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

When we spend quality time in the Word of God, reading it, listening to it being taught, studying it, and meditating on it - the Holy Spirit causes it to renew our minds. In other words, the truth we learn, agree upon, and believe begins to form a renewed mindset in us. God’s Own thoughts, based on the truth of His Word, begin to dominate our pattern of thinking and perceiving all things. This is not just crucial for us to be able to receive all Jesus accomplished for us through the finished work of the cross - it is what is expected of us. Romans 12:1 says it is our reasonable and rational service. Verse 2 says it’s the way we prove what is God’s good, acceptable and perfect will for us! This is essential for the good fight of faith. When troubling circumstances present themselves, we must know which of our thoughts are true to God’s Word, and which are a violation of that truth. The devil often uses believable lies. There will be an element of truth amongst the lie - which is what makes his fiery darts so deceptive. The only way to divide the truth from the lie, is when we are well informed of the truth. The more truth our minds are renewed to, the more skilled we become at the process of rightly dividing the Word of truth. Joshua 1:8 says, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Take the Word of God seriously, meditate on it and continuously speak its wisdom out. Start behaving like you believe what it says, by allowing it to change bad habits, and by doing things differently to what you did before. Refuse to waver in the truth you have received, regardless of the way you feel or what you see in the natural. That’s because God’s truth is higher than what we experience in the natural world - it is far superior and always overrides it. As the truth settles in our minds, its power begins to work. Our rejoicing in it and thanking God for its results - even before we see them manifest - is where our victory lies. This is faith, and it comes from rightly dividing the Word of truth!