Hear the Word of God...Rightly Divided

[The Crusader]

Responsibility and Discipline- or -2 TIMOTHY 2:15 IN CONTEXT
(Part 2)

THE NEGATIVE SIDE

In acceptable service for Christ there is also a negative side. This is introduced, actually, in Ver. 14 where, instructing Timothy to "put them in remembrance" of the foregoing positive requirements, he adds the words: "charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words, to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers."

One cannot successfully erect a building without an awareness of wrong procedures to be avoided. Thus, as the preceding context to 2 Tim. 2:15 is positive in character, the succeeding is negative in character with Ver. 14 being the link between the two. Ver.14, then, introduces us to 2 Tim. 2:15 and the verses that follow to the end of the chapter. In these verses we find such negative phrases as: "Strive not about words," "Shun profane and vain babblings," "depart from iniquity," "flee youthful lusts," and "foolish and unlearned questions avoid." And note, the majority of these have to do with irresponsible discussion.

It is quite natural to find the apostle urging his "son in the faith" to "flee (as the hare from the hounds)youthful lusts" (Ver. 22), and to eschew "Iniquity" (Ver. 19), but it should be noted that the apostle's most urgent warnings are against what we might designate, generally, as loose talk: "Strive not about words," he says; "shun profane for "unhallowed"] and vain babblings"; "foolish and unlearned questions avoid" (Vers. 14, 16,23).

One current example of this "strife about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers" is unquestionably strife over the King James Version of the Bible, stemming largely from a misinterpretation of Psa. 12:6,7. "There it is!" they say, "God has said He would 'preserve' the very W-O-R-D-S of Scripture 'from this generation (This would have to be David's generation) forever."' And from this they go on to argue that God has preserved the very words of the original manuscripts for us in the King James Version of the Bible. When the folly of this is exposed they further strive about words, arguing that while the King James Version is not inspired or inerrant, it is such an exact translation of the original MSS that God has thus preserved His Word for us after all in the King James Version-only in the King James Version, of course, which has no "mistakes." And thus they logically cut off all the study of the original languages, through which our understanding and enjoyment of the Scriptures has been so greatly enriched.

Here we hasten to say that we too believe that God has preserved His Word for us in a wonderful way, but not in one book alone, let alone one translation into one language, and that not until 1611 A.D., and before that only in "a vast multiplicity of copies"! To promote such "foolish and unlearned questions" does indeed "gender strifes"

(Ver. 23). This is why we are told to "avoid" them (ibid). We, at Berean Bible Society are in a position to know something of the arguments and debates over this subject, all so profitless, and drawing away interest and attention from "the Preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery," which establishes God's saints in the truth and which we have been commanded to proclaim faithfully (See Rom. 16:25; and 2 Tim. 2:7-9 above).

AN ILLUSTRATION

Paul himself gives us an illustration of the results of hindering the proclamation of the Word by such diversions, and failure to study them carefully in the light of the whole Word, rightly divided.

Hymenaeus and Philetus were preaching "that the resurrection is past already" (Vers. 17,18). Which resurrection? Surely not our Lord's resurrection, for this was past, a well-known matter of history. Did they refer, then, to the resurrection of the lost? Hardly, for that was still as obviously future as the resurrection of Christ was obviously past. What they evidently taught, then, was that the resurrection of believers in Christ was past already. Oh, it was wonderful! Paul had already written to the Ephesians (Eph. 2:5,6) and to the Colossians (Col. 3:1-3) that believers in Christ have been raised with Him and made to sit with Him in the heavenlies, "blessed with all spiritual blessings."

What these brethren had done was to confuse the believer's position in Christ with his present condition; his standing with his state. They did not deny the resurrection; they simply misplaced it, failing to "rightly divide the Word of truth," both as to time and as to the distinction between the believer's standing and his state.

