2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Over the past year, I've been taking Seminary courses on the Old and New Testaments - and they have been an eye opener! While I'm thankful for the opportunity to take the classes and learn about the historical context of the how the Old and New Testaments are intertwined, I'm deeply saddened by our lack (as ministers of the Gospel) to correctly divide the word of truth. What I have often found is a DEEP misrepresentation of scripture, especially in retrospect to the Old Testament. Many books of the Bible I have NEVER (EVER) heard mentioned in church: the Minor Prophets (i.e. Obadiah, Nahum, Amos, etc.) and Philemon. (To be honest, many Christians don't know they exist.) Then, there are verses used/taught out of context or without the historical background: Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Chronicles 16:22; Malachi 3:6-12; 2 Chronicles 7:14; and Deuteronomy 28:1-13 (they forget to read v. 14-64) to name a few. These verses (and many others) are removed from their original context to suit the desires of the speaker and hearers (2 Timothy 4:2-4). Often these verses are stimulants to console congregations that have no desire to listen to the truth of God’s word.

The Bible cannot be used to pick 'feel good' passages (as we see fit) to stoke the egos of congregations while neglecting the responsibility to rightly divide the word of truth; instruct in righteousness; correct; and rebuke (2 Timothy 3:16-17). As we have made this mistake over the last few decades, we are discovering generations of Christians that remain on 'milk' and are unable to administer the full gospel.

Repent and turn to the Lord! Allow your teaching to be rooted in righteousness and taught with love and truth!

As Paul charges a young Timothy:

2 Timothy 4:1-5 (KJV) - I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.