THE ADVANTAGE OF RIGHTLY DIVIDING

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.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I remember as a young Christian being confused by many issues and doctrines. I read many Chrisian publications, listened to many messages, and talked to other Christians to make sense of it all. Somewhere along the line I learned a valuable lesson – rightly dividing the Word of God. Who wrote it, why, when and to whom it was written. These things make a difference. Context is key. What was the author’s purpose in writing? Let’s look at a common doctrinal issue [don’t be afraid of doctrine].

 

I. THE CONFUSION [James 2]

1. The Emptiness of Platitudes and Profit [v. 14-16]

2. The Illustrations of Devils and Death [v. 17-19]

3. The Examples of Abraham and Rahab [v. 20-26]

 

II. THE CLARIFICATION [James 2]

1. Physical Help to People in View Here [v. 14-16]

2. Humans Need Concrete Examples to “See” Your Faith, God Sees the Heart [v. 17-19, 1 Samuel 16:7]

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

3. Who Saw the Dead Body was Still a Body? [v. 20-26]

 

III. THE CONFIRMATION [Romans]

1. Salvation is By Grace, Not by Works

[Rm. 5:1, 6:23, 11:6, Eph. 2:8-10]

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

2. The Examples of Abraham and David [Rm. 4:1-8]

3. The Timing of Abraham’s Faith Seen by God and Seen by Men [Rm. 4:9-25, James 2:21]