“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane [and] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness,” 2 Timothy 2:15-16.
The phrase ‘rightly dividing the word of truth’ simply means ‘to make straight and smooth, to handle aright, to teach the truth directly and correctly’. Paul refers to a ‘workman’ and it is reasonable to think that when he is directed of the Spirit of God to use a phrase that carries the meaning embodied in the Greek term, that a workman such as a carpenter or stone mason is in the mind of the apostle. My father, who was a carpenter, so often told me when I was but a lad and attempting to help him in some task: ‘measure twice and cut once!’. No one needs to heed such counsel more than one who opens his mouth to pronounce the Word of God and apply it to the hearts and minds of men.
It is easy to misapply God’s Word and thereby misrepresent the meaning of it and thus mislead and misdirect men!
I am saddened to note that such was the outcome of the words spoken by Mr Paul Givan, the First Minister in a speech he made recently in the Stormont Assembly.
A video of part of that speech has been mounted on Facebook and a copy has been circulating. It was sent to me by two friends who were asking my opinion of the words of Mr Givan for they felt that his actions did not ring true.
They are correct. (more…)
“ . . . and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God,” 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.