The problem with proof-texting is that if a doctrine based on a stand-alone verse of the Bible doesn’t stand up to the rest of scripture, then it doesn’t have a leg to stand on.

This type of cherry picking with Bible verses is a lot like what I occasionally heard in the courtroom. People focus on one part of the contract, or one line from a Supreme Court case, or one subdivision of a statute, while ignoring context. (Good advocates either give the context or refrain from using that source.)

I had to read fully to make sure I understood the context, even if the litigants weren’t going to give it to me. This experience comes in handy when I listen to sermons.

Anyone who says we should just trust our faith leaders as being God’s representatives ignores the Bible. The Bereans were praised for fact checking Paul. We have the responsibility to do the same.