Context
This is a very important word that is sometimes disregarded. The dictionary defines it this way: the parts of something written or spoken that immediately precede and follow a word or passage and clarify its meaning:
Context really matters if we really desire to divide the word of truth in Scripture rightly.
Motor oil is a wonderful product when it is used for what it was intended to be used for. When I get the oil changed in my truck, they drain out the old oil and put fresh oil in the crankcase of the motor. If they were to put the oil into the gas tank, thinking it would lubricate the engine, it would not do any good, and the engine wouldn’t run. You see, the gas tank would be the wrong context for oil.
Oil in the right context is wonderful and extremely helpful. Oil in the wrong context is no good.
So it is with the truth of Scripture. Scripture can be misused by being taken out of context and made to apply in some way it was never intended to. It is the responsibility of those who handle the word of God, particularly spiritual leaders who minister and teach the word, to guide correct interpretation and application. They must ensure they are studying to show themselves approved of God by rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Saying or teaching things to others to wow them, make them feel a certain way, or control them in some way is not a responsible handling of the truth.
Any Scripture can be taken out of context and made to appear to say many things it was never intended to say. It can be turned into what Scripture calls profane and idle babblings.
2 Timothy 2:16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.
Hymanaeus and Philetus likely felt they were leaders and taught the truth to others, but they were deceived and taught things out of context in a way that disrupted the faith of others regarding the hope of the resurrection. They did not deny the resurrection; they simply said it had already happened. This was serious enough for Paul to point out their error and use it as an example of how some fail to divide the word of truth correctly.
If anyone desires to be a mouthpiece for God in teaching others, they should be willing to put in the time before the Lord and, with Scripture in hand and a teachable heart, do the work involved in making sure they see the truth in its right context so they can share it without misleading others.
This is what the Scripture cautions,
James 3:1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.
Those who have taken on the role of instructing others have also accepted the stricter judgment spoken of here. This is why it merits taking context seriously. In order to give proper glory and respect to God in this practice getting context right and making sure what is shared is rightly divided is an essential part of the process.
