Your Path in Life Matters: Setting Your Foundation in Scripture by Knowing the Context

As men walking in faith, it is crucial to know the context of the Scripture we read. Too often, biblical passages are reduced to soundbites accompanied by entertaining anecdotes that fail to dig deeply into God's Word. This shallow approach can leave us with inspirational but incomplete teachings that do not equip us to build lives rooted in Christ. To truly grow, we must seek the full counsel of Scripture, understanding how the Old and New Testaments intertwine to reveal God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.

Let us consider the importance of reading Scripture in its context, relying on the foundation laid by biblical authors, Christ's teachings, and theological insights from Christian leaders past and present.

1. The Call to Know and Trust God's Word

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5–6, ESV)

Proverbs 3:5–6 teaches us to trust God over our limited human reasoning. But trusting God requires us to know Him, and knowing Him means immersing ourselves in His Word. This wisdom doesn't arise from isolated verses but from understanding the broader story of God's faithfulness across generations.

Old Testament narratives like the Exodus demonstrate God's provision for His people even in the face of overwhelming odds. New Testament teachings, like Paul's encouragement in Romans 15:4, remind us that "whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

Biblical theologian J.I. Packer reminds us: "The Scriptures are not only the vehicle of God's truth but also the primary means through which the Spirit brings God's truth home to the human heart."

• J.I. Packer (1926–2020) was a renowned British-born theologian and author. He is best known for his book Knowing God, which has become a cornerstone in evangelical Christian literature. His teachings focus on the authority of Scripture and the importance of knowing God personally through His Word.

Thus, knowing Scripture in its fullness allows us to trust God deeply and walk confidently in His ways.

2. Decision-Making Rooted in God's Wisdom

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5, ESV)

Making decisions as a man of God requires us to seek divine wisdom. This wisdom is not an abstract concept but flows from God's Word and the life of Christ. James 1:5 emphasizes the necessity of prayerful dependence on God's guidance.

When Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, he relied on God's instruction, meditating on the Book of the Law day and night (Joshua 1:8). His success was not in his strength but in obedience to God's Word. Similarly, as men of faith, we must ground our decisions in Scripture, trusting God to guide our paths, even when the outcomes are unclear.

Pastor and theologian John Stott explains: "Our conduct as Christians is guided not by human intuition but by divine revelation."

• John Stott (1921–2011) was a highly respected Anglican pastor, theologian, and leader in evangelical Christianity. He authored numerous influential works, including Basic Christianity and The Cross of Christ, focusing on the centrality of Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ.

Decision-making, then, becomes an act of worship when we align our choices with God's revealed will.

3. The Interconnected Context of the Old and New Testaments

"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:27, ESV)

After His resurrection, Jesus explained to His disciples how the entire Old Testament points to Him. This moment reminds us that every Scripture holds a purpose in revealing Christ. Without this understanding, we risk reducing biblical passages to isolated lessons instead of seeing their role in the grand narrative of redemption.

Consider how Psalm 22, written by David, vividly foretells the suffering of Christ on the cross. Likewise, Isaiah 53 describes the Suffering Servant, fulfilled in Jesus. When reading the New Testament, such as John 1:29 where John the Baptist declares, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" we see the fulfillment of Old Testament sacrifices in Christ.

Renowned theologian Charles Spurgeon once said, "A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't."

• Charles Spurgeon (1834–1892) was a British preacher often called the "Prince of Preachers." His sermons and writings, such as Morning and Evening and The Treasury of David, remain widely read for their depth of Scriptural insight and practical application.

Studying both Testaments as a unified whole strengthens our faith and keeps us grounded in the truth of God's sovereignty.

4. Application in Daily Life: A Call to Worship

"Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17, ESV)

True biblical knowledge leads us to worship. When we understand Scripture's context, we see God's character, His mercy, and His plan for our lives. Worship becomes more than songs on Sunday; it becomes a daily commitment to live for God's glory in every decision and action.

The apostle Paul calls us to "present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" (Romans 12:1, ESV). This is not a blind leap of faith but a reasonable response to understanding God's Word.

As modern pastor Timothy Keller states, "If you don't trust the Bible enough to let it challenge and correct your thinking, how could you ever have a personal relationship with God?"

• Timothy Keller (1950–2023) was a pastor, theologian, and founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. He was a prolific author of works such as The Reason for God and Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, focusing on faith, apologetics, and the gospel's transformative power.

Knowing the context of Scripture equips us to worship God rightly and live in alignment with His will.

Ensure You Live This: Learning by Doing

As men of faith, our responsibility is to seek the deeper truths of Scripture. This means going beyond the surface, asking questions, and praying for the Holy Spirit's guidance. Knowing the context of biblical passages transforms how we see God, ourselves, and the world around us.

Let this be a call to action: Read with purpose. Study the Old and New Testaments together. Seek wisdom in prayer and fellowship. Most importantly, let every word of Scripture lead you closer to Christ and into the worship of God.

In the words of A.W. Tozer, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."

• A.W. Tozer (1897–1963) was an American pastor and author known for his passionate teachings on the holiness of God and spiritual revival. His book The Pursuit of God is a classic work that continues to inspire Christians to live fully devoted lives.

Let us think rightly, rooted in Scripture, as we walk humbly and boldly in God's truth. 

- Dr. Twigg