“Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth”
2 Timothy 2 is chapter full of counsel to preachers in general. In order to give an explanation for 2 Timothy 2:15, let’s read the verse first: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Here, Paul reminds Timothy that only an earnest, faithful minister must rightly represent his Lord and fulfill the important tasks given to him. While the Christian is working with and for his fellow men he must ever remember that the eyes of God are upon him. It is God whom the Christian must ultimately please and not the people.
The truths of the Bible must be rightly interpreted so that no part of the Scriptures will be set in opposition to the picture presented by the Bible as a whole. Each passage of Scripture must be given its true meaning even as every brick in the wall of a building must be placed in its proper place, or the whole wall will be affected.
In 2 Timothy 2: 14, Paul warns against “word battles,” an example of the improper use of the Scripture. To cut the Bible straight suggests that every phase of truth must receive its proper emphasis. Irrelevancies and secondary issues are to be set aside and the focus should be on the subjects that actually prepare men to overcome sin and help them to live triumphantly in Christ. Also, a preacher needs to study God’s word prayerfully under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and be sanctified by it.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
