Misuse of Jer. 29:11   Introduction Have you ever had this happen to you? You go through life and a string of negative things take place. And when you feel really low about your current situation, someone will come along and say something like, “Don’t worry, God has a plan for you!” Although God does have a plan, this is not what they mean. They make it sound like He has something in the works specifically for you and no one else. The verse, from scriptures, that they connect to this is Jeremiah 29:11, which says, For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (RSV) Is this what the prophet was talking about?   Out of Context As we stated, this is a sentiment given to those who are at a “low” in their life; laid off from work, in between jobs, a crisis at home, or tragedy within the family. Sometimes it might be encouragement for those arriving at the next step in their life; grad...

  Misuse of Phil. 4:13   Introduction In Philippians 4:13, the apostle Paul writes; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. What did Paul mean when he wrote, “I can do all things?” A lot of people in the religious world cling to this verse as if it’s a lifesaver and that, even when times are tough, this verse will remind them that nothing is too hard.   Out of Context Many people think that they can accomplish anything if God (or Christ) is on their side. For example: Slam dunk a basketball, make the winning play in baseball, bench press more weights than one should, or win the lottery. Given that the last one is a form of gambling, God is not going to approve of that; nor will He take credit if you should win. If this is the case, then what does it mean?   In Context The first thing you need to know is that Paul wrote this letter from prison. Like Ephesians and Colossians, Philippians is what is known as a Prison Epistle . Secondly,...