Approved Workman

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭15

“Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It is to God, not to man, that we are to diligently study in order to show ourselves approved. What is man that we should be mindful of what man thinks of us? Too often the gospel truth to which we hold fast, is foolishness to the world of men and can also be distorted by the finite thinking of many theologians. V 15 well-illustrates the need for understanding that word meanings may change, and we must be ever on guard against misapplying or twisting scripture, even when we try to teach the truth. The rendering, study to show thyself approved unto God is found only in the KJV,  the word study meant strive, or be diligent. Thus the NSAB renders the verse, Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. The NIV renders the verse, Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Bible study is very important, but v 15 is not just a command to study the Bible. Being an approved workman involves much more. Paul wanted Timothy and us to understand that to be a workman that God could approve, we will have to be diligent in our service to God. God is not the kind of Master that accepts shoddy work. By earnestly applying ourselves in service, we will not need to be ashamed as we stood before God in the day of judgment. To be that diligent, approved workman, we will have to correctly handle the word of truth, what the KJV renders, rightly dividing the word of truth. Of necessity, correctly handling the Bible, the Word of truth will involve much study, contemplation, and prayer. It will involve bringing an open mind, an open heart, and a faithful life to the Word of truth. The goal of being an approved workman should be the goal of all of God’s children. He then told Timothy, Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers ( v 14 ). The evangelist Timothy was to remind his hearers of the sacrifice of Christ, the need for serving Him, and the need to work diligently to be approved workmen before God. The diligent application of all our energy to the service of God will allow us to join Timothy standing before God without shame. Nothing will help us more to please God than to handle carefully and correctly God’s written word. Scripture is its own interpreter, and the Holy Spirit becomes the teacher of the believer that is walking in spirit and truth, so let us do our best to present ourselves to God as one that is approved, workers who do not need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of truth!!!

Father thank You for this day and the breath of life today. Lord pour out Your abundant blessings over my friend and family today. Lord thank You for Your Word of truth and the grace that it contains. Lord we pray that by Your grace, we may walk in spirit and truth as we search the Scriptures daily to discover what Your Holy Spirit would teach us. Lord give us understanding of Your Word, a teachable spirit, and guide us into all truth that is our prayer. Lord use my friend to be the touch of Your love to all today. Daddy we love you amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !!