Right Division

[foundinHim]

It's interesting how they hinge their theology on their peculiar interpretation of just one verse. If you pull out that one card, does the entire house of cards come tumbling down?

"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established" Deuteronomy 19:15, Matthew 18:16, 2 Corinthians 13:1
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It is also interesting that the view they hold was absent for almost 1800 years in the history of the Church. And how interesting that 2 Thessalonians 2:15 has the same chapter and verse division as 2 Timothy 2:15!

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 2 Thessalonians 2:15

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)
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When a verse in God's "word of truth" such as 2Tim.2:15 which occurs only ONCE in His Word---this SHOULD draw our specific attention to it. It should leap off the page and into your heart. By the teaching and guidance of the Holy Spirit, I have learned to apply the precept of "rightly dividing" and my study of Scripture has been made so much more clear and plain. I truly enjoy my time in Bible study and I am "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed".

Oh, wouldn't you agree that "handling" and "dividing" do NOT have the same meaning?

May we all pray for wisdom asking God to rid us of our own mind and to fill the void with His Word of Truth!!!

 

[timlamb]

dear timlamb:

I pray that you do understand the difference between interpretation and application of the Scriptures! God willing I may post on that subject soon. I do notice that you use a couple different modern versions or translations of the Bible...do you know that when the words are changed, that the meanings are changed too? I prefer the King James 1611. In my humble opinion, it is the closest to the original manuscripts.

with love, faith, and hope in Christ

Thank you for your kind words. I find I am able to find a better understanding of the scriptures by using many transations. I don't find them at all contradictory. I perfer modern english versions for reading ease, but when interpretation is a question, I am able to find a concensis in the popular versions.

Mostly, I believe the word of God lies in the accumulated message of scripture, not any one author or translation.

Through out the bible there is a message of God's righteousness, mans falability and rebelion, God's punishment, and forgiveness.

In fact I believe this little verse in the old testament book of Micah sums up what we should strive for in our relationship with God:
He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8

God bless

 

[eph3Nine]

When a verse in God's "word of truth" such as 2Tim.2:15 which occurs only ONCE in His Word---this SHOULD draw our specific attention to it. It should leap off the page and into your heart. By the teaching and guidance of the Holy Spirit, I have learned to apply the precept of "rightly dividing" and my study of Scripture has been made so much more clear and plain. I truly enjoy my time in Bible study and I am "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed".

Oh, wouldn't you agree that "handling" and "dividing" do NOT have the same meaning?

May we all pray for wisdom asking God to rid us of our own mind and to fill the void with His Word of Truth!!!

Amen, Found in Him....God uses specific words for specific reasons. If we would all just allow Him to REVEAL His manifold wisdom to US by reading what the words SAY on the page, think of how many would be edified beyond the telling!

 

[timlamb]

Amen, Found in Him

....God uses specific words for specific reasons.

If we would all just allow Him to REVEAL His manifold wisdom to US by reading what the words SAY on the page, think of how many would be edified beyond the telling!

So you're saying the KJV is the only correct bible and every word was chosen by God? Who are Ye that thou shouldst make such a claim ?

 

[eph3Nine]

Please READ this excellent description of right division.

Dont argue...just READ it!


RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD AS TO ITS SUBJECT- MATTER:

It is the common belief (albeit IN ERROR)that every part of the Bible is to be interpreted directly as referring to "the church of God", or as pertaining to every person, at every stage of the world's history.

This neglect of the precept to rightly divide it, is an effectual bar to the right understanding of the Word and to our enjoyment of its study. This non-understanding of the Word is the explanation of its neglect, and this neglect is the reason why so many, who should be feeding on the spiritual food of the Word are so ill-fed in themselves; and so ill-furnished for every good work (2Tim.3:17).

While the word of God is written FOR all persons, and FOR all time, yet it is not true that NOT every part of it is addressed to ALL persons or about ALL persons in ALL time.

THREE DISTINCT CLASSES OF PERSONS:

Every word is written for our learning and contains what all ought to know; yet its subject-matter is written according to the principle involved in 1Cor.10:32, and is written concerning one or other of 3 distinct classes of persons:

The Jews, the Gentiles, and the church of God.


