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Rightly Dividing
the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15)
Established November 2008 Published
Weekly on Friday
This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our
Savior, who desires all men (and women) to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1Timothy 2:3-4)
Greetings, one and
all, and welcome to HBS.
The Bible has been
a best-selling book for many years; however, it remains the most cherished
unread book of all time. My parents were
gifted a Bible as a wedding present. It
was a big one and owned a prominent place in our living room, right smack dab
in the center of the coffee table. But I
don’t remember one instance of it being read by anyone. The only time it was picked up or moved was
when my mother dusted the area. Over the
years I came to understand this situation is not abnormal.
When I queried people
attending Bible study many of them said the Bible wasn’t read in their home
either. One reason for this phenomenon turned
up again and again. These folks said they didn’t understand what they were
reading so they quit trying. Plan B in
many cases was to rely solely on their church leader to tell them what the
Scriptures say. I can relate to
this. While attending Catholic school,
during catechism one morning (religious question and answer period prior to
one’s confirmation), the parish pastor said we need not concern ourselves with
what’s in the Bible it was his responsibility to make it clear to us. Now, I’m won’t take the time to explain how
unhelpful and inaccurate that statement was.
Instead, I’ll get right to my point.
The chief reason people say the Bible is confusing or difficult to
comprehend is because most of the churches in existence today do not “rightly divide the Scriptures.” Secondary
to that most of the people sitting in the pews have no idea the command “study” (the Scriptures) is in their Bible (2 Timothy 2:15). I know because I used to be one of these
church-goers.
Please know God
ordained three classes of people in the world and they are the Gentiles, the Jews, and the Grace Age Church: Give
no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of
God; (1 Corinthians 10:32).
It’s not difficult
to determine which one of these three groups the Bible is addressing, and when
you recognize the difference, you are on your way to “rightly dividing the Word of
truth.”
Here’s the thing,
your church leader is not responsible for your lack of biblical knowledge;
ultimately, you will be held accountable for what this book says and doesn’t
say. What’s more, you don’t have to be a
seminary graduate to understand the Scriptures.
I had one church leader tell me the opposite, but that’s another
story. The fact remains any literate twelve-year
old can get truth out of the Bible because it’s written at a sixth grade
reading level; this includes the King James Version. In contrast, USA Today is written at a ninth
grade reading level. People Magazine and
Readers’ Digest are written at an eighth grade reading level. People don’t appear to be shying away from
these magazines, in fact, when I find one in a waiting room, they’ve been read
so often, the pages are frayed and worn.
Compare that to the condition of most Bibles in the home. I seldom see a worn-out Bible nowadays. But when I do I immediately recognize a conscientious
student of God’s Word, which brings me to my final point. You see, there’s more going on here than just
the Bible’s readability it’s also about obtaining and retaining biblical truth
for future generations. Many of the
modern Bible translations “water-down” or remove the original Bible text and
this often alters the meaning of the passage.
Here’s an example from the KJV Bible:
Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great
plainness of speech
(2 Corinthians 3:12).
The same verse
taken from the NKJV reads: Therefore, since we have such hope, we use
great boldness of speech.
The NIV verse
reads: Therefore, since we have a hope, we are very bold.
The Light of Truth
dispels uncertainty and the darkness
where evil dwells. Please know God desires that all men (women is
implied) be saved and come to the
knowledge of the truth (1Timothy 2:3-4).
********
In
our last study, we reviewed the subject of the advancement of biblical truth
through adversity. In verse 12, Paul
gave the Philippians (and us) a principle he wanted them to understand: “Those circumstances which from a human
perspective appear to be obstacles of defeat are by divine providence mere
instruments of victory.”
We
read about this same mindset while reviewing Joseph’s calamity:
But as for you, ye
thought evil against me; but God
meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it
is this day, to save much people alive (Genesis 50:20).
From
this we understand more than a few things.
#1 God is Sovereign over all His creation. No matter what happens to us, God said He will
work it out for our good. He makes known
His plan, purpose, and will to them that
love God, to them who are called according to (what) his purpose (Romans 8:28).
