But what does it mean to rightly divide this Word of truth? What does it mean to rightly divide the holy Scriptures of GOD? Well, we are commanded to accurately handle the content of the Bible. We are to correctly learn, teach, and apply all that has been revealed to man in GOD’s Word, to correctly interpret the Scriptures. We are to rightly divide the Word of truth! Scripture should not be taken out of context nor twisted to say what we would like it to say, or even think it says! The Word of GOD is one unified whole which unveils the unchanging nature and character of GOD and the devastating effects of sin, which is a concept that threads throughout the Word.
It also spans from creation to the eternal ages to come, and contains GOD’s wider plan of salvation as well as identifying the arch enemy of GOD and men as the fallen angel, Satan. But is also distinguishes between many important concepts and periods of time. For instance, being saved must be differentiated from growing in the Christian life, and biblical passages that were written specifically to Israel should not be confused with those that were written to the Church.
The pre-Cross doctrine must stand in contrast with the post-Cross teachings and literal passages must not be twisted into spiritual passages, and vice versa.
Scripture is its own interpreter, and the HOLY SPIRIT becomes the teacher of the believer that is walking in spirit and truth, so let us do our best to present ourselves to GOD as one that is approved, workers who do not need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of Truth.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly FATHER, thank You for Your Word of truth and the grace that it contains. I pray that by Your grace, I may walk in spirit and truth as I search the Scriptures daily to discover what Your HOLY SPIRIT would teach me. Give me understanding of Your Word, a teachable spirit, and guide me into all truth, and help me to apply them daily in my walk with You, I pray. In JESUS' wonderful name, AMEN.