correctly cutting the word of truth

Endeavor to present yourself to God qualified, an unashamed worker, correctly cutting the word of truth. Yet from profane prattlings stand aloof, for they will be progressing to more irreverence, and their word will spread as gangrene, of whom are Hymeneus and Philetus, who swerve as to truth, saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and are subverting the faith of some. 2Timothy 2:15-18

We do not have to guess at what Paul meant by the phrase, “correctly cutting the word of truth”. The context in which the expression occurs explains it, clearly. Timothy is urged to be a qualified worker, able to perform his work without shame and hesitancy. With this, he can face up to men like Hymeneus and Philetus, who had departed from the truth. They claimed that the resurrection had already taken place. They are not denying the truth of the resurrection, but misplaced her. The Scriptures teach that Jesus Christ, as Firstfruit, arose in the past and, secondly, that the resurrection of the rest of humanity will be in the future. “Each in his own order” (see 1Cor.15). Hymeneus and Philetus ignored this distinction and placed the “resurrection” in the past. With this, they demonstrated that they did not correctly cut the word of truth, with all the fatal consequences of such.

Let me give a few examples of correctly cutting the word of truth:

» The law that God gave to Moses, was a disciplinarian for Israel to Christ, and not thereafter (Gal.3:24.25);

» The words that Jesus spoke, while here on earth, was “bread for the children of Israel” and expressly not intended for the nations (Matt. 15:24-26);

» The ministry of James, Peter and John was aimed at “the circumcision”, while Paul’s message was for the nations (Gal.2:7-9).

A proven worker of God, not only recognizes the Biblical truths, but also knows where to place them, correctly.   ——————————— translation: Peter Feddema

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