Correctly Handling the Word of Truth

Paul’s second letter to Timothy is considered by most to be his last writing before his death. It is a beautiful letter filled with a sense of urgency, as if Paul knew what was coming soon. He gives Timothy much instruction about the future of the church and how to deal with issues that would arise. He tells him to "entrust" truth to "reliable men who would be able to teach others". That is God's plan, one person teaches another, then that person teaches someone else and on and on. I did the calculation, if one person would teach one person this year and they became a Christian, then both would teach one person next year, then the four of them would teach four the following year and on and on, it would take about 35 years for the entire world to hear the good news of Jesus. Thirty-five years to evangelize the entire planet. That is doable!

Paul gives Timothy instruction about "handling the word of truth", God's word. People have always argued about scripture; at least that is my experience. Those arguments have led to over 2000 denominations (the last count I have heard). He tells Timothy to "do his best to present himself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (Ch 2, v 15) As a teacher, Timothy has a great responsibility to only teach truth. In fact, teachers will be held to a higher standard at the judgment. (James 3:1) So, if it is possible to correctly handle the word of truth, it must also be possible to incorrectly handle God's word. What is the difference and how can you and I avoid incorrectly handling God's word? Good questions, important questions.

In verse 14, Paul tells him to "warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value". Undoubtedly, this was specifically referring to Judaizing teachers that were bringing in false teaching, but just as surely this teaching is about those who would twist and distort the meaning of words today. God's word is plain enough. He says what he means and he means what He says. So, the first thing you and I should do is let the Bible say what it means to say. If you are having to redefine words and change the meaning of a verse to accommodate a belief that you hold, something is wrong. God chose His words very carefully, and so we should be very careful how we handle those words.

Secondly, Paul tells Timothy to study. The King James Version says "study" to show thyself approved. Nothing will ever take the place of diligent, daily study of God's word. It is by knowing the scriptures that one comes to the knowledge of salvation and it is by the scriptures that one can grow and become mature. In Hebrews 5:12-13, Paul scolds members of the church for their lack of spiritual growth. "In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness."

Thirdly, Paul tells Timothy to avoid quarreling."Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." (2 Timothy 2:23-26) Correctly handling the word means that we don't use it to start an argument or to win one. This certainly can be difficult, but check your motives; if you really care about winning the soul, the argument doesn't matter. Paul tells Timothy that kindness and gentleness are the keys to helping someone come to understand the scriptures.

So there you go.... my best effort at understanding Paul's instruction to Timothy about handling God's word correctly. First, let the word speak for itself, God knows exactly what He is communicating. If there is a problem, it is with us. Second, study! How can we correctly handle something we know nothing about? And lastly, don't use His word to win arguments, teach to win souls. God's word is not a hammer; it is a knife, a two-edged sword. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

May each of us determine to study to show ourselves approved, workers who need not be ashamed and who rightly handle God's word. By doing so, we will not save only ourselves, but our hearers as well. (1 Timothy 4:16) God bless each of us as we study and teach others the most important truth that they will ever hear; the word of God.