Crystal Clear Very Understandable: Bible Analogies

Chapter 2: Opening Specifically Your Mail - Rightly Dividing the Word

Imagine it's a sunny afternoon, and you walk down, or out to your mailbox to check for the day's mail. You open the little door and see a stack of envelopes, flyers, and packages waiting for you. As you sift through them, you notice some letters that don't belong to you. There's a big envelope with your neighbor's name on it and another to the landlord. You could be curious and open them, but wait—a little voice in your head reminds you: "That's not for you."

Just like handling mail, studying the Bible requires us to be thoughtful about what we take in and how we interpret it. This is what Paul meant when he wrote to Timothy about "rightly dividing" the word of truth in 2 Timothy 2:15. It's essential to ensure that we are receiving the messages that are intended specifically for us rather than mixing them up with others' teachings or, worse, misunderstandings. They must be divided, rightly. 

Every piece of mail is correct (every verse is literally correct and accurate), but not every piece of mail is your mail (not every verse has your name on it).

When you look through your own mail, you're searching for information that pertains to you: important letters from school, notifications about your extracurricular activities, and perhaps some weekend plans with friends. Each piece of mail has its purpose, just like each verse in the Bible contains valuable truths. However, if you start opening your neighbor's mail,  you're misinterpreting messages meant for someone else. There are multiple audiences in the bible, and God has spoken to them in diverse ways ("God, who in sundry times, and in diverse manners, spake" - Hebrews 1:1)

In the context of the Bible, this means that it's crucial to know which verses speak directly to our lives and which ones are intended for different audiences or situations. For instance, the Old Testament law in God's prophetic program was given to the Israelites, and while it teaches us important lessons about God's character and expectations in his prophetic plans and purposes, it does not apply to us in the same way it did back then. Just like you wouldn't want your neighbor's mail mixed up with yours, we should keep different parts of the Bible in their proper context. 

Furthermore, rightly dividing the word of truth involves understanding the overall message of Scripture. Think about it like examining a news article. If you only read one paragraph without understanding the entire context, you might draw wrong conclusions. Maybe the article is about a significant event, but if you only read a part that sounds alarming, you might panic unnecessarily. The same goes for the Bible; taking verses out of context can lead to confusion or misconceptions about what God intends for us.

As you dive deeper into scripture, remember to consider who the original audience was and what the lessons mean for you today. Seeking guidance through  a knowledgeable friend, or referencing a good study Bible can help you discern what is meant for you specifically. By "rightly dividing" the word, you become a responsible student, ensuring that you apply God's truths accurately in your life.

So, the next time you approach the Bible, think about your mailbox. Open your letters slowly and thoughtfully, understand where each piece fits, and appreciate the wisdom that is meant just for you. Just like checking your mail correctly keeps you informed without crossing boundaries, rightly dividing the word of truth helps keep your spiritual life and identity in Christ clear and focused. In doing so, you gain not only knowledge but also a strong foundation in your faith that will guide you through life's challenges.