Question:

I need to understand in detail how to use Gods word correctly for hope, strength and encouragement. I know you mentioned about how some life verses are not verses to use for life verses. The verse that keeps me going and full of hope is Galatians 6:9. I use this verse because it reminds me that there is a bigger picture and that I need to press on till the end. 
So how do we use Gods word for encouragement and hope?

I know that I have though about this question too long and I have just determined that this will be one that I will think about for years and revise my understanding of it along the way. For now, let me give you my thoughts on it.

As we think about using verses of Scripture – for any purpose – it is assumed that the Scripture has a purpose and is to be used. Both of these premises are absolutely true. (2 Tim. 3:16-17) The question is how and how much? By this I mean, what is the purpose of Scripture and how are we to use it?

Well, let’s start with some other premises:

- Scripture is vast an contains a lot of verses, books and content

- It is implied that since we have a book full of stuff that He wants us to use all the Book

- It has a primary purpose of revealing God to us -

- We know that knowing God correctly is the very most important thing in our lives

- There is always four contexts to every passage – thought, book/author, testament, Bible

These are just a few important thoughts that get me to this point:

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