The result: there naturally followed arguments and strife between the believers, and the faith of some was-shaken? No, Paul says, "they overthrow the faith of some" (Ver. 18). This is a serious consequence (Which we have witnessed) of what the apostle calls "profane and vain babbling" Wer. 16). Elsewhere he states that Hymanaeus himself had already made "shipwreck" concerning the faith (It should be noted that Hymanaeus had also "put away a good conscience" in introducing his false teaching [1 Tim. 1:19,20]. How often, in the record of Scripture unsound teaching is brought in surreptitiously [cf., Gal. 2:4 with Eph. 4:14]) and had to be "given up," as it were, to Satan to learn his lesson (1 Tim. 1:19,20) ' Surely the apostle does not mean that either Hymanaeus or his followers were now lost, but rather that they had made shipwreck of "the faith," and now their faith had been overthrown as far as their Christian experience was concerned. Their testimony had been destroyed.

May God in His grace convict us all of the importance of these negatives, these warnings, so closely associated in Scripture with 2 Tim. 2:15, lest we make shipwreck concerning the (The Greek contains the definite article) faith rather than finally being able to say with Paul, "I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7). Meantime:

" if a man therefore purge himself from these, (both moral sins and illegitimate uses of Scriptures [see verses 14-19]) he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and MEET FOR THE MASTER'S USE, AND PREPARED UNTO EVERY GOOD WORK" (Ver. 21).

Used by permission of the Berean Bible Society.
 
 

[The Crusader]

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE (PART 1)


2 Timothy 3:16-17
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto good works."
King James Version


"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
New International Version

pasa graphe - every Scripture (writing, passage)

theopneustos - God-breathed

kai ophelimos - and (also) profitable (useful)

pros didaskalian - for teaching (with a view toward that which is taught)

pros elegmon - for conviction (to rebuke for the purpose of conviction of sin)

pros epanorthosin - for correction (to set up straight, restoring to an upright state, setting right)

pros paideian - for instruction (training, discipline)

en dikaiosune - in righteousness (the character or quality of being right or just)

The Scriptures are breathed by God and useful for:


teaching

conviction

correction

training and discipline in righteousness

This is so the man of God may be "filled or furnished completely" for every good work.
Is the Apostle Paul saying that every passage of Scripture is written for our obedience? Should we kill and eat the passover lamb? Should we bring offerings to the high priest? Should we worship on Saturday? Should we sprinkle the blood of the trespass offering round about the altar? Should we burn the bullock with its hide, flesh and dung outside the camp? Should we circumcise every male child? Should we obey those who sit in Moses seat? Should we heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leper, and cast out demons? Should we handle deadly snakes and drink poison as a sign to the unsaved? Should we baptize people in water for the remission of sins? Should we go forth and preach the gospel without taking any money for food or lodging? Should we wait for the Holy Spirit to come on us in fire and speak in tongues and prophesy? Should we preach to the Jews only? Should we take Law-breakers outside the camp and kill them?

All of these are from Scripture passages which Paul says are for our teaching, conviction, correction, and training in righteousness. What do we do with them?

Most Christians around the world pick and choose which sections of Scripture they want to practice. Most believe the church started with Christ and His disciples. Most believe what Christ taught in the Gospel accounts and teachings in the Book of Acts are for them. But do any of them practice everything in those Scriptures? The answer is no. We pick and choose based on a variety of personal, political and religious reasons.

[The Crusader]

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE (PART 2)

2 Timothy 2:15
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
King James Version


"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."
New International Version

"rightly dividing" and "correctly handles" are translations of a Greek word that means "cutting straight" (orthotomounta ). It was what a stone cutter would do when preparing stones for a walkway or road. He had to cut them exactly right so they would fit together perfectly. As we cut straight the word of God, we need to observe carefully how the Lord works with people, what He commands them to do, and how He changes or adds to those commands. If we miss one detail, that could be the difference between a perfect cut and a sloppy cut. The way must be prepared to perfection.

The Bible is a Book of progressive revelation. God reveals His Will slowly and carefully - a point at a time.

[The Crusader]

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE (PART 3)

God created man. Man was completely obedient to God. God told man he may eat of the fruit of every tree in the Garden of Eden, except for one: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Man obeyed and continued in a state of perfect peace and harmony with God. No other rules are mentioned. Some students of the Bible have called that time the Dispensation of Innocence.
Dispensation or administration is a term that means the law of the household (oikonomia ). The English word "economy" comes from it. The dictionary defines the term as "the management, regulation, and government of a household."

Genesis 2:25 states man and woman were naked and were not ashamed. The Hebrew word for "ashamed" (buwsh ) carries the idea of guilt. Man and woman had no guilt because they had done nothing wrong. It was disobedience and the ensuing guilt that separated man from God.


Man disobeyed God. They ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The perfect peace was gone. The innocence was gone. Things could not continue as they were. God expelled man and woman from the perfect garden into a hard, cruel and imperfect world. Man was guilty and ashamed. Man murdered his brother. Man ran from trouble. Man married, had children, earned a living by the sweat of his brow, and died. Some students of the Bible have called that time the Dispensation of Conscience.
God taught man how to make a blood sacrifice. Some did it. Some did not. Eventually, mankind was so wicked and perverse, God's heart was grieved to the point He decided to destroy His creation. God would have destroyed man from the face of the earth, except that "Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord."


God destroyed everyone and everything on earth, except for Noah, his family and the animals on board the giant ark God taught Noah to build. The sacrifices continued, but God allowed man to eat the meat.
God also instituted the death penalty for any person who murdered another person. God established an agreement (covenant) with Noah. God promised He would not destroy the earth with water again. The rainbow was the sign of that agreement.

Nations of people grew up after the flood. Those nations developed systems of human government with rules and regulations. Some students of the Bible have called that time the Dispensation of Human Government.


God called out one man from all of mankind. His name was Abram (Abraham). God promised to make a great nation out of him and bless all nations through him. God promised Abraham's seed a vast area of land and national salvation. The sign of God's agreement with Abraham was circumcision. Some students of the Bible have called that time the Dispensation of Promise.

Conscience, Human Government and Promise continued for hundreds of years. Then, God used Moses to lead the people of Abraham's promise out of Egypt and captivity toward the land God promised Abraham centuries earlier. During the lengthy journey, God gave Moses and the people of His promise a large group of Laws. It was the new way God would manage His household. Some students of the Bible have called that time the Dispensation of Law.

Conscience, Human Government, Promise, and the Mosaic Law continued for hundreds more years. God's prophets called the people of His promise and the Law to repent and obey God's Word. There were various stages and times of obedience and disobedience, repentance and sin. The people of God's promise and His Law demanded a physical king. God gave them kings. Some were good. Many were bad. God's prophets predicted the coming of a Mighty and Holy King; a Messiah and Savior who would deliver the people of God's promise and His Law and establish an everlasting Kingdom. Jesus Christ is that King, Messiah and Savior.
Jesus Christ, the Eternal and Only Son of the Living God, came to earth in human form. He preached that the promised Kingdom was "at hand." The people of God's promise and His Law killed Jesus their King. Christ rose from the grave, taught His followers what to do, ascended back to Heaven, and sent His Holy Spirit to His followers to enable them to do what He had told them to do. His followers were filled and empowered with the Holy Spirit and preached boldly about their King and His Promised Kingdom. Christ's followers obeyed the Law, had all things in common, baptized converts in water for the remission of their sins, and preached only to fellow people of the Promise (children of Israel). Their message was about the King and His Kingdom. It was seated in prophecy and expected fulfillment in their King. The message was not heeded by the people of God's promise and His Law. The people killed the follower of the King. Some students of the Bible have called that time the Dispensation of Kingdom Gospel.

[The Crusader]

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE (PART 4)

The leaders of Israel refused God's offer of a King and a Kingdom. God set aside Israel and called a new man, Saul (Paul), to do something new. God told a prophet named Ananias that Paul would preach God's message to the Gentiles, their kings, and to the children of Israel. Jesus Christ the King called Paul personally, just as He had His other Apostles of the Kingdom Gospel. However, Paul's ministry would not include the Law or Circumcision or a national kingdom. Paul's ministry would be about God's Grace to all the people of the earth. Paul preached his message of Grace and did battle about the Law and Circumcision. Paul said Christ had not sent him to baptize in water but to preach the Gospel. Paul taught the world that the Gentiles were heirs of God's promise to Israel through their faith in Jesus Christ.

"Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."
Galatians 3:21-29

Paul stated clearly that his message was different from that of the Kingdom Apostles.


"As for those who seemed to be important--whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance--those men added nothing to my message. On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews. For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles. James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews."
Galatians 2:6-9

The message of Peter, James, John and the other Jewish Apostles was grounded in the Mosaic Law and Old Covenant prophecies.

Paul's message is grounded in Grace, Freedom and Mystery.


"For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles--Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things."
Ephesians 3:1-9

This is our dispensation: the Dispensation of the Grace of God.

The Promise, Law and Kingdom Dispensations will come into play again (the Book of Revelation). But for now, God is managing His current household under Grace and the Mystery of the Body of Christ.

[The Crusader]

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE (PART 5)

So, what does that mean to Bible students today? Paul stated that every Scripture passage in the Bible is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. However, Paul also makes it clear that not all Scripture is written "to" us.

When we study any portion of Scripture, we should ask some basic questions:


Who is speaking?

Who are they speaking to?

Is their speech principle or dispensational? In other words, is it horizontal (meant for all dispensations) or vertical (meant for a particular dispensation)?

Is it prophecy or mystery? Is is predicted in the Old Covenant or a mystery God revealed to Paul?

A "principle" is a settled rule of morality or conduct.
Example: Before the giving of the Law, murder was wrong. Under the Law, murder was wrong. Under Grace, murder is wrong.

God hated sin before the Law, under the Law, and under Grace. God saved men from His Love, Grace and Mercy before the Law, under the Law, and under Grace.

A "dispensation" is the way God manages His household. In previous dispensations God required people to perform works as part of their salvation. In the Dispensation of Grace God has no such requirement -- "it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast."

God's Principles of Right and Wrong never change, but His dealings with people do.

Is it prophecy? or Mystery?

The ministry of the Old Covenant writers was prophetic. The ministry of the Gospel writers was prophetic fulfillment. The Words of Jesus during His earthly Ministry were prophetic and prophetic fulfillment. The ministry of the disciples of Christ after the Lord ascended to heaven were prophetic fulfillment. They repeated and explained prophecies about Israel, its King and Kingdom.

Then there was Paul. Jesus Christ called him personally to salvation. Jesus Christ tutored Paul Face to face, Mouth to ear, Mind to mind. This was the same Jesus Who called and taught the Kingdom disciples--Peter, James, John, Matthew, Andrew and the others. Since Paul was just "another" disciple of Christ, the message Jesus gave him was identical to what He taught the others. Right?

Wrong! Paul was not just "another" disciple of Christ. Christ called Paul outside of His calling of the Kingdom disciples. Paul is not a Kingdom disciple. He is the Apostle to the Gentiles.

Read these passages to see what Paul said about the message that Jesus Christ gave only to him.


Ephesians 1:1-14

Ephesians 2:1 - 3:12

Colossians 1:23-29

Galatians 1:1 - 5:25

[The Crusader]

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE (PART 6)

It was Jesus, not Paul, Who changed the way He managed His Households of Faith. It was Jesus, not Paul, Who kept a secret from previous generations of believers and gave it first to Paul. It was Jesus, not Paul, Who set Israel aside and put the Gentiles in the forefront of His plans for earth temporarily. It was Jesus, not Paul, Who postponed His Prophesied Kingdom and built His Mystery Body instead. It was Jesus, not Paul, Who abolished the Law and made peace between Jew and Gentile by His Cross. It was Jesus, not Paul, Who did all of it.
Jesus determined--Paul delivered. Jesus hid it away--Paul handed it out. Therefore, when we read the Bible, we must realize that Jesus speaks in this Dispensation of Grace through the writings of the Apostle Paul. The principles are for all time. Prophecy is for other times. Mystery is for this time.

How was that Mystery revealed to Paul? Gradually. Read Acts 26:16-18, 1 Corinthians 1:13-17 and 13:8-10, and 2 Corinthians 12:1-7. They are just a few examples.

