(From the book Simple Principles of Interpretation)

Pietism finds its roots in the German Lutheran church during the late 1600s. Some in the Lutheran church began to feel that there was light but no warmth. They saw that the liturgy had become ritualistic and there was no emphasis on good works and sanctification. Theological disputations had replaced moral reform. Their response was to pull away from the church and start their own organizations. They emphasized what we would call Bible studies (“colleges of piety”) in homes. In his Pia desideria, Philip Spener also called for a private devotional life for each Christian. Spener said the Bible should be studied without commentaries, confessions, or a system of doctrines. It is easy to see how this leads to private interpretation and personal applications.

In their search for a return to personal holiness, they found some inspiration among the ascetics and mystics. Works such as "On Loving God" by St. Bernard of Clairvaux and "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence continue to be read today. Such books became the inspiration for “devotionals.” In time, even churches urged their congregants to "read their devotions" each day. Printed booklets like "The Upper Room" and "Daily Bread" provided a verse as well as a reflection for each day of the year. These quickly replaced regular Bible reading in the lives of many Christians.

Today, we can get our devotionals in the form of digital works and even apps. We need only touch the screen of our phone to read our favorite author. We passively receive the interpretation and reflection of the author, and we do not have to discern anything about the verse for ourselves. I do not view this to be an asset but rather a liability. Here are some of the issues:

1) We become passive readers.

2) We come to rely on and place our faith in the author and his reflections.

3) The verses are often removed from their context.

4) There is no consideration of the author and audience of the passage.

5) There is no replacement for the regular reading of Scripture in the Christian life.

Every book of the Bible has an author and an audience. The author had an original intent to communicate to his audience. This is the starting place for understanding meaning. This is not to deny that the Bible has no application to the contemporary reader. It most certainly does, but the application cannot be determined until the meaning is understood. Meaning is found in origin and intent.

To Whom It May Concern

Devotionals were one of the main influences that led to using Scripture as mottos or inspirational affirmations. Bible verses can be found almost everywhere. A trip to the local Christian bookstore will prove my point. Verses, phrases, and quotes can be found on coffee mugs, t-shirts, and bumper stickers. This is to say nothing of the Bible quotes and memes circulating on social media. These verses are very general. They are meant to encourage or inspire. Such popular verses include:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

"I know my will plans for you to prosper you"

“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 your paths straight.”

In devotional interpretation, the reader inserts himself into the verse as the "I" and the "you." The reader is led to believe he or she can do all things and that God has a plan to prosper them. This ignores the author, audience, and intent of the passage. Are these verses for us today? Can we claim these promises? Why is it we only claim the positive verses, and we ignore verses that are negative? I have never seen a t-shirt that read "Our God is a consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:29), nor have I ever seen anyone on social media posting "I will stretch out My hand against you and destroy you" (Jeremiah 15:6). At the very least, we must conclude there is a selfish bias in the verses we claim.

Let us consider the verse "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This phrase is lifted from Philippians, chapter 4 and verse 13. Paul is the author of the book, and it is Paul who is speaking. We know from chapter 1, verses 13 and 14, he is in prison. Paul is writing to thank them for the gift they sent him.

"But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now, at last, you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity." (4:10)

Let us look at the preceding verses and the quoted "devotional" phrase together.

"Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (verses 11-13)

This phrase is not about running a marathon or passing an exam. Paul’s ability to do all things is referring to the grace that God had given him to be stronge and endure in his trials, imprisonments, and sufferings for the sake of the Gospel.

But it now!

Simple Principles of Interpretation