Why Rightly dividing is a scriptural NECESSITY!

[eph3Nine]

4. Rightly dividing the word: A scriptural necessity

The above passages illustrate the importance of distinguishing between the different gospels that were preached in the Bible.

Many Christians, though, fail to distinguish between these gospels. Because of this, they may erroneously claim certain promises and doctrines which, although scripturally accurate, are not meant to be claimed today in the dispensation of grace.

Even some scriptural doctrines, such as the observance of the Jewish dietary law, are not mandatory in the Christian faith today (contrary to what some legalistic brethren would have us believe). The reason such confusion reigns today is largely because many Christians fail to heed the apostle Paul's instructions to "rightly divide the word" in 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.

In order to rightly divide "the word of truth" (the Bible), notice that we must first study the word.

And all Christians do indeed make divisions in the Word of God. For instance, most Christians make a division between the Old and New Testaments, based on tradition. But in order to be a "workman that needeth not to be ashamed", we should adhere only to the divisions the Lord has made, and adopt the same attitude taken by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, as well as all other men of God in the Bible: The scriptures alone are to be our final authority, and we should recognize them as being the inspired and inerrant word of God.

 

[eph3Nine]

Do YOU know that there are many "gospels" in the Bible? Do you know which piece of good news is to YOU in this present dispensation of GRACE? If you dont, you SHOULD....do these mini studies and learn what God has for YOU. Dont STEAL from Israel that which doesnt belong to you...but take freely what God has provided SPECIFICALLY FOR you.

 

[biblebeliever123]

4. Rightly dividing the word: A scriptural necessity

The above passages illustrate the importance of distinguishing between the different gospels that were preached in the Bible.

Many Christians, though, fail to distinguish between these gospels. Because of this, they may erroneously claim certain promises and doctrines which, although scripturally accurate, are not meant to be claimed today in the dispensation of grace.

Even some scriptural doctrines, such as the observance of the Jewish dietary law, are not mandatory in the Christian faith today (contrary to what some legalistic brethren would have us believe). The reason such confusion reigns today is largely because many Christians fail to heed the apostle Paul's instructions to "rightly divide the word" in 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.

In order to rightly divide "the word of truth" (the Bible), notice that we must first study the word.

And all Christians do indeed make divisions in the Word of God. For instance, most Christians make a division between the Old and New Testaments, based on tradition. But in order to be a "workman that needeth not to be ashamed", we should adhere only to the divisions the Lord has made, and adopt the same attitude taken by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, as well as all other men of God in the Bible: The scriptures alone are to be our final authority, and we should recognize them as being the inspired and inerrant word of God.

It's very important for believers, those who have trusted the good news that Christ died for their sins, was buried, and rose again for their justification to 'rightly divide' the word of truth. We are to cut straight...not chopping or throwing away God's Word but recognizing that the Bible is a progressive book and contains material pertinent to not only ourselves in this BUT NOW dispensation of the grace of God...but also those in TIME PAST and AGES TO COME.

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.

Rightly divide the WORD OF TRUTH which is ... ?

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Rightly divide the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15) .... which is... the gospel of YOUR SALVATION (Eph. 1:13).

Some 'straight cuts' to consider making in study the scriptures... Prophecy/Mystery.....Law/Grace....Kingdom gospel/Gospel of the grace of God....time past, but now, ages to come.

 

[foundinHim]

Amen sisters Amen. We do not stand alone!!!

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints,
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
For which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
"According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death."

 

[foundinHim]

"rightly dividing the word of truth" is a great requirement of God's written word.

(2Tim.2:15)
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

The scope of this verse plainly teaches that:
1) our one great study is to seek God's approval, and not man's.
2) we are to show all diligence in pursuing this study.
3) as workmen, our aim is to have no cause to be ashamed of our work.
4) in order to gain God's approval and prevent our own shame, we must "rightly" divide "the word of truth".
5) to do this, we must direct our studies in the right way.
6) this great requirement is associated with "the word" in its special character as being "the word of truth".
7) because this is "the word of truth", its paths must be well noted, the sign-posts must be observed, and the directions & guides which are in "the word" itself must be followed.

(Prov.3:6) "In all thy ways acknowledge Him. And He shall direct thy paths."

 

[eph3Nine]

"rightly dividing the word of truth" is a great requirement of God's written word.

