Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2Timothy 2:15)
These words from Paul to young Timothy represent zealous persistence in accomplishing a goal. Timothy, like all who preach or teach the Word, was to give his maximum effort to impart God’s Word completely, accurately, and clearly to his hearers of the early church. This is crucial to counter the disasterous effects of false teaching rightly dividing – litterally means “cutting it straight” a reference to the exactness demanded by such trades as carpentry, masonry, and Paul’s trade of leather working and tentmaking. Precision and accuracy are required in bibilical interpretation, beyond all other trades because the interpreter is handling God’s Word. Anything less is shameful and brings reproach to God’s work of salvation.
My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment (James 3:1). So you see that being called into the ministry by God holds with it a greater responsibility and an accountability to God and His people who listen to His Words of truth, to be a wise steward rightly dividing the Word to instruct others not be under the subjection of false teachers. When you know your Bible clearly, and study it regularly, Satan can’t deceive you with the twisting of truth and lead you astray. It’s incredibly shameful for people to be sitting in churches across America, and be illiterate of their Bibles, unless their new converts, and will naturally need to be discipled. The church’s biggest weakness is in trying to win the people over they turn to man – made devices of “feel good” messages, and entertainment instead of the whole counsel of God’s Word. While heaven is so important to the believers understanding of their future destination, so is the teaching about hell, and being eternally separated from God because of unbelief in His Son, Jesus Christ, and His offer of redemption.
Beloved friend, Where are you in all this? Are you a student of the Word? Do you look up the Scripture references for yourself when you read this blog? I hope so. Don’t take my word as the authority, we have a accountability to one another, to ward off false teachers, and red flag false doctrine when we hear it. But you won’t be useful unless you study your Bible! Let God help you with His Holy Spirit, to illuminate His Word in your heart. Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee (Psalm 119:11).
May the Lord bless your walk today!
