|
Author
|
Topic: An question of intraspection - The Word of Truth
|
epouraniois
unregistered
|
posted
Dr. Bulliinger makes a good point:
The one great requirement of the Word is grounded on the fact that it is "the Word of truth." And this fact is so stated as to imply that, unless the Word is thus rightly divided we shall not get "truth"; and that we shall get its truth only in proportion to the measure in which we divide it rightly.
The Requirement is thus stated in 2 Timothy 2:15: "Give diligence to present thyself approved to God, a workman having no cause to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth."
The word in question here is orqotomounta (orthotomounta).
"Orthotomounta", from orqoV (orthos), right, and temnw (temno), to cut.
It is used twice in the Septuagint for the Hebrew r#$ayaf (yashar), to be right, or straight. In Proverbs 3:6, 11:5, the Hebrew is Piel (or causative), to make right (as in 2 Chron 32:30; Prov 15:21; Isa 40:3, 45:2,13).
But it is the Greek word that we have to do with here, in 2 Timothy 2:15; and we cannot get away from the fact that temnw (temno) means to cut; or, from the fact that we cannot cut without dividing. To divide belongs to the very nature of the act of cutting. Even as applied to directing one's way, it implies that we divide off one way from others— because we desire to follow the right way and avoid the wrong.
The only Biblical guide we have to the usage of the word is in Proverbs 3:6:
"In all thy ways acknowledge him
And he shall direct thy paths."
In the margin the RV gives, "make straight or plain" as an alternative rendering for "direct." But our ways can only be made straight or plain by God's causing us to proceed on our way aright—i.e., by avoiding all the ways that are wrong, and going in the one way that is right; in other words, the right way is divided off from all the wrong ways.
What else can the word mean in 2 Timothy 2:15?
we need not leave the Biblical usage, which associates the word with guidance in the right way.
The scope of the verse plainly teaches that:
* Our one great study is to seek GOD'S approval, and not man's.
* We are to show all diligence in pursuing this study.
* As workmen, our aim is to have no cause to be ashamed of our work.
* In order to gain God's approval and avert our own shame we must rightly divide the word of truth.
* To do this we must direct our studies in the right way.
* This great requirement is associated with the Word in its special character as being the Word of truth; i.e., "the TRUE Word."
All this tells us that we shall not get the truth if we do not thus rightly divide it; and that we shall get the truth only in proportion to our "rightly dividing" it.
Other titles of the Word have their own special requirements. As "the engrafted Word" it must be received with meekness (James 1:21). As "the Faithful Word" we must hold it fast (Titus 1:9). As "the Word of life" we must hold it forth (Phil 2:16).
But, because this is "the Word of truth," its paths must be well noted, the sign-posts must be observed, the directions and guides which are in the Word itself must be followed.
We are to "give diligence" to this great Requirement of the Word just because it is "the Word of truth."
On what ground, are we to treat such an important command as though it had never been given?
Why is not this command as binding on Bible students as any other command in the Word of God?
What motive can such have to blunt the point and dull the edge of this "Sword of the Spirit" in this matter?
IP: Logged | 
|
|
|
Printer-friendly view of this topic