(2Tim.2:15)
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

The scope of this verse plainly teaches that:
1) our one great study is to seek God's approval, and not man's.
2) we are to show all diligence in pursuing this study.
3) as workmen, our aim is to have no cause to be ashamed of our work.
4) in order to gain God's approval and prevent our own shame, we must "rightly" divide "the word of truth".
5) to do this, we must direct our studies in the right way.
6) this great requirement is associated with "the word" in its special character as being "the word of truth".
7) because this is "the word of truth", its paths must be well noted, the sign-posts must be observed, and the directions & guides which are in "the word" itself must be followed.

(Prov.3:6) "In all thy ways acknowledge Him. And He shall direct thy paths."

amen found in him

 

[stratt]

If i might give a small amount of critisism on this issue of "rightly dividing the word"

I have noticed that this phrase doesnt occur that often in scripture..... It almost seems like when the mormons when they take verses out of context to prove their points.... they take obsucure passages and it just seems like it could be seen as a similar situation.

Not that i am saying you are wrong in doing this, or even that it is out of context, i am just wondering if it kind of sounds like a "cult style motto."

I have only really known of dispensationalisim for about 2 weeks, but i have heard the same verse about 20 times..... i wonder if it may be overkill......

just a thought, not really judging.... just wanting to hear your responces.

 

[eph3Nine]

How many times does God have to put something in His Word to make it an instruction worth following? Answer: To those who are smart...wink wink...the answer is ONLY ONCE!

He tells us to "Study ...to show ourselves approved unto Him (which leads ME to believe that there will be some who are NOT, due to NOT following these directions), so that we will be workmen not needing to be ASHAMED (doesnt this imply to you that there WILL be some who WILL be ashamed because they DIDNT study the way God tells us to?)...why will they be ashamed??? Because they DIDNT rightly divide the Word of Truth.

It may be only ONE verse, but its critical to our understanding Gods program for TODAY. The entire bible is written with TIMES PAST, But NOW and ages to come in mind.(Ephesians 2:11, 12,13 and verse 7)

Gen thru Acts=

God dealing with the nation ISRAEL/Kingdom program/Law and the prophets/prophecy......Times PAST

Romans thru Philemon=

God dealing with a NEW man/NEW creation, the Body of Christ/MYSTERY program/GRACE alone/based on the revelation DIRECTLY from the RISEN Lord of Glory to Paul....OUR marching orders in the BUT NOW.

Hebrews thru Revelation=

God RESUMES His program with Israel (they HAVE seven years left on their timetable which was INTERRUPTED when God put into play the MYSTERY given to Paul) and these books will be the instructions Israel will follow and use in AGES to COME. The church the body of Christ is GONE/having been raptured at this time.

 

[timlamb]

If i might give a small amount of critisism on this issue of "rightly dividing the word"

I have noticed that this phrase doesnt occur that often in scripture..... It almost seems like when the mormons when they take verses out of context to prove their points.... they take obsucure passages and it just seems like it could be seen as a similar situation.

Not that i am saying you are wrong in doing this, or even that it is out of context, i am just wondering if it kind of sounds like a "cult style motto."

I have only really known of dispensationalisim for about 2 weeks, but i have heard the same verse about 20 times..... i wonder if it may be overkill......

just a thought, not really judging.... just wanting to hear your responces.

You are right to be skeptical. "Rightly Dividing", from 2Timothy 2:15 was a remark made in passing. Paul was simply saying, "Interpret correctly", and study ALL of the "word of truth" to understand what God intended.

It is not the doctrine of all dispensationalists either. It is the catch phrase of a few who believe Paul teaches some different Gospel than Jesus or James or John, or anyone else in the new Testament.

 

[stratt]

Dear timbland,

You dont think that the diciples taught a different gospel? Werent the diciples unaware that jesus would die and rise from the dead until it actually happened?

 

[foundinHim]

dear stratt:

There are very many verses in "the holy Scriptures" that occur only once...in 2Tim.2:15, and the first part of the verse says to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God," right?

I am a very serious student of God's Word of truth and when I read a verse such as this one...I believe God wants us to apply this precept when studying His Word...also since it occurs only once, it should catch our attention and make us desire to know what He is saying to us with the guidance and teaching of the Holy Spirit.

