Message for April 19, 2026 from Pastor Shirley

 2 Timothy 2:15  “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  

Paul’s instruction to be “diligent…a worker” has been applied by serious Christians through the centuries as a directive to study the Word of God. The only way to healthy, balanced living is  through “rightly dividing” (Greek orhotomounta, literally “ cutting straight”) of God’s Word.  Such correct, straight-on application of God’s Word is the result of diligent study. The text calls us beyond casual approaches to the Scriptures telling us to refuse to suit the Bible to our own convenience or ideology. 

Paul likens the word of truth to a road being built or a furrow being plowed  both of which must be straight. The good workman must be accurate and clear in his exposition of God’s Word, keeping to the road himself making it easy for others to follow. The dividing of the Word of God does not mean to segment it but to rightly discern its truth by capturing the spirit of the word.   

“The word of God, you see, is alive and moving; sharper than a double-edged sword; piercing the divide between soul and spirit, joints and marrow; able to judge the thoughts and will of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life” 3 John 6:6