Identifying Teachers Who Rightly Divide: A KJV Guide

Welcome back to our series Your Questions About Studying Scripture Answered! In our first post, we covered how to start studying the King James Version (KJV), (linked here) and in the second, we unpacked the doctrines of salvation and grace using a topical study method (linked here). A common question we hear is, “How do I know who’s right?” With so many voices online and in churches, how do you identify teachers who align with God’s Truth for this dispensation? The Bible gives us clear guidance to discern teachers who rightly divide the Word of Truth (2 Tim 2:15). As 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (KJV) commands, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” Let’s explore how to test teachers against Scripture, ensuring they preach the Gospel of Grace—because truth matters.

What Does It Mean to Rightly Divide?

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) instructs, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” To “rightly divide” means to handle Scripture correctly, recognizing God’s distinct dispensations. As God says, “…rightly dividing the word of truth,” this means to divide the truth from the truth (Scripture from scripture)—NOT discern right from wrong. In this age of grace (the current correct division of time in the Bible), Paul’s epistles reveal the Gospel of Grace—salvation by faith alone in Christ’s finished work (Eph 2:8-9). A teacher who rightly divides understands this dispensational shift, focusing on faith, not works, and teaches from the KJV to ensure accuracy (2 Tim 3:16). Still, you must always prove their teaching against Scripture, as 1 Thessalonians 5:21 urges—test everything by the Word to hold fast to what is true.

Noah was instructed to build an Ark, but God isn’t asking that today—just as Hebrews through Revelation speaks of future times. Understanding the Bible’s dispensational structure helps you rightly divide the Word of Truth (2 Tim 2:15), especially when many teachers blend instructions, making it harder to discern today’s truth. Even Peter, in his final words wrapping up the dispensation of Jesus’ earthly ministry, points to Paul’s wisdom, saying in 2 Peter 3:15-16 (KJV), “even as our beloved brother Paul… hath written unto you… in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest <twist>, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” Peter warns against twisting the scripture and blending it all together, but urges us to look to Paul and “grow in grace” (2 Pet 3:18)—a call to focus on the Gospel of the Grace of God, our current dispensation.

Practical Tip: Look for teachers who emphasize Paul’s writings (Romans through Philemon) as the primary doctrine for today, but always prove their claims by searching the Bible yourself (1 Thess 5:21).

Test Their Gospel: Is It Faith Alone?

The first test of a teacher is their gospel—prove it with Scripture. Galatians 1:8-9 (KJV) warns, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Paul preached the Gospel of Grace: salvation by Faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (1 Cor 15:3-4). If a teacher adds works—baptism, tithing, or law-keeping—to salvation, they are not rightly dividing. Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) is clear: “For by grace are ye saved through Faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Following 1 Thessalonians 5:21, test their gospel against these verses to ensure it aligns with Faith alone.

Practical Tip: Ask, “What must I do to be saved?” Then prove their answer with Scripture. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 states, you must stand in your belief of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, while Ephesians 2:8 states, “For by Grace are ye saved through Faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” If their answer differs from having Faith in what Christ has already done for us, they’re not aligned with the Gospel of Grace.

Check Their View on Dispensations

A teacher who rightly divides recognizes dispensations—God’s different ways of dealing with mankind across time. Ephesians 3:2 (KJV) says, “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward.” Today’s dispensation of grace means we’re not under the law (Rom 6:14) but under grace, saved by Faith alone. Teachers who mix law and grace (e.g., requiring Old Testament practices for salvation) confuse God’s plan. They must distinguish between Israel’s prophetic program and the mystery revealed to Paul (Eph 3:3-4). Prove their view by comparing it to Scripture, as 1 Thessalonians 5:21 instructs—does their teaching match the KJV’s dispensational truth?

Practical Tip: Listen for phrases like “age of grace” or “dispensational truth.” If a teacher insists you keep the law to be saved, test it against Romans 6:14 and Ephesians 3:2—Scripture will reveal the truth.

Verify Their Scripture: Is It the KJV?

The Bible version matters, and you must prove it with Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV) says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” The KJV preserves God’s inspired words, while many modern versions alter key doctrines (e.g., removing “through his blood” in Col 1:14). A teacher who rightly divides uses the KJV to ensure they’re teaching unadulterated truth. If they use other versions, follow 1 Thessalonians 5:21—prove their teachings by cross-checking against the KJV to hold fast to what’s good.

Practical Tip: If a teacher uses a modern version, look up their cited verses in your KJV. For example, compare Colossians 1:14 in the KJV (“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins”) with other versions that omit “through his blood,” and let Scripture guide your discernment.

Examine Their Fruit: Do They Reflect Grace?

A teacher’s life should reflect the grace they preach, but you must prove this too. Titus 2:11-12 (KJV) says, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” While no one is perfect, a teacher who rightly divides has their focus on charity (a love that prioritizes people understanding the Truth of God over anything else), longsuffering (having patience for them to see the Truth), and sharing the Gospel of Grace (2 Tim 2:2) for their salvation.

Practical Tip: Observe their message. Do they point you to Christ’s finished work, or burden you with rules?

Be a Berean: Search the Scriptures Yourself

Acts 17:11 (KJV) praises the Bereans: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” This aligns perfectly with 1 Thessalonians 5:21—prove all things by searching the KJV yourself. Don’t take any teacher at their word. If they claim baptism saves, test it against Ephesians 2:8-9. If they mix law and grace, study Romans 6:14. You and you alone are responsible for your own understanding of God’s Word, and Scripture is your final authority.

Practical Tip: Keep a notebook for your findings. Write down a teacher’s claim, then list KJV verses that confirm or refute it, proving all things as 1 Thessalonians 5:21 commands. This builds your discernment over time.

Your Next Steps

Identifying teachers who rightly divide ensures you’re growing in God’s Truth for this dispensation. Start by testing one teacher this week—use the steps above to prove their gospel, dispensational view, Bible version, and fruit against Scripture (1 Thess 5:21). Open your KJV Bible to Galatians 1:8-9, reflect on Paul’s warning, and pray for discernment. In our next post, we’ll explore how to live out your KJV Faith by applying grace in everyday life.

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