Topical Bible: Truth: should be Rightly Divided

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Definition and Importance

Truth, in the biblical context, refers to the absolute and unchanging nature of God's word and His character. It is foundational to the Christian faith, as it reflects the reality of God's creation, His laws, and His promises. The Bible emphasizes the importance of truth in the life of a believer, urging them to seek, understand, and live by it.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of truth is deeply rooted in Scripture. In John 17:17, Jesus prays, "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth." This verse underscores the sanctifying power of God's word, which is the ultimate source of truth. Furthermore, Jesus declares Himself as the embodiment of truth in John 14:6, stating, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

The phrase "rightly dividing the word of truth" is derived from 2 Timothy 2:15, which instructs believers to "present yourself approved to God, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." This implies a diligent and accurate handling of Scripture, ensuring that its teachings are correctly interpreted and applied.

Principles for Rightly Dividing Truth

1. Contextual Understanding: To rightly divide the word of truth, one must consider the context in which a passage is written. This includes understanding the historical, cultural, and literary context, as well as the intended audience and purpose of the text.

2. Scriptural Harmony: Scripture should be interpreted in light of other Scripture. The Bible, being divinely inspired, does not contradict itself. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding requires harmonizing passages that may seem contradictory at first glance.

3. Literal and Figurative Language: Recognizing the use of literal and figurative language in the Bible is crucial. While some passages are meant to be taken literally, others use metaphorical language to convey deeper spiritual truths.

4. Guidance of the Holy Spirit: Believers are encouraged to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in understanding and applying biblical truth. John 16:13 states, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth."

Truth in Practice

Living according to truth involves more than intellectual assent; it requires a transformation of life. Ephesians 4:25 exhorts believers, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." This call to honesty and integrity reflects the transformative power of truth in the believer's life.

Challenges to Truth

In a world where relativism and subjective truth are prevalent, the biblical concept of absolute truth faces significant challenges. Romans 1:25 warns of those who "exchanged the truth of God for a lie," highlighting the human tendency to distort or reject divine truth. Believers are called to stand firm in the truth, as emphasized in Ephesians 6:14, "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist."

Conclusion

The pursuit of truth is a lifelong journey for the believer, requiring diligence, humility, and reliance on God's guidance. By rightly dividing the word of truth, Christians are equipped to navigate the complexities of life, uphold the integrity of the Gospel, and reflect the character of Christ in a world in desperate need of truth.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Timothy 2:15
Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Seventh
... Psalm 89.should be read in this connection, as explaining how and why the throne
should come to ... Whether "the word of truth" is thus "rightly" divided is for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the seventh.htm

Argument: C??cilius Begins his Argument First of all by Reminding ...
... the weariness of thoroughly investigating truth, should rashly succumb to ... the earth;
and we may rightly seem sufficiently ... of the sage, we should know ourselves ...
/.../the octavius of minucius felix/chapter v argument caecilius begins his.htm

The Law of Christian Conscience.
... It was a matter to him of far less importance that truth should be established than ...
even, that right should be done, than that right should be done rightly. ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xvi the law of christian.htm

Conformity to Type
... was One whom history acknowledges to have been the Truth. ... be conformed to the Type,
or as we should now say ... often affirmed in such language as rightly to humble ...
/.../drummond/natural law in the spiritual world/conformity to type.htm

A Divided Heart
... to be called a Christian, or else be a Christian in truth. ... this, nor is it my intention
that they should do so ... It is not rightly possible to blend the sieve of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/a divided heart.htm

Election no Discouragement to Seeking Souls
... sinner, which you can truthfully and rightly get from ... These may be divided into two
classes: those who are ... If this truth should provoke you to think, it will ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/election no discouragement to seeking.htm

Profanations of Good and Truth
... only profane who believe rightly and live rightly, and afterward ... means of the holy
Divine things, they should choose falsity in place of truth and evil ...
/.../spiritual life and the word of god/part thirdprofanations of good and.htm

That the Philosophers have Attained to Some Portion of Truth.
... bounds of their habitation; that they should seek God ... Whether we have endeavoured
rightly and achieved aught ... stability which is according to truth, rushes back ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xix that the philosophers have.htm

Come from the Four Winds, O Breath!
... host of Israel, which had been divided into two ... the spiritual teaching, see, and
I think, rightly see, that ... it was God's intent that any truth should ever lead ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/come from the four winds.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xii. 32, "Whosoever Shall Speak ...
... without cause, but with reason and with truth said, that ... the same way when we say
most rightly, that not ... spirit who is divided against himself should be driven ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxi on the words.htm