STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD

PROCLAMATION

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the Apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to Timothy, his son in the ministry, to provide him with directions and instructions. (1 Timothy 1:2)  In this second chapter of this second letter to Timothy, Paul repeats his appeal for him to be strong in the grace that is Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1)  He encourages Timothy to join him in the suffering as a soldier.  He compares it to an athlete in competition and also to a hardworking farmer. (2 Timothy 2:3-7)  Paul reminds Timothy again that he is chained to a criminal, but says that The Word of God is not chained. (2 Timothy 2:8-10)  Then he tells Timothy of a trustworthy old saying about dying and living with Christ; and enduring and reigning with Him. (2 Timothy 2:11-13)  Paul tells him to remind the people of the things which he has been taught and to warn them about quarreling over words.  Then he tells Timothy to “study” The Word of God so that he can correctly divide the truth from that which is not truth. (2 Timothy 2:14-15)  He also tells him not to engage in idle conversations and to avoid those who engage in false teaching.  Paul says that the people of God are made for special purposes and they should flee from the evil desires of their youth. (2 Timothy 2:16-26)

APPLICATION

We all need to be diligent students of The Word of God.  We need to know what The Bible says and know what it means.  False prophets will present things which are not in The Bible and intentionally misinterpret what it does say.  We need to “Study … rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)  When people tell you that something is in The Bible, ask them for the book, chapter, and verse where it can be found so that you can verify it for yourself.  When we know what The Bible says, we should do what it says. (James 1:22)  We need to humble ourselves and pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways. (2 Chronicles 7:14)  We need to flee from the evil desires of our youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. (2 Timothy 2:22)  None of us will ever be perfect, but when we know better, we should do better.  Let us do that which gives God glory.