There are lots of conversation around scriptural interpretation that “start” or “end” with the statement “rightly dividing the word of truth.”  In other words, you need to interpret it correctly.  Typically (not always) those who yell that statement the loudest are those most likely guilty of NOT “rightly dividing” the scripture.  Rather they are allowing their own ideas – or the ideas of some cult-like leader – to influence their thinking.

Take, as one example, those who deny the doctrine of the Trinity, simply because the word TRINITY does not appear in scripture.  Typically they follow that sort of statement with a word declaring that the doctrine was invented at a church council gathering (typically they point to the AD 325 Council of Nicaea).

The problems with this notion are numerous. …

1)  The doctrine of the is clear in the very early Church Fathers – including those who were disciples of and contemporary to the biblical writers.  The doctrine clearly predates Nicaea Council.  Over the last several days I have included several quotes from these early church leaders.  Here is another:   http://nieporte.name/ignatius-and-the-doctrine-of-the-trinity

2)  For more than three hundred years, the church accepted the doctrine of the Trinity.  Toward the end of the third century of the church, some heretics (similar to folks like Oneness Pentecostals, Jehovah’s Witness, HisImageMinistries, and the old World Wide Church of God) began rejecting the doctrine.  The council met to determine WHAT WERE THE DOCTRINES OF THE APOSTLES.  The TRINITY was central to their discoveries.

3)  The scripture (particularly the New Testament Canon) came AFTER Nicaea, and the teachings of the Council were central in determining WHICH books would be included in the Canon.  Those which were not seen as Trinitarian in theology were rejected…those that were considered Trinitarian were INCLUDED.  So you cannot RIGHTLY DIVIDED (interpret) the scripture and reject the Trinity.

4)  Those that chose to reject the Trinity and appeal to scripture for support end of changing words, misrepresenting Trinitarian theology, and redefining the scripture.  It is not interpretation to change the meaning of a word so that it suits your opinion.

That, sadly, is what my non-Trinitarian friends like to do.