I attended a Church service years ago where I heard a Church deacon lead a prayer. He made a statement that did not sit well with me even though I was in my early teen years. He said; “You know we are all sinners. Let’s ask God to forgive our sins.” In my mind I said; “I am not a sinner. I am a child of God. I am born again.” This Church elder did not rightly divide the word of truth.
Friend, it is your responsibility as a child of God to rightly divide the word of truth. WHEN A TRUTH IS WRONGLY APPLIED IT CAN DO MORE DAMAGE THAN OUTRIGHT LIE. Sometimes, what we call heresy or error is truth stretched beyond the provision of scriptures (2 Timothy 2:18). Like Timothy, you need to study to show yourself approved (2 Timothy 2:15).
A MAN IS NOT TOTALLY FREE UNTIL TRUTH DECLARES HIS FREEDOM (John 8:31-32). You need to study until you know the truth for yourself. Some are just learning but have not come to the knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 3:7). TRUTH IS FIRST A PERSON (CHRIST) BEFORE IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE (John 1:1, 14, 14:6). Encountering Christ, the living word (logos), is the foundation for true knowledge (John 5:39).
PART OF RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH IS KNOWING HOW TO PLACE BIBLICAL TRUTH AS IT RELATES TO THE OLD AND NEW COVENANTS. Malachi says those who do not pay tithe are cursed, but under the new covenant, Christ has redeemed us from the curse (Malachi 3:8-10, Galatians 3:13-14). SOME TRUTHS NO LONGER APPLY TO US AS NEW CREATIONS; NOT KNOWING THIS IS TO CONTINUE TO LIVE UNDER THE BONDAGE OF IGNORANCE (Hosea 4:6).
Accurate knowledge of scriptures is not only for pastors and preachers, it is for everyone who wants to live a victorious life. Like the Berean Christians, you need to commit yourself to the discipline of study (Acts 17:10-12). DON’T OUTSOURCE YOUR PERSONAL STUDY AND GRASP OF SCRIPTURES. The role of the teaching ministry is to awaken your hunger for personal study and discovery.
The challenge these last days would be more of false teachers than false prophets (2 Peter 2:1). AS KNOWLEDGE ABOUNDS, YOUR STUDY LIFE MUST BE DEEPER. DON’T BE TOO BUSY THAT YOU HAVE NO TIME FOR GOD AND HIS WORD (Habakkuk 2:14, Luke 10:39-42). Don’t let the devil take advantage of your ignorance (2 Corinthians 2:11).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria