Psalm 37:4 – “Delight in the Lord and you will be blessed”

Out of Context

Psalm 37:4 – “Delight in the Lord and you will be blessed”

Psalm 37:4 (NKJV)

Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Eisegesis: 

Just serve the Lord and perform your religious duties and you will be blessed with material wealth and personal success.

Exegesis:  

The promise of God granting the desires of the heart is not a blanket guarantee of material fulfillment but a transformative process. When one delights in the Lord, their desires align with God’s will, thus what they desire is what God also desires for them—often not material riches, but spiritual blessings and contentment.

Some people have wrongly interpreted Psalm 37:4 to suggest that God has promised that we will receive whatever we desire (such as material wealth or personal success) simply if we perform certain religious duties. This interpretation erroneously portrays God as a “genie in a bottle,” ready to fulfill our wishes on demand.

Of course this is not what this passage means and it is problematic because it reduces the relationship with God to a transactional one and aligns with the prosperity gospel that is not consistent with the entirety of biblical teachings.

But if we are honest, most of us have fallen into the trap wondering “Lord, why don’t You give me what I desire since it is not a bad thing?” This question can lead to disappointment and a sense of spiritual failure when such expectations (which are genuine) aren’t met.

This may be a good time for us to consider that maybe we are frustrated by a promise because we are not interpreting the verse correctly!

Background of this verse:

The broader passage encourages trust in the Lord, doing good, living in faithfulness, and finding satisfaction in God’s way. It warns against envy of the wicked and promotes a life of peace and patience, awaiting God’s justice rather than taking matters into one’s own hands.

The promise of God granting the desires of the heart is not a blanket guarantee of material fulfillment but a transformative process. When one delights in the Lord, their desires align with God’s will, thus what they desire is what God also desires for them—often not material riches, but spiritual blessings and contentment

When we examine the context, we observe that Psalm 37 tells us not to fret or be envious of the wicked and not focus on what they have or what they seem to be getting away with. Instead we are to focus on God, who promises to “supply all our needs (not our wants) according to His riches in Christ Jesus.” (Php 4:19)

The first prerequisite to receive the desires of your your heart is to obey the command to delight ourselves in God and God Alone.

The key to understanding this verse is the phrase “delight yourself in the Lord.” This means finding joy and satisfaction in God Himself, not just in what He can provide. It involves aligning our desires with God’s will and character.

The word delight speaks of the abundance of the blessings we have in the Lord Himself, totally apart from what He gives us. To enjoy the blessings and ignore the Blesser is to practice idolatry.

In Jesus Christ, we have all God’s treasures, and we need no thing else. If we truly delight in the Lord, then the chief desire of our heart will be to know Him better so we can delight in Him even more, and the Lord will satisfy that desire!

This is not a promise for people who want “things,” but for those who want more of God in their lives.

Colossians 3:15 – “I have peace in My heart”

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Colossians 3:15 – “I have peace in My heart”

Colossians 3:15 (NKJV)

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Eisegesis: 

When you are trying to make a decision on something, it is important to first ask yourself whether you have peace in your heart about it.

Exegesis:   

In this context, peace refers to relationship dynamics within the church, encouraging believers to let the reconciliatory peace of Christ guide their interactions with one another, especially in times of conflict or misunderstanding.

This verse is often interpreted in a personal and individualistic sense, suggesting that an inner feeling of peace should guide one’s personal decisions and serve as a barometer for determining God’s will. However, this interpretation strays from Paul’s intended message.

Colossians 3:12-17 (NKJV)

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

In order to understand the context of this verse correctly, we must look at it within the context of the Christian community; the church.

Paul’s purpose in speaking of forbearance and forgiveness was to address the issue of the church at Colossae which was divided having some interpersonal conflict. Due to this division, Paul instructed believers to forgive those who had quarrels with them (v. 13) and to love one another. This is followed immediately by verse 15 which with a call for Christ’s peace to govern relationships within the church community.

Paul reminded the church that keeping their hearts at peace is important since they are called together as one body and rather than fighting and bringing strife, he encourages the body of Christ to forgive and bring peace.

It is clear, from the context, that Paul does not use “peace” as a means for making decisions or knowing God’s will. His message is essentially to find a way to live peacefully with our brothers and sisters everywhere.

Paul’s focus is on corporate peace-that is, harmony and unity among believers, which reflects the peace of Christ.

