Let Us Rightly Divide the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15)
Introduction:
1. In this morning's lesson we studied passages that relate to loving God's Word (Psalm 119:97). a. We showed how God's Word provides special blessings. b. We pointed out the nature of God's Word. c. We observed how Bible characters showed their love for God's Word. 2. God has given His people a number of responsibilities that relate to His Word. 3. Our lesson is based on one of these responsibilities -- "we are to rightly divide the Word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). 4. Those who love God's Word will certainly want to rightly divide it. 5. We are pointing out 3 important principles that will help us. Discussion: I. TO RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE WORD OF TRUTH, WE MUST UNDERSTAND THAT THE SCRIPTURES ARE GOD'S INSPIRED WORD
A. A key passage is 2 Timothy 3:16-17. 1. God used men in revealing the Scriptures, but the Scriptures did not come from men -- the Scriptures are from God. a. 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 b. Ephesians 3:3-5 2. God has given us the Scriptures so we can profit from them -- they are profitable in 4 areas. 3. Those who profit from the Scriptures will be complete in God's sight. B. We have plenty of evidence that proves the Scriptures are inspired. C. To rightly divide the Word of truth, we must understand that God has given us the Scriptures so we can profit from them. D. Realizing that the Scriptures are a gift from God will lead us to love them. II. TO RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE WORD OF TRUTH, WE MUST UNDERSTAND THAT THE NEW TESTAMENT IS IN EFFECT TODAY
A. The Old Testament is certainly inspired (2 Peter 1:21). B. However, the Old Testament is no longer in effect. 1. (Jeremiah 31:31-34) The old covenant prophesied that it would be replaced by a better covenant. 2. The new covenant of Christ replaced the old covenant (Hebrews 8:6-13). C. When Christ died, His new covenant became effective (Hebrews 9:15-17). D. Seeking to be justified by the old covenant is a serious mistake (Galatians 5:4). E. To rightly divide the Word of truth, we must understand that the New Testament is in effect today. III. TO RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE WORD OF TRUTH, WE MUST UNDERSTAND THAT THE SCRIPTURES MUST NOT BE ALTERED
A. "Rightly dividing the Scriptures" involves handling them accurately. B. Altering God's Word is a serious mistake (Galatians 1:8-9; Revelation 22:18-19). C. To rightly divide the Word of truth, we must understand that the Scriptures must not be altered. Conclusion:
1. Let us love God's Word as the psalmist did (Psalm 119:97). 2. Let us also fulfill our responsibilities that relate to God's Word, especially rightly dividing it.
