DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH

DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH

  2Timothy 2:15 Study earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

  Hebrew 4:12 For the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing apart of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

  James [KJV] 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

  Pondering dividing the Word of Truth, I considered Bible verses taken apart from the greater context; one example being that work is man’s sinful resultant curse though actually holy assignment from our Creator. (Gen.1:28-31; 2:15, 20a) Looking at work as something to be avoided by all means is to err seriously from His wisdom, and thereof great blessing lost. (Will we work in future life? What does the Word say?)

  Affecting shunning of work is embraced curse for both individual and nation. We don’t have to be a history major to see that “Living on the dole.” entitlement lifestyle as opposed to honorable able-bodied work according to ability has destroyed more than one civilization.

  Along with rejecting work is another injurious wrongly divisiveness. It is the Gnostic belief from ancient pagan Greek thought and philosophy: The concept that there is a spiritual world and a physical world; Spiritual being higher, the physical lower. The present common cataloging being Spiritual versus physical, as though physical is distinctly different category than spiritual.

  This dualistic mindset is both congregant and congregational harmful, suppressing God’s Holy Spirit and thereby hindering our holy assignment. (1Thes.5:18-19)

  To believe that “full-time Christian service” comes under title different than holy dedicated garbage collector, lawyer, ditch digger, engineer, tradesman, artist et al . . . and that service requires seminary lettering, pastor, overseas missionary is detrimental to overall health and vigor of the body of Christ. Lack of healthy balance may have more to do with toe than head.

  How can we possibly live with cheerful heart in godly preservation with power if we live a divided life?  (Prov.17:22; 1Thes.5:23) Unless we live with renewed thinking, we cannot! (Rom.12:1-3)

  All that trust Lord Jesus Christ, whatever their position in life are called to full-time service. (Mt.16:24-25; Philemon)

  I close with Paul’s exhortation on the matter: “Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God's compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you. Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants-what is good, pleasing, and perfect. Because of the kindness that God has shown me, I ask you not to think of yourselves more highly than you should. Instead, your thoughts should lead you to use good judgment based on what God has given each of you as believers. Our bodies have many parts, but these parts don't all do the same thing. [1Cor.12:1-31] ... Don't be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord. Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually. … Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good.’” (GW Rom.12:1-21)   EBB4

PS. Over the years I’ve compiled a how-to Bible study file. It contains much of what I personally have learned about Bible study in 57+ years. Recently I’ve reviewed and redacted it. I’m making it available to those that request it. If you have email you would receive it that way. If a postal subscriber or inmate , upon request you would receive it via postal mail. There are 2 versions. One is 12 pages of basics, and for the serious digger the other is 62 pages. Be specific as to which file, short or long, you are requesting.

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