This is not always easy even for scholars to agree on. The context of a promise is the guide for us in distinguishing for whom the promise is made. You might filter a promise by asking a few questions. (1) Who utters the promise? (2) To whom is it given? (3) What is the reason the promise is given? (4) How is my circumstance the same or different?
When God promised Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation, it is a personal promise. God even re-stated it to his son Isaac just so people would know it was now a personal promise to Isaac and not to Abraham’s other son, Ishmael. This is repeated with Jacob so it became personal to Jacob and not to Esau his brother. Personal promises are usually stated very clearly to a people, a nation, or group of people.
General promises may be applied personally or corporately depending again on the context and the help of the Holy Spirit. Most of the promises in the Psalms were made during a personal period of suffering and reveal how God provides comfort for the individual. We can claim many of these. Proverbs is a book of axioms and practical wisdom that simply make good sense. Promises embedded in this Book are often ones we can claim as well.
Promises made in the New Testament are generally for Christ-followers, people who are members of the church. If you have placed your faith in Christ and are part of the body of Christ, you can be sure that such promises include you. Pastor Steve gave us promises to use in the prayer time that closed the service on May 18. One was from Psalms. Six of the seven were from the New Testament and you will find that the context gives us encouragement to claim them. I will list the passages that were given and perhaps you can train your eyes to recognize others like them.
(1) Matthew 7:7-8; (2) 1 Corinthians 10:13; (3) John 14:27; (4) 1 John 1:9;
(5) Psalm 55:22; (6) Philippians 4:13; (7) Philippians 4:19.
-David Corts
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