According to general belief, everything that goes to make up the subject-matter of the Word of God is about only one of these three, and whatever may be said about the other two (the Jews & the Gentiles), all is interpreted of only the one (the church of God). This comes out of selfishness which pertains to human nature; which in doing this and all beside, is ever ready to appropriate that which belongs to others. But no greater impediment to a right understanding of the Word could possibly be devised.

I believe every word from Genesis to Revelation. There is NOT one word that I can do without; NOT one word that I can dispense with, without loss. I do not want to deprive any one of any portion of "the word of truth."

What is written to and about the Jew belongs to and must be interpreted of the Jew.

What is written of and about the Gentile belongs to and must be interpreted of the Gentile.

What is written to and about the church of God belongs to and must be interpreted of the church of God.


Believe God when He says that the visions shown to Isaiah were "concerning Judah and Jerusalem" (Isa.1:1). It is true that they were written for us and "for our learning" (Rom.15:4) but they are NOT addressed TO us or written concerning us, but "concerning Judah and Jerusalem." It would be an act of dishonesty for us to appropriate, by interpreting of ourselves, that which is spoken of Israel.

In like manner, if we do take as some do, the words of the Epistle to Ephesians as though they were written to, or concerning the Gentiles (the unconverted world), then we not only rob "the church of God" of its most precious heritage, but we teach the universal Fatherhood of God, instead of His Fatherhood of only those who are His children in Christ Jesus. It will be seen that unless we rightly divide the subject-matter of "the word of truth", we shall not get the truth, but shall get error instead.

Every part of the Bible is written "concerning" one or other of these 3 divisions, or classes of persons. Sometimes, in the same passage or book, there may be that which is concerning all 3. Sometimes a whole book may be concerning only 1 of these 3, and the other 2 are altogether excluded. We may all 3 learn much from what is written of only the 1; for the inspired, God-breathed Word is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction" for all who shall read it (2Tim.3:16). That which happened to Israel happened unto them for examples, "and they are written for our admonition" (1Cor.10:11), "whatsoever was written aforetime was written for our learning." (Rom.15:4)

 

[timlamb]

Please READ this excellent description of right division.

Dont argue...just READ it!


RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD AS TO ITS SUBJECT- MATTER:

It is the common belief (albeit IN ERROR)that every part of the Bible is to be interpreted directly as referring to "the church of God", or as pertaining to every person, at every stage of the world's history.

This neglect of the precept to rightly divide it, is an effectual bar to the right understanding of the Word and to our enjoyment of its study. This non-understanding of the Word is the explanation of its neglect, and this neglect is the reason why so many, who should be feeding on the spiritual food of the Word are so ill-fed in themselves; and so ill-furnished for every good work (2Tim.3:17).

While the word of God is written FOR all persons, and FOR all time, yet it is not true that NOT every part of it is addressed to ALL persons or about ALL persons in ALL time.

THREE DISTINCT CLASSES OF PERSONS:

Every word is written for our learning and contains what all ought to know; yet its subject-matter is written according to the principle involved in 1Cor.10:32, and is written concerning one or other of 3 distinct classes of persons:

The Jews, the Gentiles, and the church of God.


According to general belief, everything that goes to make up the subject-matter of the Word of God is about only one of these three, and whatever may be said about the other two (the Jews & the Gentiles), all is interpreted of only the one (the church of God). This comes out of selfishness which pertains to human nature; which in doing this and all beside, is ever ready to appropriate that which belongs to others. But no greater impediment to a right understanding of the Word could possibly be devised.

I believe every word from Genesis to Revelation. There is NOT one word that I can do without; NOT one word that I can dispense with, without loss. I do not want to deprive any one of any portion of "the word of truth."

What is written to and about the Jew belongs to and must be interpreted of the Jew.

What is written of and about the Gentile belongs to and must be interpreted of the Gentile.

What is written to and about the church of God belongs to and must be interpreted of the church of God.


Believe God when He says that the visions shown to Isaiah were "concerning Judah and Jerusalem" (Isa.1:1). It is true that they were written for us and "for our learning" (Rom.15:4) but they are NOT addressed TO us or written concerning us, but "concerning Judah and Jerusalem." It would be an act of dishonesty for us to appropriate, by interpreting of ourselves, that which is spoken of Israel.

