September 18, 2022

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

God’s word is to be read, heard, studied, and taught under the direction of its author: His Holy Spirit. This counsel in Paul’s letter to Timothy alerts us to the reality that it is possible to mishandle, or wrongly divide, the word. A healthy way to build discernment and guard against any misunderstanding of God’s counsel is through cross-referencing. 

“By the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.” Deuteronomy 19:15

“But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’” Matthew 18:16

This will be the third time I am coming to you. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.” 2 Corinthians 13:1)

The “two or three witnesses” principle is itself established by “two or three witnesses.” Thus, by the mouths of Moses, Jesus, and Paul, the Holy Spirit is making an important point. Scripture is its own interpreter. This is a safeguard against misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Jesus loves for people who are truly seeking after Him to spend quality time together, gathered in His name to study His word!

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20

Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His name [character]. Malachi 3:16