RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH

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

The servant of God must handle the Word of God properly. This is the meaning of Paul's admonition to Timothy. "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (NIV). No philosophizing, no experimentation–total honesty.

This is more than an exhortation to be technically correct in our representation of Scripture. Neither, indeed, is it a summons to know where to draw covenantal lines, i.e., knowing what was in force under the old covenant and what is in force under the new covenant. There is certainly nothing wrong with such procedures, but they are not the thrust of the text (2 Tim 2:15). Paul is challenging Timothy to USE the Word of God properly. Truth is to be apportioned, or distributed, in a manner conducive to edification. It would have been out of order, for example, to preach repentance to the Philippian jailor (Acts 16). He had already repented, and was in need of hearing the Gospel. James would have been out of order preaching a grace-dominating message to his readers; they had fallen back into the flesh, and needed a word to awaken them to the need for good works, for which we have been created. The words of James would not have been appropriate for the Philippians, who were fighting a good fight of faith.

The Word of Truth Ministry was developed for people who are no longer living "in the flesh," dominated by the sinful nature. It is tailored especially for those who are fighting the good fight of faith, and have crucified their flesh (Gal 5:24). It should not surprise us that there still is a "remnant, according to the election of grace" (Rom 11:5).

There is a general consensus among these people that spiritual food is sparse in this time. Our objective is to correct this lamentable condition. That will be accomplished by confirming the nature of salvation rather than informing men of what they are supposed to be doing. Make no mistake about this, we have no tolerance at all for disobedience, waywardness, or slothfulness. There is no place in the Kingdom of God for those who draw back and do not press toward the mark. Should we encounter such individuals, we will speak appropriately to them. The thrust of the work of God, however, must always be to build up the saints of the most high God.

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ send forht laborers into Your harvest.

-- Monday: AN ATTITUDE FOR THE PERFECT --