[The Crusader]

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE (PART 7)

The Twelve Apostles                        
___________________                        

Representatives of Israel                  
12 tribes -- 12 men -- 12 thrones          

Called by Christ on earth                  

Sent to Israel and the nations            

Sent to proclaim God's fulfilled prophecy

Agree to confine their ministry to        
Israel after raising up of Paul.      

[The Crusader]

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE

The Apostle Paul
________________


1 man -- both Hebrew and Gentile reconciled

Called by Christ from heaven

Sent to all men everywhere

Sent to proclaim God's secret

Supercedes 12 as Apostle to the Gentiles
as Israel rejects the King and Kingdom


(THE END)

From: Grace Life
http://www.gmaf.org/

[nChrist]

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE

Oklahoma Howdy to The Crusader,

AMEN BROTHER!

Jesus Christ and the meaning of HIS crucifixion on the Cross for all was a "Mystery not made known to men of other ages". THE CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST was part of that "Mystery". The Gospel of the Grace of God is a beautiful TRUTH and PRECIOUS TREASURE to all of HIS children.

Love In Christ,
Tom

[The Crusader]

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE

Oklahoma Howdy to The Crusader,

AMEN BROTHER!

Jesus Christ and the meaning of HIS crucifixion on the Cross for all was a "Mystery not made known to men of other ages". THE CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST was part of that "Mystery". The Gospel of the Grace of God is a beautiful TRUTH and PRECIOUS TREASURE to all of HIS children.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Thanks Tom, Amen & Amen

[The Crusader]

My Favorite Web-Sites And Studies
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Grace Bible Church
Chattanooga Tennessee
Pastor : Steve Atwood
http://www.understandingyourbible.com/
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WHY ALL THE CONFUSION ?

"Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." 2 Timothy 2:7

Did you ever wonder why there is so much confusion in religion today? Why is it that you can hear so many people teaching contradicting doctrines when they all use the Bible? There is an answer.

Most of the confusion and contradicting doctrine that you hear today is a result of failing to obey God’s command in II Timothy 2:15, to “Rightly Divide the Word of truth”. Most people do not distinguish between the KINGDOM MESSAGE of Christ and his apostles found in Matthew through John and Hebrews through Revelation and that of THE MESSAGE OF GRACE given to and through the apostle Paul in ROMANS through PHILEMON.

We are told to RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE WORD OF TRUTH, and to follow PAUL, and failure to do so results in confusion.

WE ASK THAT YOU EXAMINE PRAYERFULLY SOME SCRIPTURAL FACTS KEEPING IN MIND WHAT PAUL SAID IN 1 Corinthians 14:37:

  If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

ALL REFERENCES ARE FROM THE KING JAMES BIBLE.

1. PAUL IS THE APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES.

Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

Romans 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

2. PAUL RECEIVED HIS MESSAGE BY DIRECT REVELATION AND HIS WORDS ARE THE WORDS OF CHRIST FOR TODAY.

Gal 1:11-12 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

3. PAUL LAID THE FOUNDATION FOR THE CHURCH, CHRIST’S BODY.

1 Cor 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth there upon.

4. PAUL WAS THE FIRST MAN EVER SAVED TOTALLY BY GRACE.

1 Tim 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

5. PAUL WAS GIVEN THE DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD.

Eph 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

6. PAUL'S MESSAGE WAS A MYSTERY N0T MADE KNOWN UNTIL REVEALED TO HIM.

Eph 3:3-5 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

7. PAUL PREACHED A DIFFERENT GOSPEL FROM PETER AND WAS SENT TO A DIFFERENT PEOPLE. THE APOSTLES ACKNOWLEGED PAUL’S MINISRTY AND WERE IN AGREEMENT WITH IT.

Gal 2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;

Gal 2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.



