Correctly Handle the Word of Truth

“Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words. It is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.” (2 Timothy 2:14-16)

It's not enough to use the Bible. Does it sound wrong to say that? It’s true: It’s not enough to use the Bible. Do you know what book many false teachers use? The Bible! There are all sorts of people with all sorts of false beliefs who claim to get them from the Bible. It’s not enough to use the Bible.

Christians need to “correctly handle the word of truth.” There are proper and improper ways to use God’s Word. Have you thought about this? The way you interpret the Bible is very important. The fancy word for “Bible interpretation” is hermeneutics. You don’t need to remember the word “hermeneutics,” but you need to know the basics of how to correctly handle God’s Word of truth.

Paul gives us two key concepts in these verses: 1) Don’t quarrel about words. Don’t get drawn into word battles with people who have no desire to understand God’s message. They simply want to win an argument. That is of no value. 2) Avoid godless chatter. So much talk about God is actually godless. Don’t spend your time chattering about people’s thoughts and opinions about God.

Instead, grow in your ability to correctly handle the word of truth. Here are three more keys to proper Bible interpretation: 1) Let Scripture interpret Scripture. When you come to a difficult section of God’s Word, let clearer sections shine light on more difficult ones. 2) Use the context. Don’t fall into the temptation to pull individual Bible passages out of their context and make them say whatever you want them to say. That’s godless chatter! Instead, let the context guide you in understanding each verse’s meaning. 3) Focus on Christ. Never forget that every word of the Bible is part of God’s one, united message of how Jesus Christ came into our world to save us from our sins.

In a world filled with quarrels over words and godless chatter, correctly handle the word of truth!

Dear Holy Spirit, please fill me with wisdom to correctly handle your word of truth. Keep me from godless chatter. May my own thoughts never get mixed with yours. Lead me to your truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Pastor Nathan