What Does It Mean to “Rightly Handle The Word?”
This phrase is found in II Timothy 2:15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (NKJV) The words “rightly handle” come from just one word in the Greek and means: “to cut straight, to make straight.” Therefore we are to “cut straight” the Word of God. The idea is to “handle it aright,” “use it correctly.” Each one is to study and apply the scriptures so that every passage is fitted into its correct position. Just as every piece of a puzzle is a part of and compliments the whole, so every passage is to be so understood and used that it fits and compliments the position for which God intended it. When a passage is used wrongly, that is, given an interpretation or made apply to a situation for which it was not given nor intended, that passage has not been “rightly handled.”
It is easy to claim to be following the Bible but quite another to practice it. When passages are not “rightly handled” (studied in context in the light of the whole), then grave problems arise which brings God’s displeasure. Many times, passages are “wrested” (twisted) so that they are hardly recognizable in light of other passages. When such is done, it is unto one’s own destruction (II Peter 3:16). The devil is very sly and shrewd and easily accomplishes his will with many. Are you among that number?
The easiest course to follow is the way of the world, the way that leads to destruction. Jesus said, “13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14). The broad road is traveled by the religious world in general and the denominational world in particular. If people everywhere would study for themselves and “rightly handle” the Word, confusion and division would cease. When people become more interested in what “God wants” and striving to please Him instead of what “they want” and pleasing themselves, peace and harmony will result. Friend, in which area does your interest lie?
Are you listening to religious leaders and letting them tell you what to believe instead of searching for yourself? The command to “rightly handle the word” is given to every person, not just a few.