In the news we come to know about deaths by accidents. Some tried to have a look at gun, or cleaned the gun or just pressed trigger unknowingly got killed. Yes, gun is dangerous, a handler should know its dynamics. Similarly, double-edged sword has wounded many who were not careful while handling it. Paul advises Timothy to ‘rightly handle’ or ‘rightly divide the Word’. (II Timothy 2:15) Paul challenges Timothy to be an ’Approved’ worker, not an ‘Ashamed’ worker. Learning, understanding, applying and teaching the Word of God ‘rightly’ is essential for every believer.
Like a ploughman, a teacher of truth should furrow in straight lines to make hearts of listeners to be ready to receive the seed. By listening the people should become blameless, righteous acknowledging His name and walk in straight paths. (Proverbs 3:6; 11:15)
Like the priests of the Old Testament who cut the sacrifice, a teacher should divide the Word of God. There are clear instructions for each portion of the cut piece of meat that is brought and sacrificed in the altar. There are principles for interpretation of the Word of God.
Like parents, who apportion food as required for each child of different ages, a teacher of Word should apportion ‘manna’ according to the need of each believer. Appropriate words would be like apples of gold presented in a setting of silver. (Proverbs 25:11)
Sadly, there are numerous ‘ashamed workers’ who relish in telling ‘irreverent babbles’ or ‘old granny stories’; ungodly stories or principles; false teachings that infect and destroy like gangrene; swerve from truth; ship wrecking faith of listeners and leading them to peril, disaster and second death. (II Timothy 2:16-18) Such workers would be ‘ashamed’ as Lord will tell them: “I never knew you.” (Matthew 7:21-23)
Do I belong to ‘Approved’ or ‘Ashamed’ category?