It is not simply a lack of conflict, but rather a positive, proactive peace that actively works to maintain unity in the body of Christ. Paul is not speaking of subjective feelings, but of the objective peace Christ secured through His death on the cross, which reconciled differing groups (such as Jews and Gentiles) into one.

Overall, Colossians 3:15 points to a communal application, rather than a personal one. A true peace is one that promotes unity and loving relationships within the church, reflecting Christ’s reconciliatory work.

This interpretation is consistent with the themes of love, unity, and peace that run throughout Paul’s epistles and in his instructions to the early Christian communities.

While personal peace can be one factor in discerning God’s will, we must be cautious not to rely on it as the sole indicator. A false sense of peace can often accompany disobedience or complacency, leading us away from God’s intended path. Consider Jonah as an example: he deliberately ran from God’s clear command to preach repentance to Nineveh. Despite his rebellion, Jonah found himself able to sleep soundly in the hold of a ship, even as it sailed into a dangerous storm sent by God to intervene and stop Jonah from fleeing (Jonah 1:5-6).

Jonah’s peace in that moment was not a sign of being in God’s will but rather a reflection of his indifference to the consequences of his disobedience. This teaches us that a sense of peace can sometimes come from ignoring responsibility or suppressing guilt, rather than walking in obedience to God. True peace aligns with God’s Word and His Spirit’s conviction, not with what feels easy or convenient.

Therefore, while inner peace can be a helpful indicator, it must always be tested against the truths of Scripture, godly counsel, and the circumstances God provides. Jonah’s example warns us to evaluate whether our peace is rooted in obedience or is merely a false sense of security masking rebellion.

Relying on our inner feelings of peace can be subjective and potentially misleading. Our emotions are influenced by many factors, such as personal desires, fears, and circumstances, which may not necessarily reflect God’s will. As Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” Therefore, we must ground our decisions in God’s Word and seek His guidance through prayer, rather than relying solely on our feelings.

“I had peace about it!” is not sufficient evidence that we are in God’s will. Genuine discernment requires more than just a feeling of peace. We must pray earnestly, surrender our desires to His will, and seek His guidance in the Scriptures. Additionally, we should seek wise counsel from mature believers and evaluate our decisions in light of God’s character and purposes. True peace is not a mere absence of inner conflict but is rooted in alignment with God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Exodus 20:5 – you need to break free from generational curses

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Exodus 20:5 – you need to break free from generational curses

Exodus 20:5 (NKJV)

you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,

Eisegesis: 

If you are struggling with sin and problems in your life, there must be some generational curse that is keeping you in bondage.

Exegesis:   

The concept of generational curses is utterly unbiblical. There is no precedent in scripture that we are to break free from superstitious generational curses.

There are four passages in the OT that speak of God “visiting the iniquity of the fathers unto the third and fourth generations of those who hate God”: Exodus 20:5; 34:7; Numbers 14:18; Deuteronomy 5:9. The most familiar is Exodus 20:5.

The concept of “generational curses” hinges on the belief that the sins of one’s ancestors can cause lasting curses affecting subsequent generations. For this reason, one must determine which sins run in the family in order to break the cycle. The idea has led to ministries designed to help individuals overcome these unseen burdens, many of which they are unaware of.

The assumption is that all believers are responsible for breaking the curse of their family bloodline and preventing it from being passed on.

But is this the point of the passage? Does it actually mean that God punishes children for the sins of their fathers? There are three compelling reasons to think not.

First, it would contradict other passages of Scripture that teach God does not punish children for their parents’ sins:

Deuteronomy 24:16 (NKJV)

“Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin.

See also (Ezekiel 18:1-5, 20-23)

In light of such clear teaching concerning personal responsibility for sin, any interpretation of Deuteronomy 5:9 that yields a contrary notion needs to be reconsidered.

Secondly, we do not see this happening in the lives of the people in the Old Testament. Take for example King Hezekiah who was Judah’s most righteous king next to David (2 Kings 18:4), by the same logic his children should have been blessed for 1000 generations. Instead, his son Manasseh was extremely evil and opposed God. Now according to the doctrine of the “generational curse”, Manasseh’s children should have been cursed by God for at least three generations. Instead, what we see is directly opposite; Manasseh’s grandson Josiah was a righteous king who brought a revival and was blessed by God.

Now some might say, Josiah broke the generation curse but there is absolutely no mention of this in the scriptures.

Another interesting thing to note that in Deuteronomy 24:16 it is that it is God, not Satan, who is the active agent of both the blessing and the curse. And so, if God is responsible for the curse, how could any human possibly break it?

Lastly, and most importantly, one of the main problems with the teachings on generational curses is that people assume that they are the way they are not because of their personal sin but rather, because of their ancestors.

Some go as far as to say that there is no need for repentance  because the problem is the curse that needs to be broken.

This completely undermines the basic component of salvation (repentance).

The Bible says we are fallen from Adam, but we have inherited nothing from our ancestors except for Adam’s sin and fallenness. Therefore, in our own flesh and body exists corruption and we all are equally prone to sin.

Essential, what the verse in Exodus 20:5-6 is mainly saying is that the sin of the fathers has a long lasting consequence /   impact on subsequent generations.

It is a valid sociological observation that children suffer from the same sin patterns as their parents and grandparents. Negative behavior patterns, like uncontrollable anger, domestic violence, and molestation, are passed down through generations.

Is it because God cursed them, or does it merely result from the fact that we observe how those closest to us behave? We learn how to express our anger by observing how our parents express their anger. We learn how to cope with life’s difficulties by observing how our parents cope. Likewise, if parents are alcoholics, their children are likely to follow the same pattern. Explaining this kind of social phenomenon does not require a spiritual interpretation or the doctrine of divine generational curses.

In conclusion, Exodus 20:5 does not teach the concept of “generational curses” as often claimed. Instead, it highlights the natural consequences of sin passed down through learned behaviors and environments, not divine punishment. Scripture clearly states that each person is responsible for their own sin (Deuteronomy 24:16, Ezekiel 18:20).

The patterns of sin we see in families are not due to supernatural curses but the result of imitation and environment. True freedom comes through repentance and the renewing of the mind by God’s Word. The Bible calls us to focus on personal responsibility and transformation in Christ, not breaking imagined curses.

you will prosper in everything you do

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Psalm 1:3 – if you are planted like a tree, you will prosper in everything you do.

Psalm 1:3 (NKJV)

He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

Eisegesis: 

If you plant yourself in the faith, you will become prosperous in everything you do.

Exegesis:   

It is not material prosperity here but rather spiritual success in one’s life through applying and adhering to “the law of the Lord.” Here prosperity does not refer to earthly wealth, but rather spiritual well-being.

The danger of prosperity preaching is that it leads people to believe their poverty has a direct correlation to their level of faith and/or sinfulness.

Psalms 1:3 is one of the verses used by prosperity preachers to teach that if a person plants themselves like a tree, they will be guaranteed a successful life.

When the verse says, “they will prosper in whatever they do,” it does not mean believers are immune to failures or difficulties. Nor does it guarantee we will always be healthy, wealthy, and happy.

The phrase “whatever they do prospers” in isolation might lead some to believe that all righteous people will experience uninterrupted material success or that if you are good, nothing bad will happen. In reality, the Psalms and other scriptures repeatedly acknowledge the sufferings and trials of the righteous. 

The metaphor of the tree refers to someone who meditates on God’s word all day long. In this case, the person is likened to a tree with an abundant supply of water, symbolizing God’s provision of sustenance. The metaphor describes such a person’s qualities: they are spiritually healthy, vibrant, and productive, exhibiting the fruits of a life lived in accordance with divine teachings.

Just as a tree soaks up water and bears fruit, we are also to soak up God’s word, producing actions and attitudes that honor God. Having God’s word in our hearts is essential to achieving anything worthwhile.

The Hebrew word for “prosper” has a broader meaning than the English word prosper, which tends to be financial-related while the context is on our spiritual prosperity.

In summary, Psalm 1:3 speaks about the holistic flourishing and stability of those who root their lives in God’s Word. In contrast to the transient nature of the wicked, this is not a promise of long-term material success but a picture of deep, enduring health and vitality for the righteous.

This entire Psalm endorses living by God’s teachings and promises, acknowledging that living by such a way is fruitful and stable, while living by our own ways is unfruitful and unstable.

Romans 8:37 – we are more than conquerors

Out of Context

Romans 8:37 – we are more than conquerors

Romans 8:37 (NKJV)

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Eisegesis: 

Christians can have an extraordinary and perpetual triumph in their lives by simply “claiming” that they are more than conquerors.