In like manner, if we do take as some do, the words of the Epistle to Ephesians as though they were written to, or concerning the Gentiles (the unconverted world), then we not only rob "the church of God" of its most precious heritage, but we teach the universal Fatherhood of God, instead of His Fatherhood of only those who are His children in Christ Jesus. It will be seen that unless we rightly divide the subject-matter of "the word of truth", we shall not get the truth, but shall get error instead.

Every part of the Bible is written "concerning" one or other of these 3 divisions, or classes of persons. Sometimes, in the same passage or book, there may be that which is concerning all 3. Sometimes a whole book may be concerning only 1 of these 3, and the other 2 are altogether excluded. We may all 3 learn much from what is written of only the 1; for the inspired, God-breathed Word is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction" for all who shall read it (2Tim.3:16). That which happened to Israel happened unto them for examples, "and they are written for our admonition" (1Cor.10:11), "whatsoever was written aforetime was written for our learning." (Rom.15:4)

To "rightly divide" is simply to correctly interpret and apply scripture. There is some truth in what you post, in that we must look at who is talking to whom to understand and interpret and apply it. But you are far to radical and exclusive with this thinking.

You don't believe the book of James applies to us;
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, comming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the words of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created." James 1:17-18
Beautiful inspired scripture, yet you say it is not ours.

"So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him. Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him." 2 peter 3:14-15
once again, inspired words, but you do not encourage others to read and use them.

Lets just get to proclaiming the Gospel, bringing people to salvation in Jesus the Christ, and not confuse people by excluding any teaching. The good news is salvation through Jesus, and that is all we need.

 

[eph3Nine]

Lets get to the business of "preaching Jesus Christ ACCORDING TO THE Revelation of the MYSTERY"...which is exactly what is being presented here.

Some dont want to acknowledge that Jesus Christ in His earthly ministry preached and taught the LAW, and taught it to the Jew ALONE.

That is NOT the gospel that saves today. The red letters in our bibles are NOT the words written to US for OUR salvation, but to the Jewish nation for THEIRS!

We are told in scripture to "teach NO OTHER DOCTRINE" but that which was delivered to PAUL, BY the RISEN and GLORIFIED LORD JESUS Christ, TO we who are the Church, which is His BODY.

How can we cooperate with God if we dont know WHAT GOSPEL He is presenting to the world today???

I submit, we cant!

And thats when we get into the serious business of preaching another jesus and another gospel, which Paul says carries with it a CURSE...and he says it TWICE!

Many have a zeal for God , but without knowledge. That knowledge is presented in its totality in our Bibles. ALL of the Bible is for us, for our learning, but we CAN and DO SEE the distinctiveness of the specific doctrine presented to we the Body of Christ by studying Pauls letters ALONE.

The Words of the RISEN CHRIST were entrusted to Paul and it is THERE we find the "gospel of OUR salvation" in this age of GRACE.

 

[Iosias]

How can God's Word be "rightly" divided by un-believers?

That is not what I said, rather we must recognise when the Bible talks about believers and when it talks about unbelievers. E.g. Is Romans 5:8 about believers or unbelievers?

 

[Tychicum]

You don't believe the book of James applies to us;
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, comming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the words of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created." James 1:17-18
Beautiful inspired scripture, yet you say it is not ours.

"So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him. Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him." 2 peter 3:14-15
once again, inspired words, but you do not encourage others to read and use them.

Lets just get to proclaiming the Gospel, bringing people to salvation in Jesus the Christ, and not confuse people by excluding any teaching. The good news is salvation through Jesus, and that is all we need.

Tim those books you reference are for our "use" ... our study. All Scripture is profitable for our study ...

However it those books are not our marching orders. They are not written "to us".

To use an extreme example ... Noah was go build a boat. I learn from the study of Noah's actions. I learn from God's instructions to Noah ... to build the boat ...

That said ... I am not going to build a boat. The instructions from God were to Noah. Not me.

 

[Tychicum]

Lets just get to proclaiming the Gospel, bringing people to salvation in Jesus the Christ, and not confuse people by excluding any teaching. The good news is salvation through Jesus, and that is all we need.

If we were to do what you suggest God would have provided us a tract ... not 66 Books.

