What does it mean to rightly divide the word of truth? I got this from 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.” This clearly states that it is important for us to rightly divide the word of truth, so it is possible to divide the word of truth wrongly. There are so many churches and denominations in Christianity today, and many have taken their doctrines and practices by taking some parts of the Bible and applying it into their churches or their lives. So, how do we go about rightly dividing the word of truth?
Firstly, it is paramount for us to ask ourselves some questions when reading the Bible.
- When was it said?
- To whom was it said?
- What was the motive for the saying?
- Under what dispensation was it said?
- Under what covenant was it?
These and many other questions are required to accurately divide the word of truth. For instance, do you know that the New Testament/Covenant did not really begin until after Jesus died on the cross? Read (The New Covenant did not begin from the book of Matthew) for more understanding.
God deals with us via covenants. Many cases and issues documented in the Old Testament happened under the Old Covenant, but there is now a New Covenant that came in through Jesus, also known as the Covenant of Grace. Please, read the following messages to understand the Old and the New Covenants, which will enable us to rightly divide the word of truth.
