Rightly Dividing (2 Timothy 2:15)

Divisions Lesson #1

In the introduction for this series, we saw that we must rightly divide the word of truth according to 2 Timothy 2:15. Therefore, in this lesson we will begin looking at the divisions in the word of God. In the process of looking at the divisions we will assign names to each of the divisions that we study. These names may not be given in the word of God for these divisions, but we assign them for two reasons. One so that we can distinguish between different time periods in the word of God and two so that we can remember them.

What are divisions?

Divisions are going to be periods of time in which God deals with a man regarding how he can be righteous. We will use the word righteous instead of saved because it will cause less confusion and eventually it will make these divisions clearer. Since every man born after Adam’s sin is a sinner, then the greatest question for man is how I can be right with God (hence have righteousness). We will begin at the beginning by looking at Adam and Eve in the first division called Innocence in the Garden.

 Divisions One (Innocence in the Garden):

God created Adam and Eve in his image. The image of God is Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4 ; Colossians 1:13-16 ; Hebrews 1:3). Therefore, Adam and Eve were righteous. They would have had the righteousness of God which is Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-28).

Their one commandment was to not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17). Satan tempted Eve then her and Adam both sinned. When they sinned, they lost the image of God and their righteousness. Note that Seth is born in the image of Adam not God (Genesis 5:3).

This sinned also is the reason that we are born sinners in need of righteousness (Romans 3:23 ; 5:12). Therefore, in the division called Innocence in the Garden man was righteous and all he had to do was not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil to keep that righteousness.

Divisions Two (Before the Law):

This division will cover the time period from right after Adam and Eve’s sin up till God gives Israel the Law in Exodus 19. To answer the question of how man was righteous during this period we will look at three example who lived during this period. These examples are all said to be righteous.

1)  Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-7 ; Hebrews 11:4 ; 1 John 3:12)

• Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain and obtained witness that he was righteous.
• In 1 John we also see that Abel’s works were righteous and his brothers were not.

2) Noah (Genesis 6:8-9 ; Hebrews 11:7)

• Noah by faith built an ark and was made heir of righteousness and in Genesis we see that he was walking with God before he built the ark.

3)  Abraham (Genesis 15:6)

• Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness. But he was justified years later by offering up his son Isaac (James 2:21-24).

In each of these cases a man is righteous when he does by faith what God says.

Rightly Dividing (2 Timothy 2:15)

Divisions Lesson #1 : Handout

1)  Give a good definition for divisions in the word of God.

2)  What is the key question that every man must answer?

3)  What is going on in the divisions called Innocence in the Garden?

4)  List three examples from the division called before the Law.

5)  How is man righteous in the division called Before the Law?