Satan uses Scripture. He even had the nerve to use it against Jesus at the temptation of Christ. Let’s have a quick look at how Satan used Scripture in Matthew 4:6:

  1. Satan used Scripture to make his own point.
  2. Satan used Scripture out of context and proportion.
  3. Satan used only the Scripture that seemed to support his point.

Sadly, I have heard preachers do each of these things. I suspect at times I’ve done each of these things. We ought to tremble at the thought.

Preacher, if you get the chance to go to “cemetery,” go! Get out those dusty old “dead men’s” writings. Read them! Get off your street preaching pedestal long enough to get into the book. Like, up to your armpits in the book. Stop going to Scripture to find a place to preach your sermon from and start going to Scripture to find out what your message will be. Dare we not? Dare we treat Scripture like Satan does?

What an awesome responsibility we are entrusted with. Hear Paul’s solemn words (2 Peter 4:1-2, emphasis added):

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

Grace to you.

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About Jason Harris

Dr Jason Harris is a writer, pastor, and academic. He has authored multiple books, articles, and papers including his book Theological Meditations on the Gospel. Jason has a PhD from James Cook University as well as degrees in theology, music, accounting, and research. Jason has lived in Cairns, Australia since 2007 and serves as pastor at CrossPoint Church. You can contact Jason at jason@jasonharris.com.au.

6 Comments

  1. Alen 19 November, 2008 at 11:19 pm - Reply

    Psalm 14:1 ..There is no God..

    It’s amazing what we can make scripture teach when we are looking for proof of what we believe already, rather than proving what we believe from what we read. I know I am oftentimes guilty of this.

    Very sobering thought, Jason. Thanks.

  2. Jason Harris 20 November, 2008 at 9:28 am - Reply

    Wow, that’s a good example. Unfortunately, I suspect we’ve both seen it does nearly this blatantly at times.

    Thanks for the comment Alen.

  3. Kez 21 November, 2008 at 10:28 am - Reply

    I saw a sign the other day that read something along these lines: “Jesus condoned homosexuals – Matthew 8: 5-13”. It’s the story of the Centurion and his servant and doesn’t condone gays at all, but most people would probably just see the Bible verses and agree without ever reading the passage for themselves.
    Put a Bible verse on something and most people will probably just take it as fact – at least to the point where they will believe the Bible agrees with whatever subject is on topic even if they don’t agree personally.

  4. Jason Harris 21 November, 2008 at 12:40 pm - Reply

    Wow. That’s pretty far out.

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