Accurately Handling The Word

October 11

Jeremiah 13-14

Psalm 113:1-3

Proverbs 24:26-27

2 Timothy 2

Accurately Handling The Word

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15 LSB

It is important that the believer diligently studies the Bible so that they can understand what it says and be able to apply its teachings to their everyday life.  Many people pick and choose the verses they like and ignore the ones they don’t understand or don’t want to follow.  It is easy to take verses out of context.  Without serious study you can find verses that support anything you want to prove.  The believer that is truly trying to understand and desires to follow the Lord will be able to discern truth.  This involves more than just reading the Bible, it takes effort and requires discipline.  Studying God’s Word has to be intentional and purposeful.  We are to be “workmen” which implies that it is work to understand Scripture.   There are countless resources available to us now that were not readily available to the generations before us.  Obviously, we have to be careful about the sources we use because there are unreliable sources that can fill our minds with false teaching and doctrine.  But there are also very good sources that provide sound theology and can help us understand Scripture.  Got Questions is an excellent resource and a good place to start.  Utilize study Bibles, commentaries and the writings of pastors and theological scholars you trust.  When you are studying it is always a good idea to begin with prayer asking the Holy Spirit to help you understand what you are studying and recognize anything that is not from Him.  If you still don’t understand a passage, go to a pastor or mentor you trust and ask them to help you figure out what it means.  While personal Bible study is important it is also important that you study scripture with other believers.  Bible studies, small groups and Sunday School classes are excellent resources for gaining Biblical knowledge and understanding.  There is tremendous value in discussion and seeking truth together because we are able to hear different perspectives and viewpoints that can expand our interpretation. 

Accurately handling the word of truth involves understanding the context of a passage.  It is important to know who the author is speaking to, the historical and cultural context and what they are discussing before and after the passage to better understand the message they are trying to convey.  We should not pick isolated verses to support a pre-determined viewpoint.  It is essential that we do not let our personal feelings or opinions cloud our interpretation.  Scripture should be the standard by which we form our opinions, not the other way around.  We also need to consider the whole counsel of Scripture and not form an opinion based on one passage.  The Bible is complex and can be difficult to understand, but God will honor our desire to study His Word so that we can apply it to our lives.