Making a Straight Cut
10/30 Reading Portions: 2 Kings 11-12; 2 Timothy 2; Hosea 3-4; Psalm 119:121-144
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10/30 Reading Portions: 2 Kings 11-12; 2 Timothy 2; Hosea 3-4; Psalm 119:121-144
2 Timothy 2:15
…rightly handling the word of truth.
SWORD
In another version, this phrase is translated, “rightly dividing the word of truth” (KJV). The term, rightly handling or rightly dividing comes from a Greek word that means to “make a straight cut,” and relevant for a worker in trades like masonry, carpentry, or even tent making, which was Paul’s trade and skill. There are many illustrations and applications for our verse today, but we’ll keep it simple and address only one. The aged apostle encourages the young pastor in his appropriate use of God’s Word. The Word of God is expressed elsewhere as the “sword of the Spirit” (Eph 6:17), and that it…
is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. Hebrews 4:12
As such, it is nothing to treat lightly. Although it may be wielded by unbelievers carelessly, twisting the Spirit’s sword so as to maim and mutilate others, as well as cut themselves viciously or even fatally, it must be handled by the Christian with serious intent. It must never be used to defend fallen man’s sins, but rather to slay the corruptions of mortal flesh that rise within us— that is, kill the source of sins that…
so easily beset us. Hebrews 12:1, KJV
We must, with a clear mind, a sharp eye, a stout heart, and a strong hand, plunge our two-edged sword into sin’s bowels so that it dies in the way. Joab took the treasonous Amasa by the beard with his right hand as if to greet him, but at the same time plunged his sword into his cousin’s fifth rib with his left hand (2 Sam 20:10). When we our fleshly members in this way, it will give others to pause (2 Sam 20:12a) until that sin is taken out of the way and covered (2 Sam 12b). May you wield your sword, by God’s grace,
as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:3
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
With grave intent, we use God’s Word
To slay the sinful flesh:
It is a sharp two-edged sword,
Which makes good soldiers blest.