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. Truth is of various kinds — physical, mathematical, moral, etc.; but here one particular kind of truth is referred to, called the word of truth — that is, the truth of the Word of God — the truth of Divine revelation — theological truth. The Bible was not given to teach men philosophy, or the arts which have respect to this life; its object is to teach the true knowledge of God, and the true and only method of salvation. 1. The truths of God's Word must be carefully distinguished from error. 2. But it is necessary to divide the truth not only from error, but from philosophy, and mere human opinions and speculations. 3. The skilful workman must be able to distinguish between fundamental truths, and such as are not fundamental. 4. Rightly to divide the word of truth, we must arrange it in such order as that it may be most easily and effectually understood. In every system some things stand in the place of principles, on which the rest are built. He who would be a skilful workman in God's building must take much pains with the foundation; but he must not dwell for ever on the first principles of the doctrine of Christ, but should endeavour to lead His people on to perfection in the knowledge of the truth. 5. A good workman will so divide the word of truth, as clearly to distinguish between the law and the gospel; between the covenant of works and the covenant of grace. 6. Another thing very necessary to a correct division of the word of truth is that the promises and threatenings contained in the Scriptures be applied to the characters to which they properly belong. 7. But finally, the word of God should be so handled that it may be adapted to Christians in different states and stages of the Divine life; for while some Christians are like "strong men," others are but "babes in Christ, who must be fed with milk, and not with strong meat." (A. Alexander. D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. |
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