For me personally, this verse leapt off the page and into my heart and has caused me to enjoy my studying of Scripture.

 

[timlamb]

dear stratt:

There are very many verses in "the holy Scriptures" that occur only once...in 2Tim.2:15, and the first part of the verse says to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God," right?

I am a very serious student of God's Word of truth and when I read a verse such as this one...I believe God wants us to apply this precept when studying His Word...also since it occurs only once, it should catch our attention and make us desire to know what He is saying to us with the guidance and teaching of the Holy Spirit.

For me personally, this verse leapt off the page and into my heart and has caused me to enjoy my studying of Scripture.

but stratt, "Rightly Dividing" , as interpreted by some concerning dividing the word of God, is no way to study and shew thy self approved.

Correctly interpret all scripture for truth is a complete study.

 

[timlamb]

Dear timbland,

You dont think that the diciples taught a different gospel? Werent the diciples unaware that jesus would die and rise from the dead until it actually happened?

The diciples were confused until they recieved the Holy spirit, then they were commissioned by Jesus to take the Gospel to all nations. It was after they understood, and recieved the Holy Spirit that they wrote their accounts, by the guiding of the Holy Spirit. Their words are for all believers, and there is only one Gospel in scripture, if you know what the term means, it being salvation has come by Grace to all who believe in Jesus as Christ, Son of the Living God, as Peter said. No other Gospels were taught in scripture. Paul warned about false teachers with a different gospel, but what is taught in scripture is the truth.

If you are "dividing" the word, you are not "rightly interpreting" the word.

 

[eph3Nine]

dear stratt:

There are very many verses in "the holy Scriptures" that occur only once...in 2Tim.2:15, and the first part of the verse says to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God," right?

I am a very serious student of God's Word of truth and when I read a verse such as this one...I believe God wants us to apply this precept when studying His Word...also since it occurs only once, it should catch our attention and make us desire to know what He is saying to us with the guidance and teaching of the Holy Spirit.

For me personally, this verse leapt off the page and into my heart and has caused me to enjoy my studying of Scripture.

amen foundinhim....unfortunately there are those who dont take ANYTHING God says as serious...but think he was only saying something "in passing"....Lord have mercy.

 

[timlamb]

amen foundinhim....

unfortunately there are those who dont take ANYTHING God says as serious...

but think he was only saying something "in passing"....Lord have mercy.

And this from a person who says the Words of Jesus the Christ, son of the living God, are not for them.

 

[A Brother In Christ]

rightly dividing scripture

#1 context
#2 who is it written too.
#3 attitude of scripture
#4 who, when, what, where, why
#5 diagram ... the greek

pull back and look at big picture

context to book/bible

#6 cross reference
... ... 1. words
... ... 2. concordance
... ... ... 3. theoghy [schafer]

#7 culture/ history of time
#8 topic
... concoredance every word... vines/wilson to help
theolgicial study ..kramer

 

[stratt]

I would like to put something out here....

First of all, i am going to assume that all the groups in here love God, and interpret things as best as their minds and hearts will let them.

I just want to raise some thoughts....

#1 the diciples followed Jesus, (who i think we all believe was god in the flesh) but the disiples didnt know that jesus would die. They were ignorant of the truth.

#2 Each person here could read the bible for 1000years, and STILL not know what the bible is FULLY saying. I mean by this that there is enough in there to keep us busy and in a state of constant learning, for longer than we will live.

#3 there was once a man named silly billy , he was a simple man, and mildly ignorant of what most people think makes a man. One day he went to an area of the city where wise and prudent men were discussing the doctrine of the trinity. Silly billy appeared to be taking notes and one of the prudent men asked ,in jest, to see what he had wrote. When the man uncrumpled the little piece of paper billy had been taking notes on, he saw this....

these things silly billy sees
3 in 1 and 1 in 3
and 1 of them has died for me.

Now taking in to account these 3 things.... why do you think we are in the dark? I am sure that we each believe we KNOW the truth... but do we? Is intellect even a means of understanding?

1Co 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

1Co 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wisee; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

1Co 1:20 Where is the wise ? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Now, to some or all of you, these verses may seem to be out of context.... But what i am trying to say is that mabey god is not so much a matter of the mind, but a matter of the heart.

If the disciples WALKED with jesus and STILL didnt understand
And the foolish man in his dimwittedness CAN undertand....
then what?

The bible is the kind of book, that if you read it looking for proof FOR war..... YOU WILL FIND IT.

and looking for proof AGAINST war..... YOU WILL FIND IT.

looking FOR god .... YOU WILL FIND IT

looking for NO god.... YOU WILL FIND IT.

You see..... its a matter of the heart....

mabey we should read it looking for salvation, and a relationship with god.... not just for ourselves, but also for each other.

As i said, just a thought.... i dont know if it is correct.

 

[foundinHim]

yes dear stratt...to know Him more is to love Him more and to love Him more is to know Him more!!!

As a member of the body of Christ, I love to share Scripture with others, so I hope you will receive these verses in love, as they are intended...

(1Cor.2:10-16)
But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him?
even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Which things also we speak,
not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth,
but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:
for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
For who hath known the mind of the LORD, that he may instruct Him?
But we have the mind of Christ.

I agree with you that God's Word is inexhaustible. The desire of my heart (the 'new' one that He has given me) is to do God's will for me, every day and in every way. And by doing His will for me, I will glorify Christ, in all I think, say, and do.

May Christ the Living Word dwell in us richly!!!

 

[timlamb]

I would like to put something out here....

First of all, i am going to assume that all the groups in here love God, and interpret things as best as their minds and hearts will let them.

I just want to raise some thoughts....

#1 the diciples followed Jesus, (who i think we all believe was god in the flesh) but the disiples didnt know that jesus would die. They were ignorant of the truth.

#2 Each person here could read the bible for 1000years, and STILL not know what the bible is FULLY saying. I mean by this that there is enough in there to keep us busy and in a state of constant learning, for longer than we will live.

#3 there was once a man named silly billy , he was a simple man, and mildly ignorant of what most people think makes a man. One day he went to an area of the city where wise and prudent men were discussing the doctrine of the trinity. Silly billy appeared to be taking notes and one of the prudent men asked ,in jest, to see what he had wrote. When the man uncrumpled the little piece of paper billy had been taking notes on, he saw this....

these things silly billy sees
3 in 1 and 1 in 3
and 1 of them has died for me.

Now taking in to account these 3 things.... why do you think we are in the dark? I am sure that we each believe we KNOW the truth... but do we? Is intellect even a means of understanding?

1Co 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

1Co 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wisee; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

1Co 1:20 Where is the wise ? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Now, to some or all of you, these verses may seem to be out of context.... But what i am trying to say is that mabey god is not so much a matter of the mind, but a matter of the heart.

If the disciples WALKED with jesus and STILL didnt understand
And the foolish man in his dimwittedness CAN undertand....
then what?

The bible is the kind of book, that if you read it looking for proof FOR war..... YOU WILL FIND IT.

and looking for proof AGAINST war..... YOU WILL FIND IT.

looking FOR god .... YOU WILL FIND IT

looking for NO god.... YOU WILL FIND IT.

You see..... its a matter of the heart....

mabey we should read it looking for salvation, and a relationship with god.... not just for ourselves, but also for each other.

As i said, just a thought.... i dont know if it is correct.

Amen, stratt and silly billy, Amen

 

[biblebeliever123]

Anyone who would think that Paul has little to say about 'study' because he only uses that word in 2 verses in his epistles has failed to read Paul's epistles with understanding.

We are to indeed study the whole Bible, the inspired, preserved Word of God...the full revelation of God to mankind.
For the body of Christ we have been given specific instructions pertaining specifically to the gospel of our salvation and our walk as believers in the dispensation of the gospel of the grace of God. Paul was given those specific instructions...and his message the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery was given him by direct revelation from the risen, ascended Lord of glory.
We are to KNOW some things and as those of us who are parents will agree ( I would hope) .... in order to know something we tell our children.. go do your homework STUDY.

2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.2 Timothy 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
(We are told here to CONSIDER what Paul has to say)

2 Corinthians 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
2 Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;
2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

Ephesians 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

These verses were given to show that God wants us to have knowledge of him and knowledge of the mystery he revealed to paul and the purpose he revealed it. He had kept it hid in himself until revealed to Paul. It's not something to be made little of or taken lightly.

Consider what Paul says and the Lord give thee understanding.

1 Corinthians 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.