Rightly dividing is a RESULT of study, not an identity to hold to

Rightly dividing is a RESULT of study, not an identity to hold to

2Tim.2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 

Reading this chapter recently, I came to the above passage; two verses that are so important to understand and apply in the dispensational view that all believers should hold to. Consider this, all the thousands of separate denominational views, the cause of bad doctrine in the churches today, and the reason for so many babes in Christ in the pews is a direct result of ignorance or negligence of the above verse. As I slowly read the instructions in this verse, I was remined again of something I had learned a while back and I thought I'd write an encouraging post about it to let others know how to handle this passage. 

The command is to study, not to rightly divide

Firstly, we must understand that the instruction in verse 15 is "study", not to "rightly divide". Paul never commanded Timothy to rightly divide. He commanded Timothy to study the word of truth. Study is the main instruction in the above verse. Studying is what will show one approved unto God so that they do not need to be ashamed.

When one studies the word diligently, there is no cause for shame—only a sense of confidence and fulfillment in having obeyed this instruction before God. Such a worker, thoroughly prepared and grounded in Scripture, stands approved by God, unashamed because their efforts to study reflect accuracy, faithfulness, and integrity in handling the Word of truth.

What is rightly dividing?

Now, having laid this understanding, let's get to the rightly dividing part. Rightly dividing is the RESULT of studying the Word. Right division is the natural and expected outcome of diligent study because the knowledge, understanding, and discernment one gains will cause one to conclude that it's the only way to accurately interpret Scripture. Through study, one begins to identify the distinct patterns and differences between the doctrine of Israel and the doctrine of grace, recognizing that these represent two separate divine programs. Without properly dividing these programs, contradictions and confusion arise, as their purposes and contexts differ significantly. The only logical approach to reconcile these differences is to keep them distinct, understanding each within its own framework. 

If I’ve expressed this clearly, it should be understood that our focus should not be on promoting right division as a way of viewing or interpreting the Bible, nor should it be a defining identity that one belongs to. Although this has happened, with many placing themselves under the banner of right division, the truth is that with proper and sufficient study of the scriptures, everybody should come to that defining moment when the only conclusion to make is that one needs to rightly divide. The natural consequence and inevitable result of studying the whole bible is to retain distinction and separation between the two programs*. Thus, rightly dividing is not a personal or group view of scripture, nor is it supposed to be an identity to hold to. It should not be a specific classification of believers, but rather, it should be the natural result that everyone should come to after diligent study of the truth.

Warning of profane and vain babblers

Verse 15 often takes the spotlight, but have you ever noticed how Paul immediately follows it in verse 16 by addressing "profane and vain babblers"? Paul instructs us to shun such individuals, and it’s worth considering whether these babblers are a direct result of neglecting to study the Word and failing to grasp the principle of right division. It can be easily deduced that when Scripture is not rightly divided, misunderstandings and misapplications abound. This lack of accuracy and context leads some teachers to produce vain, profane, and ultimately useless content that misguides their listeners. It is a sobering reminder that empty words are not harmless—they actively lead individuals and their listeners further away from God. What starts as ignorance or negligence can evolve into a dangerous cycle of spreading error and fostering ungodly attitudes. Rather than building others up in the faith, they unintentionally keep believers stagnant, or worse, cause them to fall away from the faith. Paul’s sharp distinction between verse 15 and 16 emphasizes just how vital diligent study is, as the word of God is intricate, profound, and interconnected, demanding intentional effort to grasp its depth and its correct context. 

Paul’s instruction to Timothy challenges us to avoid this path by committing ourselves to the discipline of study and the pursuit of God’s truth. In doing so, we not only guard against becoming vain babblers but also become vessels of wisdom, grace, and truth in our interactions with others.

* Two Programs: Israel and the Body of Christ, Circumcision and Uncircumcision, Law and Grace, Prophecy and Mystery, Earth and Heaven