RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH

2 TIMOTHY 2:15

10/58

 

Above the column on the porch of Norton Hall.

 

The expression a remarkable one because it bears so many phases of meaning.  Different, expositors see in it many different references, figures, each one rich, varied, enlightening.

 

Timothy was not to mutilate or twist, or deny, or break in pieces the Word, but…"

 

     1.  "rightly dividing…"

 

An expression taken from the act of the priests in dividing the sacrifices.  A lamb, sheep, ran, bullock offered.  After slain, cut to pieces carefully, properly, the pieces carefully arranged.  So the word of truth not to be hacked, torn, mutilated, but rightly divided; lay one piece there, another here; to teach, preach with clearness, distinction, discrimination.

 

e.g., to divide between the covenants of grace and of works.

 

John 1:17 "For the law…but grace…"

 

The purpose of the law; to reveal our sins, condemn us, bring us to Jesus.

 

The purpose of grace; to wash us in the blood of the Lamb.

 

e.g. to divine between cause and effect, between root and fruit. 

 

A poor botanist, not distinguish between bulb and weed.

A poor equestrian, put the cart before the horse.

 

Hear people say, "If I could feel great joy…would believe."

"If I would experience great change…trust."

 

Seek the fruit before the root.

Place the cart before the horse.

 

e.g., to divide between reformations and regeneration.

 

Reformation, the effort of the natural man to win heaven by merit.

 

Regeneration, the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart, through truth.

 

e.g., to divide between justification and sanctification.

 

Justification - outstanding, though poor lost sinners, the righteousness of Christ imparted to us.

 

Sanctification - follows justification, our consecration to God.

 

     2.  "rightly handling…"

 

Like a sword (Ephesians 6:17 "the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.")

 

Not to be played with.  For war, conquest, offense.

Not for amusement, with its glitter, nor for charm with its jeweled kilt.

 

But like the two-edged sword from mouth of our Lord, (Revelation 1:16).  To convict (Hebrews 4:12,13) to plunge to the hilt into our worldliness.

Like a trumpet - rousing, calling men to action.

The sermons putting men to sleep - safe enough; no need to watch, fight, exert; only to fold the hands…

Like foundation stones.

Not working with quicksand, but with the foundation rock upon which is built our souls, lives, the church of God.

     3.  "holding a straight course in the word…"

Compare:  A ploughman, a straight furrow.

Compare:  The literal words, straight, to cut.

Honestly, fully, in a straightforward manner, not abridging.

          1.  Human depravity.

Man a fallen creature - every part, faculty of his nature perverted.  All gone astray, none righteous, dead in trespasses and in sins.  Some plough, cut, crooked here; man to good; needs on developing education, never teach child a sinner, never be one.

But compare baby tiger.  A cub.  Growl. Kill.  Because taught?  Inbred. 

Compare a baby rattler.  Fangs develop.

          2.  Salvation by grace.

Jonah 2:9 "Salvation is of the Lord."  The doctrine of Jonah.  Not of man, neither by man, but of grace.  Grace in election, redemption, effectual calling, final perseverance, perfection in glory - "all glory to the Lamb."

          3.  Through faith.

Not of works - feelings - preparation - amendment - reform.

Isaiah 45:22 "Look unto Me…"

John 3:14,15.

Not saved up to a part by grace then by works.

          4.  Chrysostom: "cutting out" the word for holy uses.  The whole cloth spread before us - following a pattern into a dress.

The whole leather spread before us - into a saddle, boots, shoes.

Calvin: to divide to allot to each one his portion, as the steward of the house is appointed to apportion to the different members of the household its proper food.

 

     1. Some truths to be pressed upon the lost man.

Compare:  The angels sitting down with Lot and his daughters in Sodom, discussing predestination, the limits of free will.  No.  No.  "Flee for your lives."  "Fire from heaven."

     2.  To the saved man, child of God.

All is yours - every promise - Christ - God - the Holy Spirit - eternity - death - life - everlasting glory.

     3.  All of Christ.  Centrality of Christ.