Exegesis:   

This verse is specifically concerning the spiritual victory over challenges and persecutions. 

Some prosperity gospel preachers have used this verse to support the idea that Christians should expect material wealth, health and success in their life by simply claiming or praying for victory in deliverance. The phrase “more than conquerors” is often interpreted as a motive that believers should conquer in financial and social arenas. 

Background of this verse:

Romans 8:37 is a part of a larger passage where the Apostle Paul addresses the sufferings that Christians endure and their ultimate victory in Christ. The “things” are mentioned in the earlier verse 35 which include tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, and sword. Paul acknowledges that believers will face significant hardships.

It is not that Christians will have a trouble-free life or that they will always overcome physical or worldly challenges. Instead, the victory Paul speaks of is spiritual and eternal. The hardships of life, no matter how severe, cannot separate believers from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38-39). The security of the believer is not in their circumstances but in their relationship with Christ. This love is the foundation of the victory that Paul speaks about.

Indeed the trials of this life cannot defeat Christians because their ultimate victory—salvation and eternal life—has already been secured through Jesus Christ. This victory is not about worldly success but about the assurance that nothing can separate them from God’s love, which is the ultimate triumph.

So, in its full context, Romans 8:37 is a triumphant proclamation of the believer’s victory in Christ, despite life’s hardships and challenges. It’s not about personal or material success, but about the spiritual and eternal victory that comes from the unwavering love of God in Christ Jesus. The emphasis is on the security and assurance that nothing can separate believers from the love of God.

We need not fear life or death, things present or things to come, because Jesus Christ loves us and gives us victory. This is not a promise with conditions attached: “if you do this, God will do that.” This security in Christ is an established fact, and we can claim it for ourselves because we are in Christ.

How is the Christian more than a conqueror?

· He overcomes with a greater power, the power of Jesus.

· He overcomes with a greater motive, the glory of Jesus.

· He overcomes with a greater victory, losing nothing even in the battle.

· He overcomes with a greater love, conquering enemies with love and converting persecutors with patience.

Pastor Ray Stedman explains “more than a conqueror” this way writing that…

If we barely manage to win our way to heaven by the skin of our teeth, we could be said to be a conqueror, but a “more than conqueror” is someone who takes the worst that life can throw at him and uses that to become victorious. “More than conqueror” is one who, by the grace and the gift of God, and in the strength of God within him, actually takes the very things that are designed to destroy him, and they become stepping stones instead of stumbling blocks. That is being “more than conquerors.”

John 10:34 – You are a little God

Out of Context

John 10:34 – You are a little God.

John 10:34 (NKJV)

Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods” ’?

Eisegesis: 

You are a little God and are able to create things by simply speaking things into existence.

Exegesis:   

Jesus’ words here are not to be taken as a literal call that we are some sort of gods but rather he was simply challenging the inconsistency of the Jewish leaders who were okay with calling the rules/judges as god, but rejected Him as the Messiah.

 

As with Psalm 82:6, John 10:34 is often read out of context to imply that humans are divine or can achieve god-like status. This interpretation misses Jesus’ argumentative intent in the dialogue.

Psalm 82:6 (NKJV)

I said, “You are gods, And all of you are children of the Most High.

Psalm 82:6 criticizes leaders, such as those of nations or cities, for their unjust judgments and failure to protect the vulnerable, like the weak and fatherless. In biblical times, specifically in Exodus, when individuals sought justice or resolution from their rulers, it was like seeking help from God. This is because these rulers were seen as representatives of God’s authority, a concept also echoed in Romans 13 which emphasizes that governmental power is derived from God, positioning rulers as God’s earthly representatives.

In John 10, Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd to emphasize His unique relationship with his sheep (believers). As the chapter progresses, Jesus claims unity with the Father, indicating His divine nature: “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). This claim incited a strong reaction from the Jewish leaders, who were ready to stone Him for blasphemy.

In response, Jesus references Psalm 82 to challenge the inconsistency of the Jewish leaders: if human rulers can be called “gods” in their authoritative roles without blaspheming, how much more appropriate is it for Jesus, given His works and mission, to claim His unique sonship and unity with the Father?

According to Jesus, if mere men can be called gods (whether that be human rulers/judges or heavenly beings) because they have authority and power, how much more should one who is to be the Son of God / Messiah?

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