“Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth” 2 Tim. 2:15

2 Tim. 2:15 [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Rightly dividing = literal meaning is to “cut straight” “Part of understanding the Scriptures is to note the differences between the various components of the inspired word.” (Bob Winton)

The Bible is the only book that can tell our past, present & future Past – man was created in the image of God (Gen.1:27) Present – Man’s purpose is to serve and glorify God ( 1 Pet. 2:9) Future – Man can live in heaven with God forever (Jn. 14:1-2)

1. One major purpose of the Bible

THAT PURPOSE IS --- The glory of God and the salvation of man, through Jesus Christ

Theme of the Bible = The coming of Christ O.T. message = Christ is coming N.T. message = Christ has come and will come again

The Bible relates to the need for human redemption This redemption is through Christ Rom. 3:24 [24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

This great plan of redemption brings honor and glory to God Eph. 3:21 [21] Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Rom. 16:27 [27] To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

2. Two major sections of the Bible

The Old Testament 39 books – Genesis to Malachi 929 chapters

Rom. 15:4 [4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

New Testament 27 books – Matthew to Revelation 260 chapters

3. Three periods of Bible history

Patriarchal Period Lasted from Adam to Moses A period of some 2500 years From Adam to the giving of the Mosaic Law Outstanding characters were Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job

God spoke directly to the Patriarchs (heads of families) and they passed the instructions on to their families From Adam to Abraham we have the history of the human race

From Abraham to Christ we have the history of the chose race (Israel)

The Mosaic Period Lasted from Moses to Christ – about 1500 years From the giving of the Law at Sinai to the Cross Principal characters were Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Saul, David and Solomon The Law of Moses was a national law

The Christian Period Began at the cross and will last until the second coming Almost 2000 years so far The principle character is CHRIST Christianity is a universal law

This is the time of Christ, His gospel, His church/Kingdom Now we must hear the Christ as He speaks to us through the N.T. Everything we do in matters of religion must be authorized by the N.T.

4. Four parts in the New Testament

Biographies of Christ (4 Books) These books were written to convince men that Jesus is the Christ Matthew – Christ is King of the Jews (28 chapters) Mark – Christ is the Servant of God (16 chapters)

Luke – Christ is the Son of Man (24 chapters) John – Christ is the Son of God – the Deity of Christ (21 chapters)

Jn. 20:20-31 [30] And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: [31] But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

History of the church of Christ (1 Book) The books of Acts shows men how to be converted to Christ The book shows the beginning of the church in Acts 2

Three important teachings of this book: a. Establishment of the church b. How to become a Christian c. Historical background for man of the N.T. letters

Acts 2:28 [38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:47 [47] Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The 21 Letters Romans through Jude Here we learn how to live as a Christian

Romans (16 chaps.) – God’s power to save is in the Gospel of Christ - not the law of Moses (1:16) 1 Corinthians (16 chaps.)- Problems in the church of Christ (1 Cor. 10:12)

2 Corinthians (13 chaps.) – Reaction to the first letter – Paul defends his Apostleship Examine yourselves in Christ (13:5)

Galatians (6 chaps.) – Freedom in Christ – the old law has fulfilled its purpose (2:20-21; 5:1) Ephesians (6 chaps.) – Unity in the body of Christ (2:15; 4:1-6) – God’s eternal purpose

Philippians (4 chaps.) – JOY - Rejoice in Christ (4:4, 12) Colossians (4 chaps.) – Christ, the center of our lives – we must submit to Christ – we are complete in Christ (1:18; 2:9-10; 3:1-2)

1 Thessalonians (5 chaps.) – The second coming of Christ (4:16-18) 2 Thessalonians (3 chaps.) – The second coming of Christ - Be patient as you serve Christ and wait for His return (2:2-3; 3:5)

1 Timothy (6 chaps.) – Sound doctrine – fight the good fight of faith (6:12) 2 Timothy (4 chaps.) – Sound doctrine – preach the word (4:2)

Titus (3 chaps.) – Sound doctrine – Maintain good works (3:1) Philemon (1 chap.) – Human relations (1:10) Hebrews (13 chaps.) – Christ is better (4:14-16; 12:1-2)

James (5 chaps.) – Practical Christian living (1:19-22) 1 Peter (5 chaps.) – Hope in Christ – (1:3, 21; 3:15; 5:4) 2 Peter (3 chaps.) – Knowledge in Christ (1:5-8)

1 John (5 chaps.) – Love & truth (3:17-18; 4:8) 2 John (1 chap.) – Abide in the teaching of Christ (1:9-10) 3 John (1 chap.) – Fellow helpers with Christ (1:8)

Jude (1 chap.) – Contend for the faith – (1:3)

Prophecy (1 Book) Revelation (22 chaps.) – Victory in Christ – (2:10; 14:13; 22:14)

5. Five sections of the Old Testament (Points in this section taken from material by Allen Webster)

Books of the Law (5 Books) (Genesis to Deuteronomy). In these five books, Israel was: chosen Redeemed Disciplined Instructed

Books of History (12 Books) (Joshua – Esther) Conquest of Canaan Period of the Judges United kingdom under Saul, David and Solomon

Books of History (12 Books) Division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah Each kingdom went into captivity Southern kingdom was restored after the captivity

“Each kingdom was eventually taken into captivity because of sin “Each kingdom was eventually taken into captivity because of sin. Judah eventually returned under Zerrubabel and Ezra (and some from the other ten tribes with them).”

Thus the first seventeen Old Testament books show Israel's history from its beginning to the end of the Old Testament (the time of Malachi). The other twenty-two books fit back into the history of the first seventeen.

Books of Poetry (5 Books) (Job to Song of Solomon). The five poetical books focus on: Man's relationship with God Worship Holy living.

Books of the Major Prophets (5 Books) (Isaiah to Daniel). The difference between major and minor prophets is not one of importance but of length.

Books of the Minor Prophets (12 Books) (Hosea to Malachi). The prophets were both forth-tellers and foretellers, so the seventeen prophetical books focus on both the near and the far. That is, they preached strongly against the sins of their own age (moral iniquity and idolatry) and foretold of the coming Messiah and His kingdom (consolation and future hope).

References Allen Webster, Introduction To The Bible, Bible Correspondence Course, House to House Heart to Heart (housetohouse.com/) Keynotes of Scripture by Robert R. Taylor (from old church bulletin)