THE CHILDREN OF PROMISE
"Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise." (Gal 4:28 KJV)
Devotion 2 of 15

RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH

The servant of God must handle the Word of God properly. This is the meaning of Paul's admonition to Timothy. "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). Other translations read, "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). " . . . a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth" (NRSV). " . . . a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth" (NASB). " . . . a workman that has not to be ashamed, cutting in a straight line the word of truth" (Darbys).

This is more than an exhortation to be technically correct in our representation of Scripture, although it makes no allowance whatsoever for a slipshod handling of the Word of God. The PRIMARY thrust of Scripture is what the Lord has done, not what man must do. That is what makes the Gospel GOSPEL! When the enthroned Savior sent the Spirit to begin "the day of salvation," He moved His messengers to speak of "the wonderful works of God" (Acts 2:11). From that day until this, those works, not man's works, are at the heart of the Divine message.

Also, our text (2 Timothy 2:15), is not 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. In fact, the ability to make such distinctions are necessary and commendable. However, that is not the thrust of this 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 spiritual enlightenment and 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 are created in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:10). On the other hand, the words of James would not have been appropriate for the Philippians, who were fighting a good fight of faith, and were noted for their constancy and stability (Phil 1:4-5,29).

These devotions are developed for people who are no longer living "in the flesh," dominated by the sinful nature. They are 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 play a role in correcting this lamentable condition. That will be accomplished by confirming THE NATURE OF SALVATION, rather than merely 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. That is not, however, the general focus of these devotions.

This particular series of devotions, CHILDREN OF PROMISE, focuses on a pivotal truth of the Kingdom--a primary facet of salvation. The New Covenant is based upon Divine commitment, not human response. That fact does not eliminate the requirement for response, but rather provides a means through which acceptable responses may be realized.

PRAYER POINT: Father, grant me grace in Jesus' name to stand before You unashamed in the day of judgment, because I handled Your word in a manner that glorified and pleased You.

-- Tomorrow: THE NEW COVENANT -- A PROMISE --