1. By Making Proper & Necessary Distinctions
Lesson 12:
By Making Proper & Necessary Distinctions

2. A Key Verse & Key Responsibility in Understanding the Bible
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV)
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (NKJV)
Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth. (ASV)
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. (NASB)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (ESV)

3. Must Make Proper & Necessary Distinctions Between
The Merely Reported & the Authorized
Acts 16:9-12 (Paul preaching the gospel in Macedonia)
The Authorized (Essential) = Preaching the gospel in Macedonia
The Merely Reported (Incidental) = Travelling by ship
Acts 20:7-9 (Brethren worshiping in Troas)
The Authorized (Essential) = Worship God, as He directed
The Merely Reported (Incidental) = Meeting on third floor

4. Must Make Proper & Necessary Distinctions Between
Circumstance & Condition
Acts 16:13-15 (Conversion of Lydia)
Circumstances = Sabbath day, riverside, place of prayer, sitting down, meeting of women
Conditions = The preaching, the hearing, the believing, the baptism (essential for her salvation)
Circumstances vary. Conditions do not.
Acts 16:25-34 (Conversion of Philippian Jailor)
Circumstances = in prison, singing and praying at midnight, earthquake, opened doors, loosed chains
Conditions = The preaching, the hearing, the believing, the baptism (essential for his salvation)
Circumstances vary. Conditions do not. Common sense can distinguish between the two.

5. Must Make Proper & Necessary Distinctions Between
The Temporary & the Permanent
The early church had:
Apostles, possessing a miraculous measure of the Holy Spirit to perform miracles (Mark 16:20; Heb. 2:3-4; Ac. 2:4)
Apostles, endowed with the power and ability to impart miraculous gifts to others (Acts 8:14-20; 19:1-6; 2 Cor. 12:12)
Spiritual/Miraculous gifts, possessed by Christians upon whom an apostle had laid his hands (1 Cor. 9:2; 2 Tim. 1:6)
Necessary, yet temporary elements in infant church
Living apostles (John 21:18-19; Acts 12:1-4; 2 Tim. 4:6-8)
Miracles (cease when purpose fulfilled, John 20:30-31)
Spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 13:8-13; Eph. 4:11-13)
Never intended to be a part of permanent Christianity