𝗕𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗘𝗢𝗣𝗟𝗘’𝗦 𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗟

BE CAREFUL READING OTHER PEOPLE’S MAIL

(Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth)
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

INTRODUCTION

Many believers are sincere—but sincerely confused—because they read all Scripture as if it is written directly to them. While all Scripture is FOR us, not all Scripture is TO us. When we fail to rightly divide, we mix programs, promises, and commands—leading to doctrinal error, spiritual frustration, and confusion.

Today, we will learn why Romans through Philemon are our direct instructions, and why reading Israel’s mail without division leads to misunderstanding.

DIVINE DISTINCTION
2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 15:4
Explanation: God requires division, not confusion. Scripture has audiences, administrations, and purposes.

A. Rightly Dividing Required – God commands division
B. Relevant Direction – Truth applied correctly
C. Revealed Difference – Israel vs. Body of Christ
Dispensational Truth: One Bible—multiple programs.

DIFFERENT DESTINIES
Matthew 25:34; Ephesians 1:3
Explanation: Israel is promised an earthly kingdom; the Church is blessed with heavenly places.

A. Kingdom on Earth – Promised to Israel
B. Calling in Heaven – Given to the Body
C. Confusion Causes Conflict – Mixing hopes misleads
Dispensational Truth: Earth ≠ Heaven.

DISTINCT DISCIPLESHIP
Matthew 10:5–7; Galatians 1:11–12
Explanation: Jesus trained the Twelve for Israel; Paul received a new gospel for the Gentiles.

A. Twelve to Israel – Kingdom gospel
B. Paul to Gentiles – Grace gospel
C. Two Commissions – Not the same mission
Dispensational Truth: Follow Pauline pattern today.

DECLARED DIVISION
James 1:1; Romans 11:13
Explanation: James clearly states his audience—the twelve tribes.

A. James Names Israel – No ambiguity
B. Paul Names Gentiles – Direct address
C. Audience Awareness – Prevents misapplication
Dispensational Truth: Mail has an address.

DISPENSATIONAL ADMINISTRATION
Ephesians 3:1–3; Colossians 1:25
Explanation: God works through dispensations—distinct stewardships.

A. Prophecy Program – Israel
B. Mystery Program – Body of Christ
C. Pauline Revelation – Previously hidden truth
Dispensational Truth: The Mystery was revealed to Paul alone.

DOCTRINAL DANGER
Matthew 5:48; Galatians 5:1
Explanation: Applying Israel’s law-based commands to the Church produces bondage.

A. Performance Pressure – Leads to failure
B. Works Confusion – Grace diluted
C. Spiritual Burnout – Joy lost
Dispensational Truth: Grace frees; law binds.

DESIGNATED DOCTRINE
Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 14:37
Explanation: Paul’s epistles contain our doctrine, duty, and destiny.

A. Doctrine – What we believe
B. Duty – How we walk
C. Destiny – Where we are going
Dispensational Truth: Romans–Philemon is our instruction manual.

DIVINELY DIRECTED WALK
Romans 6:14; Galatians 2:20
Explanation: Grace produces obedience from identity, not obligation.

A. Identity in Christ – Not Israel
B. Indwelling Life – Christ in us
C. Liberty in Grace – Not law-keeping
Dispensational Truth: We live from grace, not for grace.

DISCERNING DISCIPLE
Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21
Explanation: Mature believers test teaching by right division, not emotion.

A. Search the Scriptures – Context matters
B. Separate Programs – Don’t blend
C. Stand on Truth – Even if unpopular
Dispensational Truth: Truth withstands examination.

CONCLUSION

Confusion disappears when division is applied. God has not changed—but His dealings have. When believers read Israel’s mail and try to live it out today, they lose clarity, assurance, and joy. Rightly divided truth brings peace, power, and purpose.

CALL TO ACTION

Study Romans through Philemon
Rightly divide Israel and the Church
Stand boldly on grace truth
Stop reading mail not addressed to you!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Right doctrine leads to right living.
Right division leads to right application.
Grace shines brightest when Scripture is handled accurately.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” — 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)