A Lesson on Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

Interpreting the Bible: A Lesson on Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

The Danger of Isolated Interpretation
One of the greatest dangers in Bible study is reading a single verse and assuming it gives us the full truth on a subject. This method often leads to serious doctrinal errors. For example, in Matthew 4:6, Satan quotes scripture to Jesus, saying, "He shall give His angels charge over you." That passage is correctly quoted—but Jesus replies with another verse: "You shall not tempt the Lord your God." (v. 7). Satan misused scripture by quoting it out of context. Jesus corrected him by bringing in the rest of what God had said.

The Bible Is Its Own Best Commentary
This example teaches us that truth isn’t found in isolated verses but in comparing scripture with scripture. If we read Acts 2:21 alone—"Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved"—we might think that salvation is by a simple verbal confession. But when we read Acts 22:16, we understand what "calling on the name of the Lord" means: "Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord." This reveals that obedience is part of that calling. Only by looking at both passages can we understand the full truth.

Use Parallel Accounts for Clarity
The gospel accounts often record the same events with different details. Matthew 4:11 says, "The devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him." If we only read that, we might think the devil never returned. But Luke 4:13 adds, "He departed from Him until an opportune time." The devil would return later. Parallel accounts complement one another and give the fuller picture.

In Matthew 24:15, Jesus warns about "the abomination of desolation," which by itself is vague. But Luke 21:20 explains it clearly: "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near." That clears up the mystery. When we compare all gospel accounts, we rightly understand Jesus' prophecy.

Eliminating False Contradictions
Critics often claim the Bible contradicts itself, but that’s only when people fail to study thoroughly. For example, Matthew 27:5 says Judas hanged himself. Acts 1:18 says he fell headlong and burst open. Some say these are contradictory accounts. But taken together, they show Judas hanged himself, and later his body fell and was torn open. Together, the passages give the whole story.

Never Let One Verse Override the Whole Bible
Another error is forcing a meaning onto a passage that contradicts the rest of scripture. People use 1 Corinthians 7:15 to justify remarriage, saying the believer is "not under bondage." But marriage is never called bondage in scripture. Matthew 5:32 and Matthew 19:9 clearly teach that remarriage is only permitted for sexual immorality. No interpretation of 1 Corinthians 7:15 should contradict those plainer verses.

The Abuse of Revelation 20
Revelation 20:1–4 is one of the most misused passages in the Bible. Some treat the "thousand years" as literal, even though all other terms in the chapter—beasts, chains, thrones—are symbolic. Why treat one number as literal and the rest as figurative? This flawed method leads people to reshape the rest of scripture around a misunderstanding of one symbolic passage. But Revelation must be interpreted in light of plainer scriptures, not the other way around.

Diligent Study is Required
2 Timothy 2:15 tells us to rightly divide the word of truth. That means study. That means digging. We cannot skim over scripture or build doctrines on assumptions. We must compare, consider, and harmonize all that God has revealed. Truth is not hidden, but it does require effort to uncover.

Sermon Outline: Let the Bible Explain Itself

1. Introduction: The danger of isolated verses (Matthew 4:6–7)
2. The Bible Explains the Bible (Acts 2:21; Acts 22:16)
3. Parallel Accounts Provide Clarity (Matthew 4:11; Luke 4:13)
4. Clearing Up Misunderstood Prophecies (Matthew 24:15; Luke 21:20)
5. No Contradictions: Judas' death (Matthew 27:5; Acts 1:18)
6. Doctrinal Clarity Comes From All Scripture (1 Corinthians 7:15; Matthew 5:32; 19:9)
7. Interpreting Revelation Properly (Revelation 20)
8. Conclusion: Rightly dividing requires study (2 Timothy 2:15)

Call to Action
Have you built your faith on a single verse or on the full counsel of God? God’s word doesn’t contradict itself. If your beliefs conflict with scripture, it’s time to dig deeper. Don’t settle for half-truths. Let the Bible speak—fully, clearly, and consistently. Seek truth. Study diligently. Obey completely.