REFLECTIONS ON CHRISTIAN LIFE
Part 3
“Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth”
John Washington Kitson
Film Producer, Author, Educator
July 22, 2022
“Based on 2 Timothy 2:15
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
What does the Apostle Paul mean by stating “rightly dividing the word of truth”? Yes, there are divisions in the Bible, but not the kinds that undermine the validity and inerrancy (without error) of God’s word. In fact, many nonbelievers are quick to point out “contradictions” in the Bible; however, these so-called “contradictions” are resolved once you learn and understand what it means to “rightly divide the word.”
There is a division when referring to law and grace. There is a division also between the Law of Moses and the “mystery” revealed to and through the Apostle Paul…
Many nonbelievers are quick
to point out “contradictions” in the Bible; however, these so-called “contradictions” are resolved once you learn and understand what it means to “rightly divide the word.”
There is a division between national Israel and the Body of Christ, and there are even more divisions described in Galatians 2:7 in reference to terms such as “the gospel of the circumcision” and the “gospel of the uncircumcision.” There are also vast differences and divisions between the “gospel of the kingdom” and the “gospel of the grace of God.” If you don’t “rightly divide the word of truth,” your identity in Christ may be chaotic, confusing, and most sadly, filled with defeat.
When you “rightly divide the word of truth,” you will begin to dispel these “contradictions” that people say are in the Bible. The Greek expression in this passage (orthotomeo) clearly means “to cut straight,” not “rightly handling.” For example, how confusing would it be if the local post office were to simply throw everyone’s mail into one box without any specific identifying names or addresses? How would you and I know which mail was ours, and which was meant for someone else?
When you “rightly divide the word of truth,” you will begin to dispel these “contradictions” that people say are in the Bible.
God has addressed specific “mail” to Believers in the Body of Christ, and He has addressed specific “mail” to the children of Israel in times past, and in the ages to come. “Rightly dividing the word of truth” is the key to unlocking which of God’s instructions are for Believers in the past, in the present, and in the future. By studying, and “rightly dividing the word of truth,” you will not be ashamed when God, in Christ, judges you at the Judgment Seat of Christ (where Believers are judged for the good and bad works we have done (not to get saved), but because we are saved).
Make sure your identity in Christ is with the right gospel message and instructions for today, and the only way to establish your correct identity is to “Study to shew yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
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