From the TeachingtheWord Bible Knowledgebase

Part four of a series. Read part three.

Editor's Note: As he continues chapter eight of Profiting From the Word, Arthur Pink calls our attention to the danger in listening to those who would rob Christians of their right to the fullness of God's promises. As we carefully study the Word, we find assurance that the promises given to Old Testament saints, far from being only for a past dispensation, apply just as much and in many cases even more to the saints of the present age. May we understand, rejoice in, and gain confidence from the wideness of the scope of God's promises to His people. - Dr. Paul Elliott

We profit from the Word when we recognize the blessed scope of God's promises -

"A sort of affectation prevents some Christians from seeking religion as if its sphere lay among the commonplaces of daily life. It is to them transcendental and dreamy; rather a creation of pious fiction than a matter of fact. They believe in God, after a fashion, for things spiritual, and for the life which is to be; but they totally forget that true godliness hath the promise of the life which now is, as well as that which is to come.

"To them it would seem almost profanation [i.e., putting to an improper use, showing disrespect, or irreverence] to pray about the small matters of which daily life is made up. Perhaps they will be startled if I venture to suggest that this should make them question the reality of their faith. If it cannot bring them help in the little troubles of life, will it support them in the greater trials of death?" (C. H. Spurgeon).

"Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come" (1 Timothy 4:8). Reader, do you really believe this, that the promises of God cover every aspect and particular of your daily life? Or have the "Dispensationalists" deluded you into supposing that the Old Testament belongs only to fleshly Jews, and that "our promises" respect spiritual and not material blessings?

How many a Christian has derived comfort from "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5); well, that is a quotation from Joshua 1:5! So too 2 Corinthians 7:1, speaks of "having these promises," yet one of them referred to in 6:18, is taken from the book of Leviticus![1]

Perhaps someone asks, "But where am I to draw the line? Which of the Old Testament promises rightfully belong to me." We answer that Psalm 134:11 declares, "The Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly." If you are really walking "uprightly" you are entitled to appropriate that blessed promise and count upon the Lord giving you whatever "good thing" is truly required by you.

"My God shall supply all your need" (Philippians 4:19); if then there is a promise anywhere in His Word which just fits[2] your present case and situation, make it your own as suited to your "need." Steadfastly resist every attempt of Satan to rob you of any portion of your Father's Word.

References:

1.  This is a reference to the many aspects incorporated into God's Law of His being a Father to His people, who are referred to as sons and daughters.

2. It should be noted that many promises are recorded historically, given to a particular person or people for a particular time and purpose. It is very necessary to use proper Bible interpretation to determine if a particular verse in its original context "just fits" your own particular situation.

Next: The Spiritual Profit in Correct Discrimination Between God's Promises

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