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Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth 01Introduction:
1. Throughout our lessons on "How to Study the Bible" we emphasized the necessity of "rightly dividing [accurately handling] the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). 2. Beginning with this lesson we are examining several principles that will help us to do this. 3. The theme for this lesson: To know the truth on a Bible subject we must carefully consider all that the Bible teaches concerning that subject. 4. Failure to apply this principle can result in the misunderstanding of Scripture. Discussion: I. THIS PRINCIPLE IS ADDRESSED IN PSALM 119:160 A. (ASV) "The sum of thy word is truth." B. (NKJV) "The entirety of Your word is truth." II. LET US ILLUSTRATE THE NECESSITY OF APPLYING THIS PRINCIPLE A. Illustration #1: The occasion when David numbered the people of Israel. 1. This event is recorded in 2 Samuel 24. a. (vs.1) The pronoun "he" seems to indicate that God moved David to do what he did. b. (vs.2) When David instructed Joab to number the people, he revealed his motive. c. (vs.3) Joab tried to change David's mind. d. (vs.4-9) Joab complied with David's command. e. (vs.10-14) David acknowledged his sin after Gad confronted him. f. (vs.15-17) 70,000 men died because of David's decision to number the people. 2. If we only read these verses we might conclude that God was responsible for what happened. 3. This would be a contradiction because God does not tempt anyone to sin (James 1:13). 4. Thankfully, this event is also recorded in 1 Chronicles 21 -- vs.1 states that Satan "provoked David to number Israel." B. Illustration #2: The observance of Passover when Hezekiah was king of Judah. 1. The law stated that Passover was to be observed during the first month (Leviticus 23:4-6). 2. (2 Chronicles 30) Hezekiah and his people observed Passover in the second month. a. (vs.1-5) Hezekiah revealed his plan, and the people approved. b. (vs.13-18) Many people complied with Hezekiah's plan. 3. If we only read these verses we might conclude that God's Word may be compromised with His approval; however, . . . 4. The Law of Moses made provision for the unclean to observe Passover in the second month (Numbers 9:9-11). |