paul's Ministry
- [48:16] - The Impact of Scripture in Personal Life
- [49:40] - The Living Nature of Scripture
- [51:15] - Engaging with Scripture Personally
- [52:46] - Unity in the Church
- [54:20] - Consulting and Understanding
- [55:42] - Preparing for Communion
- [56:54] - Personal Reflections on Scripture
- [58:31] - The Importance of Honest Interpretation
- [01:00:09] - Deepening Our Understanding of Scripture
- [01:01:45] - Distinguishing Preferences from Truth
- [01:03:06] - The Symbolism in Communion
- [01:04:41] - Disciples' Response to Difficult Teachings
- [01:06:30] - Seeking God in Challenges
- [01:08:36] - Trusting God's Sovereignty
- [01:10:25] - Communion and Reconciliation
- [01:11:58] - Closing Prayer and Communion

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2. Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
3. John 17:20-23: "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."

### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 say about the purpose of Scripture? How does it equip believers? [42:42]
2. According to Jeremiah 29:11, what are the plans that God has for His people? How is this verse often misinterpreted? [40:04]
3. In John 17:20-23, what does Jesus pray for concerning future believers? How does this relate to the concept of unity in the church? [52:46]

### Interpretation Questions
1. How can understanding the context of 2 Timothy 3:16-17 change the way we approach reading the Bible? What does it mean for Scripture to be "God-breathed"? [42:42]
2. Why is it important to know the original audience and context of Jeremiah 29:11? How can misinterpretation of this verse affect our faith and actions? [40:04]
3. What does Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17:20-23 reveal about the importance of unity in the church? How can disunity impact the church's mission and witness? [52:46]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you may have misinterpreted a Bible verse. How did it affect your understanding or actions? What steps can you take to ensure you interpret Scripture correctly in the future? [40:04]
2. How can you apply the teaching of 2 Timothy 3:16-17 in your daily Bible study? What practical steps can you take to dig deeper into the context and purpose of the Scriptures you read? [42:42]
3. Jesus prayed for unity among believers in John 17:20-23. How can you contribute to unity within your church community? Are there specific actions you can take to foster unity and avoid division? [52:46]
4. During the sermon, the pastor shared a personal story about his daughter's testing anxiety and the use of Philippians 4:13. How can you ensure that you use Scripture to encourage others without taking it out of context? [44:09]
5. Communion is a time of realigning with God's will. How can you prepare your heart and mind for communion to make it a meaningful experience? What specific prayers or reflections can you incorporate into this time? [01:11:58]
6. The pastor mentioned the importance of distinguishing between personal preferences and biblical truth. Can you identify any areas in your life where personal preferences might be influencing your interpretation of Scripture? How can you address this? [01:01:45]
7. Reflect on the pastor's call to approach Scripture with humility and diligence. How can you cultivate a humble attitude in your Bible study and discussions with others about Scripture? [01:08:36]

Devotional

Day 1: Scripture as Divine Guidance for Righteousness
Scripture is not merely historical text or moral guidance; it is God-breathed and serves a divine purpose in teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. This divine inspiration ensures that the Bible is not just relevant but essential for our spiritual formation and daily living. Engaging deeply with scripture means more than reading; it involves understanding the context, the audience, and the intention behind each passage. This approach transforms our study from a routine to a profound dialogue with God, where we are equipped for every good work as intended by our Creator. [42:42]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

Reflection: How can you improve your daily engagement with Scripture to ensure it is not just reading, but a transformative dialogue with God?

Day 2: The Critical Role of Context in Biblical Interpretation
Misinterpretation of scripture can lead to significant misunderstandings and misuse, as illustrated by the anecdote of misapplied verses in times of anxiety. To truly empower and uplift through the Bible, one must delve into the historical context, the intended audience, and the purpose behind the texts. This comprehensive study prevents the scripture from being a tool for personal bias and transforms it into a source of truth and enlightenment. Understanding context enriches our spiritual journey and prevents the pitfalls of applying scripture inappropriately. [44:09]

Acts 17:11 (ESV): "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."

Reflection: In what ways can you enhance your study of the Bible to ensure you are considering its historical and cultural context?

