"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2nd Timothy 2:15)
I see this verse a lot when people argue about what the Bible actually says. It's usually used as a point of validation for what someone believes vs. what another believes. "Well," the verse claims, "..if you were rightly dividing the word of truth you would believe like me." Of course, it's an empty position of authority that bears no credence to the truth. It's simply someone claiming a position of self-righteousness that can neither be validated or refuted. I suppose it only serves to insulate the conscience of the one using it: a sort of "I told him" satisfaction that asserts superiority and simultaneously nullifies the spiritual law of oneness in Christ. Frankly, it's disgusting.
Never argue about what the scripture says. Usually, it is there in black and white. However, what the scripture means is another thing altogether.
But here's the thing we don't acknowledge about the scriptures: God does not dispense understanding democratically. We don't all get the same level of understanding. By God's grace we receive anything, and the type and amount of grace we receive are unique to the gifts and calling of the person. Furthermore, if we desire a place of leadership within the church it is a good thing, but expect that God will prepare us to be established in that role. It won't come by studying the scriptures and memorizing verses. Many Jews memorized all the scriptures but they could not see who Jesus was as He walked among them. Being promoted by God comes by the things we suffer: by experiencing the grace of God in our lives through many trials. There is no other way.
This is the clear meaning of the verse above: "Demonstrate that you are the Lord's by obeying what He tells you." As we walk in the light, we reflect his character. As we mature, we may properly say "As you see me you see the Father." This is the simple demonstration He is after. However, to get to that point, there is much we must suffer. To hear the Lord and to walk by the Spirit more excellently requires the high price of denying ourselves and taking up our daily cross. Then we will know Him more and know more about what the scriptures mean.
Let me give you an example from my own life. If I wrote a letter to my wife, a personal letter, and sent it to her from a place overseas... If English professors at Harvard read it and said "This is what Aaron56 is saying to his wife" but then my wife reads it and says "No, Aaron56 means this..." Who would you believe? You should believe my wife because after spending 30+ years with me she would know my character, any idiosyncrasies I have and colloquialisms I might use, how I write and what things are important to me. She knows me better than anyone at Harvard because she has been in a relationship with me over several decades. The same is true with the Lord: we will know the Lord by the things we experience with Him. And, as we imitate those who, through faith and patience inherit the promises of God, He will dispense to us greater understanding. Those who show excellence in the lesser things will be given greater responsibility in the kingdom.
Grace and Peace,
Aaron56
I see this verse a lot when people argue about what the Bible actually says. It's usually used as a point of validation for what someone believes vs. what another believes. "Well," the verse claims, "..if you were rightly dividing the word of truth you would believe like me." Of course, it's an empty position of authority that bears no credence to the truth. It's simply someone claiming a position of self-righteousness that can neither be validated or refuted. I suppose it only serves to insulate the conscience of the one using it: a sort of "I told him" satisfaction that asserts superiority and simultaneously nullifies the spiritual law of oneness in Christ. Frankly, it's disgusting.
Never argue about what the scripture says. Usually, it is there in black and white. However, what the scripture means is another thing altogether.
But here's the thing we don't acknowledge about the scriptures: God does not dispense understanding democratically. We don't all get the same level of understanding. By God's grace we receive anything, and the type and amount of grace we receive are unique to the gifts and calling of the person. Furthermore, if we desire a place of leadership within the church it is a good thing, but expect that God will prepare us to be established in that role. It won't come by studying the scriptures and memorizing verses. Many Jews memorized all the scriptures but they could not see who Jesus was as He walked among them. Being promoted by God comes by the things we suffer: by experiencing the grace of God in our lives through many trials. There is no other way.
This is the clear meaning of the verse above: "Demonstrate that you are the Lord's by obeying what He tells you." As we walk in the light, we reflect his character. As we mature, we may properly say "As you see me you see the Father." This is the simple demonstration He is after. However, to get to that point, there is much we must suffer. To hear the Lord and to walk by the Spirit more excellently requires the high price of denying ourselves and taking up our daily cross. Then we will know Him more and know more about what the scriptures mean.
Let me give you an example from my own life. If I wrote a letter to my wife, a personal letter, and sent it to her from a place overseas... If English professors at Harvard read it and said "This is what Aaron56 is saying to his wife" but then my wife reads it and says "No, Aaron56 means this..." Who would you believe? You should believe my wife because after spending 30+ years with me she would know my character, any idiosyncrasies I have and colloquialisms I might use, how I write and what things are important to me. She knows me better than anyone at Harvard because she has been in a relationship with me over several decades. The same is true with the Lord: we will know the Lord by the things we experience with Him. And, as we imitate those who, through faith and patience inherit the promises of God, He will dispense to us greater understanding. Those who show excellence in the lesser things will be given greater responsibility in the kingdom.
Grace and Peace,
Aaron56
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