That the God our
Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom
and revelation in the knowledge of him:
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what
is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance
in the saints, And what is the
exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the
working of his mighty power… (Ephesians 1:17-19).
True
Believers understand this life is not about us it is about God and what He
wants.
Please
open your Bible at Philippians 1:14-16.
And many of the
brethren (Believers)
in the Lord, waxing confident (or depending
on the Lord) by my bonds, are much more
bold to speak the word without fear. Some
indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not
sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
And many of the
brethren (Believers)
in the Lord, waxing confident by my
bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear (v14).
Another
way of saying this is, “And the majority
of the brethren, depending on the Lord because of my imprisonment, are more
courageous in speaking the word without fear.”
The Believers in Rome were energized to share the gospel of grace with the unsaved because of Paul’s right
example. Even though in prison and chained
to a Roman soldier 24/7/365, he continued to preach the message of the
cross:
For the love of
Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for (how many) all, then were all dead (to
God): and that he died for all,
that they which live should henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which
died for them, and rose again (2 Corinthians 5:14-16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
These
Believers “depending on” on the risen
and glorified Lord for enablement were “more
bold to speak the word without fear.”
Because many people were doing this in and around the city of Rome more
people heard God’s good news then if Paul had been unencumbered and able to
preach himself. But here’s the thing,
although some folks thought highly of Paul, his gospel, and the way he was
holding up despite his present circumstances, there were other brethren operating in Rome with
ulterior motives. We pick up this truth from Paul’s next
statement: Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and
some also of good will: The one preach
Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my
bonds: (1:15-16).
Here
we recognize two groups defined by their attitude and actions. Some brethren
were sharing the gospel out of good will
or because of their love for the Lord, Paul, and their neighbor. They desired to glorify God and we note this
is in accordance with God’s will.
“And
let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if
we faint not. As we have therefore
opportunity, let us do good unto all men,
especially unto them who are of the
household of faith (Galatians 6:9-10).
But
some of the brethren (from the
household of faith) preached for the wrong reasons. Paul’s saying these egotistical people were
jealous of him and his ministry. They
actually rejoiced over his suffering and were determined to profit from it, not
necessarily for financial gain, but certainly to win people over to their point
of view.
Contention here means selfish ambition. Plainly said, these people were all about
“self.”
Envy is the emotional
feeling of displeasure and disappointment in observing the advantage or
prosperity of another. We read about the
effects of envy when Joseph’s
brethren (his brothers) became envious of him and his position as Jacob’s
favored son. Instead of reconciling
their differences with their father, they sought vengeance upon Joseph. Some people choose to tag envy as one of the 7 deadly sins, but
please understand if you’re an unsaved individual “the wages of (any) sin is
death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord
(by faith alone) - Romans 6:23.
The
word strife means bitter conflict or
rivalry. Paul does not reveal the basis
of this strife, but it’s quite
evident some of the brethren were jealous of him. These people took advantage of his
imprisonment to diminish his influence and strengthen their cause. In so doing they hoped to add affliction to his bonds. Since Paul was confined and out of their
way (he couldn’t confront them in defense of his gospel – 1:17), they hoped when
he learned of their insincere activities his chains would become more
burdensome.
So
then, why were people envious of
Paul, knowing full well he was currently in prison and facing a death
sentence? Who wants to climb aboard that
ride? To appreciate what‘s going on here
you must first understand the difference between Paul, the brethren who
preached out of good will, and the
envious brethren is their motivation.
How
do we know this? These two opposing
motives are described by Paul in Philippians 15-17. We understand the term “motive” to mean why
you and I do the things we do. It’s what
impels us to act in one way or another.
A motive is any thought which determines a choice or induces an
action. When Paul wrote his letter to
the Believers at Rome, near the end of his third missionary journey (circa 54-58
AD), it goes without saying he was communicating with an established
church. I base this observation on the
fact Paul only writes to Believers. I bring this to your attention because it’s
definitely helpful knowing the church at Rome existed long before Paul’s arrival
and imprisonment circa 61-63 AD.
