“Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth” - 2 Timothy 2:15 (Amplified).
If Paul is encouraging Timothy to correctly handle the word of truth, then there must be incorrect ways to handle it as well. In fact, Paul mentions one wrong approach in verse 14 where he tells Timothy to warn believers against quarreling over words.
Sadly, many American believers are not even equipped with a “basic training” level when it comes to observing, interpreting and applying the word of truth. Few are genuinely familiar with Scripture. Instead, they settle to be spoon fed by leaders they follow. Rarely is there an emphasis on training disciples how to encounter God through the Word for themselves? Who wants to take the time to do that! It’s much easier to let someone else tell us what to believe, why, and how to apply it.
Of course, we have our favorite verses and our pet doctrines. We may even be quite skilled out spouting out verses that support our positions and refute “the opposition” (usually other denominations within His body). It doesn’t matter how these verses fit within their original context or the whole counsel of God. We just use them to argue against those “false teachers” we are convinced “do the devil’s works” and lead people astray. (Funny, that’s what Jesus was accused of doing in His day)!
The word of truth was never meant to be a weapon against other believers. It is only meant as a weapon against demonic forces – those powers that would have us believe and live contrary to God’s revealed truth. The Word must always be coupled with the Spirit which operates from pure motives and sincere love. It then confronts the true enemy of God’s people. I can’t help but wonder what would happen if we spent more time “battling in the heavenlies” instead of arguing or knit-picking with each other!
“But what about deception,” you might ask, “isn’t there a place to speak up”? Oh, absolutely. Bringing correction and even rebuking has its place, but it also has its methods, motivations and discernments! We must have confidence that, although we are warned about many false teacher, false prophets, false shepherds, etc., God is extremely capable of keeping His own. Those who genuinely want to know truth will find it because they are seeking HIM with all their hearts! Therefore, when we do speak, let it be God ordained and backed with His power!
For believers, God’s word is a surgical instrument – piercing and cutting away “the flesh” that is yet to be submitted to His Lordship. It is a lamp, guiding us into his truth. It is a beacon, calling us into times of fellowship where we can learn of Him when our hearts are truly open to know Him more.
In closing, keep in mind that even the demonic realm is aware of God’s word. Satan is seen misquoting and twisting Scripture. Furthermore, the religious leaders in Jesus’ day “searched the Scriptures” but missed the Savior whom those very Scriptures discussed. It is my hopes that as disciples, we will begin to hunger for the word of God like never before in my generation.
I pray we will get trained to accurately handle the word of truth. I hope that we will grow from dependence on church leadership and learn to feed from God directly. May our leaders train us how to discover God through His Word, may it become foundational within our churches.
NOTE: Coaching and training services offered through The Soul Care Center can help you grow in your ability to encounter God through Scripture study, prayer, journaling, service, etc. Our passion is to equip the Body of Christ!
