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Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth 02Introduction:
1. As we study and teach the Scriptures we are responsible for "rightly dividing [accurately handling] the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). 2. We are examining several principles that will help us to fulfill this responsibility. 3. The theme for our first lesson: To know the truth on a Bible subject we must carefully consider all that the Bible teaches concerning that subject. 4. The theme for this lesson: God does not approve of an activity just because it seems right to us. Discussion: I. THIS PRINCIPLE IS ADDRESSED IN PROVERBS 14:12; 16:25 A. Additional verses in Proverbs show how: 1. man must not trust in his own understanding (3:5, 7) 2. man has a tendency to justify his actions (16:2; 21:2) 3. trusting in one's own heart is a foolish practice (28:26). B. Jeremiah further showed how man is not capable of directing his own way (Jeremiah 10:23). II. THIS PRINCIPLE IS ILLUSTRATED MANY TIMES IN THE BIBLE A. Illustration #1: The occasion when Nadab and Abihu burned incense. 1. (Leviticus 9:24) When Aaron and his sons were dedicated as priests, God responded to the offering that was made. 2. (Leviticus 10:1) Nadab and Abihu "offered strange fire before the Lord." 3. (Leviticus 10:2) They lost their lives because they did what seemed right to them. B. Illustration #2: The occasion when Saul offered a burnt offering. 1. (1 Samuel 10:8) When Samuel anointed Saul as king, he instructed Saul to go to Gilgal to wait 7 days for him. 2. (1 Samuel 13:4-9) At Gilgal, when Saul saw that his army was deserting, he offered the burnt offering himself. 3. (1 Samuel 13:10-14) Samuel informed Saul that he would lose his kingdom because he chose to do what seemed right to him. C. Illustration #3: The occasion when Uzzah touched the ark of the covenant. 1. (Numbers 4:15) When Moses revealed the duties of the sons of Kohath, they were forbidden to touch "any holy thing." 2. (1 Chronicles 13) Uzzah lost his life because he chose to do what seemed right to him. Conclusion: Rather than do what may seem right to us, let us follow God's instructions as He gave them. | ||