When one asked God to lead in the process of digging deeper into the Scriptures he will give the digger a deeper insight of his intended will. It is true, however, that there are “out of context” teachings that lead some down the wrong path.
2nd
Timothy 2:15 is a riveting passage of Scripture about being a good worker
and handling truth correctly. The
Apostle Paul said to Timothy the evangelist, “Work
hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good
worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word
of truth.” (NLT) Correctly teaching truth in “context” is
vital for the young believer in the faith and for those who desire “…to
defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.” Jude 1:3 (NLT)
The Apostle Paul’s letter to the
Christian in Ephesus is extraordinarily powerful even for twenty-first Century
believers. Paul penned powerful words to
help the believers know that God chose them, adopted them and redeemed
them. Paul helped them see the value of
the life in the light of Jesus by living the Jesus way every day. He shared the importance of family and how
couples should treat each other at home and he gave them resources to combat
Satan by wearing the armor of God daily.
What is fascinating about the letter to
the Ephesian believers is the way that he weaves together how to live the Jesus
life and how to live it effectively.
Over the years, one part of this letter seems to take aim at how one
worships God with music. “In context” Ephesians 5 is about godly living in the community and in the home. In essence, Spirit-filled believers will live
godly lives in such a way that gives credibility to the Christian life. The section of Scripture that must be kept
“in context” that has been taken “out of context” is Ephesians 5:19, “singing psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your
hearts.” (NLT)
One of the “out of context” teachings
has been that Paul is talking about a general church worship setting where we
go to a facility and sing to God.
However, “in context” it is one
part of the entire section of the letter that teaches us how to live our lives
for Jesus on a daily basis.
“In
context”: Ephesian 5:15-20, “So be careful how you live.
Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of
every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t
act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk
with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy
Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs
among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Speak to one another in Psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs –
Ministering truth
Making music to the Lord in your hearts
–Inner
joy
And give thanks for everything – Being grateful
“Out of context” is
a mandate on “how to” sing in a
general church gathering. It would also
being interesting to know how many general church gatherings who teach that this
is a “how to” sing in church gathering actually “speak to one another in Psalms
and hymns and spirituals songs?
Stay tuned for another, “In or Out of Context!”
Remember, Be God Controlled!
Brian
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