Consequently,
certain people had attained a degree of prominence and respect among the
congregation at Philippi. Paul’s arrival
on scene can be likened to a celebrity or a dignitary coming to town. The church shifted its focus from its leaders
to Paul and this damaged their ego. They
weren’t the center of attention any longer and were bothered by Paul’s
following, his testimony, and his success.
Their feelings were injured along with their pride, which brought about
their jealousy and stirred up the strife
(conflict) directed towards Paul. Out of pride stems envy and jealousy, so at the root of all sin is pride and pride is
the basis for false motivation.
Every one that is
proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord (Proverbs 16:5a).
Pride goeth before
destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:12).
The
envious brethren were busy spreading untruths (lying) knowing it would add strife to Paul’s situation.
If any man teach
otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud,
knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof
cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse
disputing of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing (what) that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself (1 Timothy
6:3-5).
The
result: one group is preaching only to
serve self and if possible to add to Paul’s suffering (affliction). The other group
is sharing the gospel with unbelievers because it is what Paul would do if he
were a free man but more importantly it honors and glorifies the Lord our God.
If you’ll take the time to study church
history, you’ll learn the problems experienced in the first century may be
likened to the problems the church faces today.
The operations within the church have changed, but one thing remains the
same, that is, people’s motivation. Some are devoted to the ministry of reconciliation
in saving lost souls because this pleases God.
Then there are those who preach Jesus Christ with the wrong motivation.
This
is as good a place as any to insert an illustration. In
July 2010, six of the wealthiest T.V. evangelists were investigated by the US
Senate for profiting excessively from the gospel, or something akin to it. These people were earning 7-figure annual
salaries, they owned a home, or several homes costing millions of dollars; they
owned private jets, and several automobiles including stretch limos; they took
exotic vacations, which included hotel rooms costing thousands of dollars per
night. In contrast many of their brethren
lived at or below the poverty line. I
just read an article tagging a modern day evangelist for spending $200,000 on a
Lamborghini for his wife. But don’t be
concerned he said God’s okay with it… I
won’t mention names or the church denominations involved that info is readily
available on the internet. For now it’s
enough to understand their intentions are less than honorable and the
ramifications of their false motives may
extend to the individual’s eternal state.
As
King Solomon said, “There’s nothing new
under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).
Lots of money could be made from the ministry back in Paul’s day and
this ulterior motive continues to
energize many people in the business of religion today. An example I believe y’all will be familiar
with from the Scriptures is the Lord Jesus Christ expelling the money-changers
from His Father’s house, i.e. the Jewish Temple:
And Jesus went into
the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple,
and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold
doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall
be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves
(Matthew 21:12-13).
That
being said, our Apostle Paul’s motivation
is in the furtherance of the unadulterated gospel. There was no greater joy for Paul than
knowing Believers walked in God’s
truth: I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of
mine for you all making request with joy, for your (what) fellowship in the gospel from the
first day until now; (Philippians 1:3-5).
I
want to backup a bit to verse 1:15 to identify the word “preach.” Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and
strife; and some also of good will:
Preach is a verb, and is
from the Greek word Kerusso (Kay-roos’-so),
Verb, Strong’s Greek # 2784, meaning a
herald for a king. The herald of
Paul’s day declared the king’s policy, so Kerusso
literally means to declare the policy of the king. Today people associate preaching with loud,
long-winded speech. I’ve seen more than
a few “clock-watchers” while the pastor, priest, or minister talked on and on,
but this word has nothing to do with the manner in which something is
said. It has to do with declaring
policy, specifically, God’s policy for the Body of Christ. Thus when one witnesses he or she is
declaring God’s policy of salvation to the lost. We note the word preach is in the present tense, so this is what they were doing at
the time of this writing. Plainly said,
they were preaching the gospel of grace throughout the
capital of the Roman Empire or Paganville,
as I refer to it.
Here,
once again, we see the providence of God or God intervening in the affairs of His
creation to fulfill His will, purpose, and plan.
