How to Rightly Divide the Scriptures

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)

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing [to make a straight cut, that is, (figuratively) to dissect (expound) correctly (the divine message)] the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV)

Listen to:: Jim Maurer - "Rightly Dividing"

#1 Consider Who is Being Dealt With

Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 1 Corinthians 10:32 (NKJV)

See also:

Important "Keys" to Bible Understanding

Rightly Dividing the Word

#2 Remember, Israel Was (Is) God's Physical People

For Jews require a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 1 Corinthians 1:22 (KJV)

#3 The Apostle Paul is Our Apostle

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: Romans 11:13 (KJV)

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:16 (KJV)

See also:

Interview with the Apostle Paul

#4 Jesus Christ's Ministry was Jewish

Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: Romans 15:8 (KJV)

Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. Matthew 23:1-3 (NKJV)

See also:

Jesus: Who is He?

#5 The Church is Not the New Covenant

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Jeremiah 31:31 (KJV)

For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Hebrews 8:8 (KJV)

#6 The "Kingdom" is Not the Church

Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. Mathew 21:43 (KJV)

See also:

Rightly Dividing the Word

#7 Our Worship is Spiritual, Not Physical

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Philippians 3:3 (KJV)

#8 The Book of Acts Records a Transition Out of Israel's (and the Early Church's) Physical Religion

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. Acts 13:46 (KJV)

And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. Acts 18:6 (KJV)

Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. Acts 28:28 (KJV)

See also:

The Transition in Acts
Bible Study on Acts

#9 Paul's Books Written After After Acts 28 Have No Reference to Israel's Ritualistic or Holiday Practices

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross ... Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Colossians 2:14-16 (KJV)

Read also: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon.

See also:
Shocking facts about the Church

#10 We Can Grow in Christ, but We Can Not Add Religious Invention to our Standing

You are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. Colossians 2:10 (NKJV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3 (KJV)

See also:
Are You A Religious Drunkard?