Orthotomounta

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Tim 2:15.  The words "rightly dividing" come from the Greek word, orthotomounta.  This word literally means to cut straight.  We use the word ortho in such words as orthodontics, and orthopedics.  It means to straighten, as in straightening teeth.  When you go to the dentist, and he needs to cut your gum, you want him to make a straight cut in the right place the first time!  When a road is constructed, or a furrow is plowed, it needs to be straight, exactly where it is supposed to be.  So when we come to the Word of God, it needs to be rightly divided.  A Scripture taken out of context and misunderstood can be used to say anything the speaker wants it to say.  We so often hear Scripture being used incorrectly by those who have not rightly divided it.  Even satan used Scripture for his own purpose.  Perhaps this is the highest level of deception, to take God's own words, and misuse them to deceive and tempt.  Often the Old Testament is quoted by those who don't understand the New Covenant.  We are 2000 years removed from the Old Testament!  We do not stone witches or adulterers.  We do not live under the Law.  We are in the age of God's grace and the shed blood of Jesus.  We have a relationship with God in the spirit, from the heart.  The Holy Spirit is our teacher.  We have the 5 fold ministry gifts from Christ to help us grow.  We have the New Testament and the letters to the churches.  We are a part of the body of Christ, with many different members.  We can grow in our knowledge of the love of God, which takes away all fear.  The Holy Spirit is our guide, who leads us into all truth.  We can go to God in prayer, and study the Scriptures, and rightly divide the Word of truth.  In any matter, we can come to God and ask for wisdom, and understanding.  God will give answers, peace, and understanding to us.  He can unravel the most complicated situations, and give us knowledge of what to do.  He will shine His light of illumination on the Word, so we can rightly divide it and live by it in love and truth.  Let us be diligent to present ourselves unto God, workers who do not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.