Having made known
unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure
which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of
times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in
heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance,
being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all
things after the counsel of (our will?
No read what it says) his own
will (Ephesians 1:9-11).
See then that ye
walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the
days are evil. Wherefore be ye not
unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess;
but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving
thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ; (Ephesians
5:15-20).
Now the God of
peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of
the sheep (by
the by Paul never refers to Believers as the Lord’s sheep – we are members of
His body and He is the Head of the Church),
through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good
work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in
his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (Hebrews 1:20-21).
Paul
informs the church: What? know ye not that your body
is the temple of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) which is in you, which ye
have of God, and ye are not your own? (Why?) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your
body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
What
was the price Paul speaks of here? The Son of God willingly laid down His life
for all, i.e. His very last breath
and the last drop of His divine blood was shed for all. In addition, He accomplished
this while we were His enemies (Romans 5:8).
There is no greater gift (John 15:13)!
Let’s move on to verse 1:17.
…But the other (brethren) of love, knowing that I am set for the
defence of the gospel.
Here
Paul gives the Philippians (and us) the proper motive, which is preaching
the Word out of (agape/sacrificial) love
for God. In response to God’s grace they
desired to honor Him with their service.
Paul said they are doing this, knowing
that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
The phrase “I am set” is
the Koine Greek word Keimai (Ki’-mahee), Verb,
Strong’s Greek #2749; it’s a military term meaning: to be destined,
or on duty.
The
word “defence” is Apologia (ap-po-la-ge-a). Our English word apologetics comes from this
term. The Apostle Peter speaks of this
in 1 Peter 3:25: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready
always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that
is in you with meekness and fear…
Our
Apostle Paul, metaphorically speaking, is emphasizing the fact he is a faithful
soldier of Jesus Christ. As such, he
endures the harsh treatment of prison life for “the cause of Christ.”
Why? As the steward of God’s
mysteries”he is set” or it’s his duty to defend the gospel of grace
against any and all who oppose it (See Acts 15).
I
trust you know the term “the gospel” means good news. The brethren
who were with Paul took God’s good news of love and salvation to the
streets of Rome where it needed to be heard and understood. The two go together, you see. It’s more than just believing God’s Word people
need to understand what it is they profess to believe. We pursue this goal in order to be effective
ambassadors of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Would
you want someone to rebuild your carburetor if they did not understand the
mechanics and functions of this vital engine part? Probably not, right? The same can be said for witnessing for the
Lord. What do you think will happen if
you can’t field an individual’s first question concerning God’s gospel in the
Age of Grace vs the gospel of the kingdom during the Prophetic Program or the
difference between the Law and God’s matchless Grace? Are
you able to speak boldly, as did
Paul and his brethren, about the faith
and the hope that is in you?
Paul, an apostle of
Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; (1 Timothy 1:1)
Blessed be the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath
begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ
from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth
not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through
faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a
season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more
precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be
found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (1 Peter 1:3-7)
Paul
declared himself the Lord’s steward. All he had belonged to God and it was his charitable
responsibility to dole it out: Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers
of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards,
that a man be found (or proven) faithful
(1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
The
word steward is Oikonomos (Oy-kon-om’-os), Noun Masculine, Strong’s
Greek # 3623, meaning: a household manager or guardian. We note in this passage Paul did not say “be
found faithful to God” up to a certain point, that is to say, until “the going gets too rough.” Please understand there was no “quit” in Paul. He ran the race set before him and kept his
focus on the finish line: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed
about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and
the sin with doth so easily beset us,
and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus
the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews
12:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:7-8).
As
the Lord’s faithful steward, Paul shined forth as a beacon to
the darkened world. Hardships and trials
did not dim that light and could not diminish the revealed revelation of
God.
Therefore I take
pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches (insults), in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s
sake: for when I am weak, then I am
strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).
And not only this,
but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces
perseverance (Romans
5:3).
(To be continued)
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GJ
Heitzman’s Ministry
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