2nd Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
This passage of scripture teaches us that there is a right and a wrong way to divide the scriptures, and the passage also comes with a caution for Christians to avoid profane and vain babblings, which only engender strife and ungodliness. We are to study the word of God for ourselves, so that the precious gems of truth may be unearthed and humbly shared with those who are willing, and also practiced by ourselves. The reason for this counsel is that we are not called to argue the scriptures with anyone, yet the gospel must be presented in direct and clear a manner as possible, so that we can give to anyone who asks us, a reason for our faith. To be able by the grace of God to explain what we believe and why we believe, based on scripture, brings clarity and direction to our faith, and at the same time instructs those who may be sincerely searching for truth. Let's read:
1st Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.
When in conversation with those who are of different faiths and belief systems we should be careful to rightly divide the word of truth, and not be drawn into any lengthy arguments that aren't productive of good. For instance, if we are questioned extensively on a particular aspect of our faith, the references used by both parties must come from the same source, or else the conversation will almost certainly end up in disagreement and argument. Students at Harvard law school must use the same commonly used references in presenting evidences either for or against a certain judicial action, or else their presentations will be thrown out as being grossly misinformed, irrelevant, or ill-advised.
The same is true when dividing the word of truth. The Quran and the Bible, or the book of Mormon cannot be used as the same central texts when deliberating on the right way to get to heaven, or advocating for the correct standard of morality, for the texts are inherently different, and cannot ever be harmonized or integrated in any manner. For instance, polygamy is allowed in the Quran, whereas it is forbidden in the Bible, therefore the two texts present a collision of ideologies and moral standards that would naturally breed conflict. This we are cautioned in the scriptures to avoid, for deliberations such as these are generally not productive of good. Furthermore, as our passage for today rightly states, conversations based on different texts often produce strife, and should be avoided by the Christian who is advised to seek peace and ensue it.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which teaches us the example of Christ when speaking or interacting with those who are of different faith and beliefs, for Jesus is our Great Exemplar, and if we adopt His methods, we will be led into safe, productive paths, so that the gospel can be presented in the right spirit and explained in the correct manner. Let's read:
Luke 9:51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, 52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans" .... 53 And they did not receive him" ... 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. God bless!