“The Problems with Proof-texting”

I know what this makes me sound like when I say it … but let me say it anyway; and then explain why I feel this way. I cringe every time I see a college athlete with “Philippians 4:13” painted on their face. That may sound odd (or even backwards) coming from a pastor, but there is a reason why I feel this way. Now don’t get me wrong, I am encouraged to see young believers being public with their faith and promoting God’s Word. However, every serious-minded saint should be concerned about how this Bible verse is being (mis)understood by these believers.

Over the last few weeks, our church has used our mid-week Bible study time to consider some of the problems with proof-texting. To illustrate how God’s Word is often used as a random collection of one-liners, rather than a book of books, I have chosen several “popular passages” that are often pulled out of their context and misapplied. One such passage is Philippians 4:13. There the Apostle Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Let me say again, I am indeed thankful for the boldness of these college kids to openly identify as Bible-believers, yet at the same time, we need to teach these young folks how to rightly interpret the Bible. But the sad truth is this; we also need to teach adult Christians how to rightly interpret the Scriptures!

Taking verses out of context and then misapplying them to justify a belief or behavior is not the right way to handle the Word of God. In fact, that is the very definition of “proof-texting.” Taking a Bible verse (or part of a verse) out of its inspired context, thereby distorting its original meaning, in order to validate a belief or behavior, is the very definition of proof-texting. Unfortunately, most every Christian has done this at some point in their life. And like these college kids, it’s not always done intentionally or with malice. More often than not, we don’t realize that’s what we’re doing. Usually, we have heard others use a Bible verse this way,

so we just assume it’s okay. Sometimes, people we trust and respect, have cited these Scripture references in a similar setting, so it’s very normal for us to follow suit.

However, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” doesn’t mean you can kick a 75-yard field goal. Or throw a 125mph fastball. That verse doesn’t mean you can push six 350-pound defensive linemen out of the way and sack the quarterback. But to take this verse outside of the sports arena, it is also doesn’t mean you can make it on “American Idol.” Or land that acting gig, you’re just dying for. Or, like Superman – leap tall buildings in a single bound. Or, to get more serious, “I can do all things through Christ” doesn’t mean you can cure cancer. It isn’t a promise you heal that loved one of some dreaded disease. Philippians 4:13 isn’t a

promise that you can raise the dead, or fix your marriage, or break every addiction.

In my past, I have tried to use that passage to make all sorts of crazy claims … but I was wrong to do so. What we must do instead; is study the context into which Paul wrote those words, seeking to rightly understand what the original author intended. There is a well-known idiom in the world of realty that says, “when it comes to selling houses, there are only three things that matter – location, location, location.” Well, when it comes to rightly interpreting Scripture, there are only three things that matter – “context, context, context.”

Someone has rightly said, a text without a context is a pretext for a proof-text. In other words, if we ignore the historical and literary setting behind any given passage, we can make a Bible verse mean anything we want. And in the process, distort Scripture and put words in God’s mouth. While we may not mean to do that … we can easily be guilty of that very thing.

In Philippians, the aged Apostle Paul is writing from a prison cell. He wants his readers to know, that he has endured sickness, suffering, loneliness, and hunger. But he has also had seasons of encouragement, abundance and peace. Yet, he has learned, “in whatever condition he is in, to be content” (Philippians 4:11-12). Whether hungry or full, clothed or cold, with plenty or in need. His point is that God’s grace is so sufficient, the Christian can find contentment in whatever situation life throws at them! It is into this context that Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

He isn’t making an open-ended promise that every believer can claim in any situation. Paul isn’t suggesting we can do anything and everything our heart desires. He is however saying, by God’s enabling grace, I can find peace and contentment regardless of my lot in life. Now I know that isn’t nearly as flashy and fun as the way this verse is most-often used. But this interpretation is true to the context.

Brother Lewis, “you’re just a killjoy! And a persnickety grumpy ol’ grouch!” Yes, I am all that and more … at least when it comes to how we handle the Word of God. And here is why; what happens when that young person drops a pass to win the national championship? Even though they have Philippians 4:13 painted on their face!? What happens to that kid’s confidence in the Bible when they strike out three times and lose the game? Even though they have Philippians 4:13 engraved in their glove!? What happens to their faith in Scripture? What happens to their confidence in the reliability of God’s promises?

I hope you see my point. The wrong interpretation leads to the wrong application. And that is not without consequence. After all, if Philippians 4:13 means I should be able to do these things, and I can’t do them; either something is wrong with me and my faith, or there’s something wrong with the Bible!? Which is it?

When the truth is, that verse has been ripped out of context and was never intended to make all-encompassing promises for actors, athletes, or anyone else.

As much of a nitpicky nuisance as it makes me sound, I hope you can see why proof-texting isn’t harmless.

Sadly though, this is one of the less egregious examples of proof-texting gone awry, that I hope to address over the coming weeks. Christians are commanded to study the Word and handle it accurately. Folks, eternal truths matter when souls are at stake!