Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. 1 Timothy 3:16 (MSG)
The Bible is a beautiful love letter written to show us God’s amazing love. Besides that, it gives us warnings, shows us God’s promises and teaches us phenomenal principles for life.
We need to learn all three: warnings, principles and promises.
If we’re not careful, we can just focus on one thing. Religiousness tends to focus too much on Bible warnings. It forgets about the big, wonderful life we’re promised and the Bible principles that can help us get it!
Some focus only on promises. Although the promises are essential, we can’t forget all about the warnings God gives us to keep us safe and the principles He wants us to learn.
In fact, God’s principles are necessary to maintain the promises. For example, you’re promised a great marriage. But the principles involved in creating a great marriage and the warnings about what can hurt your marriage are vital to keep it healthy, loving and strong!
Fulfilled promises (blessings) can actually become curses if you don’t obey God’s warnings. For example, prosperity is a blessing but if you don’t listen to God’s warning, money can become your god, taking over your heart and destroying your family.
When reading the Bible, don’t gloss over its warnings. At the same time, focus mainly on its amazing promises and principles that position you to live an amazing life.