WHILE WE DO NOT WORSHIP PAUL, WE DO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT HE WAS GOD'S CHOSEN VESSEL TO MAKE THE MESSAGE OF SALVATION BY GRACE KNOWN IN THE DISPENSATION OF GRACE AND WE ARE TOLD TO FOLLOW HIM. (1 COR 11:4)

[The Crusader]

My Favorite Web-Sites And Studies
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Bible Ambassadors
http://www.bibleambassadors.org/index.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Contradictions?

  There are obvious contradictions in the Holy Bible - the written Word of God - that cause much of the confusion in people today because  of a lack of understanding in How To Study The Bible.  We will address some of these issues from time to time in hopes it will help you, or someone you know, grab hold of God's simple truths.  Isn't it amazing how mankind wants to complicate what God made very simple?
  One of the issues causing abundant confusion today is whether or not we must do good works to be saved, or do good works to maintain our salvation.  Look at the following two scriptures:


James 2:26 - For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.



Romans 4:5 - But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.


  Now those are both quotes from the inspired, authorized Word of God.  Yet they definitely have different messages .  So then, which one is right?  Which one does God want you  to follow?  And why?

  The key to KNOWING which one of those passages applies to YOU, so that you can "walk in the Spirit" correctly is 2 Timothy 2:15.  A contradiction  is a noticeable difference . There is very obvious or noticeable difference between the passages above.  Do not skirt around those differences by quoting a scripture most use that has nothing to do with the issue.  That is, they attempt to answer (which is not an answer but an evasion) that "Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday, today and forever.  [Hebrews 13:8]  They do that because they do not KNOW the key to understanding the difference.  It is an attempt to hide their ignorance which means  they do not know.  Ignorance does not equal stupidity; it means lacking in knowledge.  But you CAN KNOW.  God provided a key.  The key - again - is 2 Timothy 2:15 in a King James Bible: (Modern versions change the wording because they also "don't know."  God forbid they would deliberately change the meaning of God's Word.)


Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.


  Please note:  We AGREE with Hebrews 13:8.  Jesus Christ IS the same in every way and every day.  That scripture, used as a rebuff, is a "duck blind."  Though Christ never changes - GOD never changes - how he deals with or dealt with mankind has  changed.  If that is not true, then perhaps you better "sell all you have" and follow Christ.  Including your computer and your big screen TV!

  Remember, the subject here is differences between passages addressing the same issue, and how to deal with them.  It has a very simple solution.  Man seems to want complicated solutions, therefor overlook God's very simple solutions - in this case - "rightly divide the Word of Truth."  How do you do that?

  First of all, it helps tremendously to understand  2 Timothy 2:15.  Remember, don't try to complicate it.  It means what it says.  It says, "rightly divide".  In some circles you will hear (or may have been taught) that it means to "correctly handle" (some perverted Bibles version) or to "correctly teach."  That might look good if you stop at the first word there - "rightly."  No problem agreeing that rightly and correctly mean the same.  

  Where the error comes in is that they quit there and try to ignore the other word God gave - "divide."  Actually, that is being kind, because they don't truly ignore it, they change its meaning when they teach the passage.  Now, no matter how hard I try, I can't make divide  mean handle  or teach .  It does mean to separate , to cut  or, interestingly, distribute .  (As in "dispense.")  You do not need now to go to the Greek to learn what has already been translated from Greek to English.  

  So God said to you and me (James was written specifically to Christian Jews scattered abroad who were part of the Little Flock and not the Body of Christ), that WE are to "rightly divide the Word of Truth."  And WE  (the Body of Christ) are to follow our own apostle (Romans 11:13) who told us that we are to " worketh  not, " but are to walk in God's grace.  The WORD of God then can be DIVIDED.

  Divided into what?  Well that is another whole study, but this should excite you enough to want to do that study because it will open up the whole Bible to you in a way you have never seen it, enjoyed it or been excited by it.  But the first clue is that it is full of division, from Genesis to the Revelation.  Beginning with the division in creation between the heaven  and the earth .  Enjoy! Get to the division of Prophecy versus The Mystery!

"Grace & Peace"

[Brother Love]

This would make a good tract.

Amen

Brother Love

[The Crusader]

This would make a good tract.

Amen

Brother Love

 Thanks Brother Love, I will posting a lot more on this subject.