Day 3: Unity Reflects God’s Love and Purpose
Unity within the church is not merely about agreement on doctrines but about reflecting the love and purpose of Christ to the world. This unity, as prayed for by Jesus, is essential for the church’s witness and mission. When believers live in unity, they embody the love of Christ, making it visible and attractive to the outside world. Disunity, on the other hand, distorts our witness and undermines our collective mission. Thus, fostering unity is crucial for the church’s health and effectiveness in fulfilling God’s purposes. [52:46]

John 17:21-23 (ESV): "That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one."

Reflection: What practical steps can you take this week to foster unity within your community or church group?

Day 4: Communion as Alignment with God’s Will
Communion is a profound act of worship and remembrance, not just a ritual. It serves as a time to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and to realign our lives with God’s will. This sacred practice is a call to examine our hearts, seek forgiveness, and cleanse ourselves from misinterpretations and misdeeds. By participating in communion, we remember the past sacrifice and renew our commitment to live according to God’s purposes, promoting reconciliation and unity among believers. [01:11:58]

1 Corinthians 11:28-29 (ESV): "Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself."

Reflection: How can participating in communion more thoughtfully help you to realign with God’s will in your daily actions?

Day 5: The Dynamic Nature of Scripture in Shaping Believers
The Bible is a living document that continues to speak to different generations in various contexts. Its dynamic nature allows it to remain relevant and authoritative for teaching and guiding the faithful. Understanding this aspect of scripture encourages flexibility and responsiveness to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, allowing the Word to shape not only personal faith but also our corporate identity as a church. This living nature of scripture ensures that it continues to be a foundational element in the life of the church, guiding and shaping its mission and identity. [49:40]

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

Reflection: What are some ways you can allow the dynamic and living nature of scripture to more actively shape your daily decisions and interactions?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "But she understood enough when the Holy Spirit spoke to her heart, this is something that I need to do. There is power in the words of that Bible. There's power in Scripture. So that painting with, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, you know what the context of that verse is not all about. You can do everything. I will never be in the NBA, no matter how hard I work. I can do all things through Christ, though. I don't think that's what it means. So let's figure it out." [49:40](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "The Scripture is alive, breathing. So as we learn and we grow, we get to know more about the context in the Bible. It will come alive. We hold on to those verses that the Holy Spirit spoke to us, and the Bible will come alive. And those particular passages that jumped out of us, that's good. Don't ignore that. Don't discount God speaking to you." [51:15](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "We wrestle with it. Something that may be taught, that we may have heard differently growing up. So let's talk about that. This is why we're in small groups. This is why we serve together. So we can, hey, you know, when Sam said this thing about this other thing, what do you think about that? Or we can go home, and we can dive in." [55:42]( | | )

4. "The Bible wasn't written for us. It was written to us. To us. For us. So that we can know Jesus. Did I just say that wrong? Maybe I didn't. I did. The Bible wasn't written to us. It was written for us. I wrote it wrong. It was written, for us. So that we could understand who Jesus is. And salvation. And hope." [01:08:36]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. All scripture is God-breathed. So we need to understand what we are reading and what we're reading. We need to understand what we're reading and what we're studying because it is important." [42:42]( | | )

2. "My prayer is not for them alone, but I pray for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one. Father, just as You are in Me, and I am in You, may they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are one." [52:46]( | | )

3. "Unity, it's so important. But as people, we, when we don't understand, when we're trying to figure it out, right, we can sometimes come up with our own answers, and our own explanations. And I want to tell you that this is okay. And that seems weird. Okay, so we're reading the Scripture, and we're confused, and it's okay that we can come up with our own explanations, our own interpretations." [54:20]( | | )

4. "We need to be careful to recognize when our interpretation, or even our preferences, gets confused with factual information, with the gospel. We have to be careful. We have to be honest. I'm going to tell you something, and this is personal. I probably shouldn't do this, but you know, I'm a person, and I do what I want." [58:31]( | | )

5. "Communion. It's a time that we come together. We acknowledge that. I am not God. It's a time that we come together, and we remember the sacrifice that was made for us. When Jesus was gathered with his disciples, and he talked about this stuff right here, he said, this is my body, which is broken for you. This is my blood, which was shed for you." [01:10:25]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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