Today we are looking at 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) The World English Bible (WEB) says, “Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.”
There are Spiritual Disciplines that we need to be exhibiting as we grow in our Christian walk with the Lord, and they can be found in God’s Word. Jesus exhibited these disciplines, and they are shown throughout the Bible. There are ten Disciplines that Jesus showed as an example to us, they are 1. Knowing God’s Word 2. Worship 3. Prayer 4. Fasting 5. Meeting together 6. Service 7. Discernment 8. Generosity 9. Witnessing 10. Rest. As we read about Jesus’ ministry throughout the Gospels, we see how Jesus utilized each one of these. Today we want to focus on the first one, Knowing God’s Word.
Our Scripture says we are to STUDY. Just as we studied our schoolwork to learn and retain what we learned; we are to also study God’s Word. Isaiah 34:16 tells us, “Seek from the book of the Lord, and read…” (NAS) As the Apostle Paul was preaching in Thessalonica, some heard his preaching and believed. However, there were unsaved Jews in Thessalonica who were trying to turn them away from the truth. But they were not dissuaded because of their dedication to reading God’s Word. (Acts 17:11) They heard the things the unsaved Jews were telling them, and they searched the Scripture to be sure what they were hearing was lining up with what God’s Word said. Notice the verse says they EXAMINED the Scriptures. They didn’t just read through it as we may just read an article in the paper, they poured over it, soaking up everything the Word said and using it to help them be discerning in what they were hearing.
We are also to study the Bible so that we can rightly divide, or properly handle the Truth of God’s Word. We must KNOW what it says so that we can be sure we have the proper interpretation. Just as the early church had those who were preaching heresy, saying things that Scripture didn’t say, there are those today who are misinterpreting the Word, and if we are not careful, we can be led astray. One of my former Pastors always would encourage us to check what he was saying against what the Bible said. Take your Bible to church with you, read it, search out what you are hearing and compare it with what God says.
Knowing and studying God’s Word is also beneficial when we witness to others about Jesus’ love for them. Memorizing Scripture is helpful in that, when we need a verse instantly, it will be easy to recall and can be useful in helping others come to Jesus. When they ask us questions about our faith, we need to be ready to give them Scripture to back up what we believe. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” (1 Peter 3:15 KJV) When we can give a reason for why we believe what we believe, we do not need to be ashamed because we have done our homework. We can then be assured of God’s “Well done” when we come before His Throne at the end of our lives. Jesus studied God’s Word and applied the appropriate Scriptures against Satan in Jesus’ trial in His desert temptation. I encourage one and all to study God’s Word daily and apply His truth in each life.
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