Rightly dividing the Word of Truth is vital in our journeys. Looking at what that consists of will not only aid us in our understanding of scripture, but will also aid us in life in general.

     Let’s look at an example:

     In some cultures if a married woman allowed a man in her home while her husband was away, she is considered a loose woman. If a man entered the home while a husband is not present, unless she invited it, that could be interpreted by her and her husband as a dishonorable act and highly offensive to them. The act can also be interpreted as the man looking to make a pass at her.

     Can you see how confusion, misunderstandings, and offenses can come into play?

     We have three vital areas to prayerfully consider: Knowledge, Interpretation, and Application.

     1. Knowledge:

     There are various degrees of knowledge. Surface knowledge consists of what we know through our senses (see, hear, smell, taste, feel), whether physical or spiritual. Knowing at the deepest level is revelation, an illumination in our hearts and minds into the heart and mind of the source.  It is intimate knowledge that requires an encounter.

     Questions to prayerfully consider:

     To what degree do we know what is being relayed to us? To what degree do we know the source?

     2. Interpretation:

     If you found yourself in a foreign country, an understanding of their culture (the unspoken language of the people) would help you in your interactions with others. Cultural upbringing that comes from associating words and actions with the knowledge of good and evil can play into how we interpret things. Additionally, our past associations can also play a contributing role. Proper understanding of the process of interpretation can enhance our interactions and help us avoid unnecessary offenses. As with our opening cultural example, an act that may be considered harmless and common for one, may be interpreted differently by another. 

     Interpretation is the meaning attached to knowledge.  It requires that one is familiar with the unspoken language of the source. Once again, interpretation at the deepest level comes from being intimately acquainted with the source.

     Questions to prayerfully consider:

     Is our interpretation of knowledge consistent with the source? Furthermore, do we have the greater interpretation from the Lord’s Spirit found in Jesus?

     3. Application:

     Application consists of understanding how to put to use knowledge and interpretation. Just because we are equipped with knowledge and interpretation doesn’t mean we understand how to apply them. Godly wisdom and discernment, along with relying on the Holy Spirit and following his lead, is vital to application.

     For instance, the law was created for the carnal life.  If we take the law and try and live our new life in Christ by it, we will find ourselves living in the flesh and producing fruits unto death instead of fruits unto life.

     Question for prayerful consideration:

     Although I may be equipped with knowledge and interpretation, am I equipped with application?

     In closing I would like to say that there are physical senses and talents, along with spiritual senses and gifts.  Each can be viewed in union or apart from the Holy Spirit who reveals the truth to us by illuminating the Heart and Mind of God within our hearts and minds.  He reveals the Word and
brings the revelation of Jesus Christ, Father's Heart personified.  If we are to know, interpret, and apply the truth, we need to be intimately acquainted and in union with the Truth, Jesus Christ.  That consists of entering into him and partaking of his Life. 

     John 5:39

     You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!  Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.

     Hebrews 1:1-3

     Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets.  And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe.  The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. 

Further Reading:  2 Corinthians 4, Matthew 16, John 6:29-69, Knowing God, Points of View, Say What?, Identifying with our Beliefs and Values, Are Mars and Venus Really that Different?, The Heart of the Matter, Intimacy, Love, and Commitment