The Importance of Correct Application

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a
workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the
word of truth. ~2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

 

We cannot underestimate
the importance of correct application. For example, if I purchase a
topical medication, but then ingest it rather than spread it on my skin,
the medicine won't work in the way intended. Conversely, if I buy cough
syrup and lather it on a wound, my cough is not likely to disappear
from the manner in which I use the medication.



The same is true for God's Word.



James
1:22-25 exhorts us to apply God's Word, so we're doers and not just
hearers. Teachers realize that student's learn best with "hands on"
learning, and our Master Teacher knows it, too. An active faith is a
practiced faith, and if we merely say we believe something that
statement isn't proven until we put action behind it.



But just as
important as applying God's Word, is the importance applying it
correctly. The only way to do that is to truly understand it. This is
where we usually mess up. Someone says it and we accept it as true
without dusting off our Bibles and checking it out for ourselves.



Now
the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in
Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and
examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
~Acts 17:11 (NIV)



If the Berean Jews were shrewd and wise
enough to double check the apostle Paul, how much more should we check
the accuracy of what is spoken from the pulpit, from books we read, and
from classes and conferences. Don't assume the person speaking or
writing is accurate in everything they say! I truly believe if Jesus
walked the earth today, He would call a lot of what is spoken in His
name as the "traditions of men" (Mark 7:8)--or worse yet, false teaching
meant to deceive and manipulate--rather than the Word of God.



There
are very strict warnings in the Bible about not adding anything to or
taking anything away from God's Word (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Proverbs
30:5-6; Galatians 1:9; Revelation 22:18-19). No wonder teachers are held
to a different standard (James 3:1). Let me tell you, I know there are
times when I've not handled His Word correctly, and I tremble to think
of the consequences!



The following probably goes without saying, but in order to handle God's Word correctly, we should:



Study, memorize and meditate on God's Word on a regular basis. (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-2; 119:11, 97, 148; 2 Timothy 3:15)
Make sure to study passages in context. (NOTE: There are numerous online
study helps and word lexicons, but remember to hold up the teachings of
even commentaries and study helps against God's Word.)


Rely on the Spirit's guidance and direction. (John 16:13-15; 1 Corinthians 2:10-13)
Put into practice what you learn. (James 1:22-25)
Test the accuracy of others' teachings by holding them up to the light of God's Word. (Acts 17:11)



"Holy Scripture is the unchangeable word of God to which man must
bend himself, and not something which he can bend to his own personal
ideas." ~Jean Danielou



Father God, thank You for Your
Word, which is truly "a lamp for our feet and a light for our path."
We're grateful for the presence of Your Spirit within us helping us to
understand and know You. Help us to put into practice what we learn and
to test everything we hear by holding it up to the light of Your Holy
Word. In the power of Jesus we pray, Amen.