Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth

1. Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. W. 65th St church of Christ / September 27, 2009

2. Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth Some Things That Hinder • Character Issues • A love for the world – 1 John 2:15-17; Prov. 23:23 • A love for unrighteousness – 2 Thes 2:9-12; Ps 119:97-104 • Pride and a lack of respect for God’s word – Isa. 66:2; Prov. 1:7 W. 65th St church of Christ / September 27, 2009

3. Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth Some Things That Hinder • Approach Issues • Thinking that we can’t – (For clergy only; mysticism; have to have Holy Spirit to help) - Eph. 3:3-5; 5:17 • Preconceived ideas – (To defend what we already believe) - Mat 15:7-9; Rom 10:1-3 • Ignoring Context – (many false doctrines) – John 3:16; 6:44,45; 1 Cor. 1:17; Rev. 20:4 W. 65th St church of Christ / September 27, 2009

4. Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth Some Things That Hinder • Approach Issues • Ignoring the type of language used – (Literal or figurative? Apocalyptic literature) – Gen. 1,2; Rev 1:1 • Ignoring the different ways terms are used – (spirit; soul; one; baptism) – Gen. 1:20,30; Num. 31:28; Mark 12:29-31; 1 Cor. 12:13; Rom. 8:16 W. 65th St church of Christ / September 27, 2009

5. Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth Some Things Necessary • Character Issues • Right attitude – (Isa. 66:2; Prov. 1:7) • Love for truth – (2 Thes 2:10-12) • Honesty – (Luke 8:15; Acts 17:11,12) • Common sense – (Eph 5:17) W. 65th St church of Christ / September 27, 2009

6. Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth Some Things Necessary • Approach Issues • Trust – (2 Tim. 3:16,17; John 17:17) • Hunger – (Mat 5:6; 1 Pet 2:2) • Expectation – (Eph 3:3-5) • A desire to obey it – (John 7:17) Psalm 119:97-104 Proverbs 2:1-7 W. 65th St church of Christ / September 27, 2009

7. Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth Some Things Necessary • Approach Issues • Open minded – (Acts 8:34; 17:11,12; James 1:21) • Examine context – (Psalm 119:160; Prov. 30:5; 2 Tim. 3:16) • Understanding the terms as they are used in the context – (Eph 3:3-5) • Recognizing the difference between figurative and literal language – (Rev. 1:1; Gen. 1,2) W. 65th St church of Christ / September 27, 2009

8. Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth Some Things Necessary • Approach Issues • Recognizing that the Bible doesn’t deal with everything specifically – • However, the scriptures provide the principles where every important question can be answered – (1 Tim. 3:16,17; Heb. 5:12-14; 2 Pet 3:16) • Knowledge of historical circumstances and customs – (John 13:14; 1 Thes 5:26) W. 65th St church of Christ / September 27, 2009

9. Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth Some Things Necessary • Approach Issues • Using accurate translations – • Using commentaries – • Using Lexicons and dictionaries – • Using concordances • Using cross references - W. 65th St church of Christ / September 27, 2009

10. Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth Some Things Necessary • Approach Issues • It is not always easy to come to the correct understanding of a passage or passages – (parables, revelation, some writings of Paul, etc.) • “The first and governing maxim in the interpretation of a statute is to discover the meaning of those who made it." --James Wilson, Of the Study of Law in the United States, 1790 W. 65th St church of Christ / September 27, 2009

11. Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth Easy Yet Difficult • Simple Yet Complex • What must I do to be saved? • What things are sinful? • How do I worship God? • How should the church be organized? • What is the work of the church? W. 65th St church of Christ / September 27, 2009

12. Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. W. 65th St church of Christ / September 27, 2009

13. W. 65th St church of Christ / September 27, 2009