God wants us to know all this doctrine ... or He wouldn't have provided and preserved it for our use.

 

[timlamb]

If we were to do what you suggest God would have provided us a tract ... not 66 Books.

God wants us to know all this doctrine ... or He wouldn't have provided and preserved it for our use.

A TRACT? I am the one saying use the whole bible, you wish to narrow the scope of teaching.

 

[Tychicum]

A TRACT? I am the one saying use the whole bible, you wish to narrow the scope of teaching.

I know what you think you said ...

But on the other-hand you said you wished to narrow it. Keep it simple.

So what rules ... what a person says ... or what they do?

Your path would eliminate all of the Doctrine which we discuss here day in and day out ...

Mine includes it ALL ... but studies it in its context.

 

[Tychicum]

timlamb ... a simple question for you ...

Do you practice footwashing?

If not why not ... ?

 

[timlamb]

eph3Nine]Lets get to the business of "preaching Jesus Christ ACCORDING TO THE Revelation of the MYSTERY"...which is exactly what is being presented here.

No, so far all you have presented is the proclaimation of a "mystery". This should be a simple request, show me scripture that is exclusivly Paul's, taught no where else in scripture, and not intended for Jews.

Some dont want to acknowledge that Jesus Christ in His earthly ministry preached and taught the LAW, and taught it to the Jew ALONE.

Show me where Paul taught something different than the teaching of Jesus, no don't, it will only upset me, I have already see how bb123 has taught his verson of the beattitudes.

We are told in scripture to "teach NO OTHER DOCTRINE" but that which was delivered to PAUL, BY the RISEN and GLORIFIED LORD JESUS Christ, TO we who are the Church, which is His BODY.

Again, scripture that is exclusively Pauls, taught by no one else, for no one but the Gentiles.

How can we cooperate with God if we dont know WHAT GOSPEL He is presenting to the world today???

I submit, we cant!

OK, teach me that Gospel, Pauls alone, for the Gentiles.

The Words of the RISEN CHRIST were entrusted to Paul and it is THERE we find the "gospel of OUR salvation" in this age of GRACE.

[/quote]
Show me the salvation from Paul that is exclusively his teaching for no one but the Gentiles.

I love reading Paul, he has his own unique message, as do all the authors of the bible; but the salvation Gospel is not exclusively Pauls!!
PROVE ME WRONG
and don't say you already have. It would take only a few verses to show me what I am missing that is exclusive to Paul

 

[timlamb]

I know what you think you said ...

But on the other-hand you said you wished to narrow it. Keep it simple.

So what rules ... what a person says ... or what they do?

Your path would eliminate all of the Doctrine which we discuss here day in and day out ...

Mine includes it ALL ... but studies it in its context.

I think you know what I meant, you are just picking nits.

 

[timlamb]

timlamb ... a simple question for you ...

Do you practice footwashing?

If not why not ... ?

I have been at a foot washing and particapated from both ends. It is what it was meant to be, a humbleing act of servetude, you should try it.

 

[Tychicum]

This should be a simple request, show me scripture that is exclusivly Paul's, taught no where else in scripture, and not intended for Jews.

You are twisting the message tim. (or you truly don't follow) ...

Paul taught to Jew and Gentile BOTH. God had turned from Israel ... but Paul (bless him) kept on keeping on. Until Acts 28 at least ...

Acts 28:27-30 KJV For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (28) Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. (29) And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. (30) And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him ...

It was Jesus and the 12 who restricted their ministry ... and it was to the Jews.

Rom 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

 

[Tychicum]

By the way ... Jesus earthly ministry included the keeping of the whole of the 613 Laws included in the Old Testament.

You keep them all (including animal sacrifice) as well ... ?

 

[biblebeliever123]

Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

 

[Tychicum]

The strangest thing is that most people don't even know the purpose of the Law.

Rom 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound.

It was to INCREASE offense ... so as a schoolmaster it would instruct man on the futility of keeping the Law ... that they must abandon self-righteousness and rely solely on God.

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
(Gal 3:23-25 KJV)

That someone does NOT know that is just a shame ...

I hope some of those TV preachers are made to clean stables in heaven ... for eternity ... as part of their "reward" for spreading so much bad doctrine ...