2 Timothy 2:15 – in three different translations
·
Study to
shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth. KJV
·
Work hard
so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker,
one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of
truth. NLT
·
Be
diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to
be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. NASB
Looking at different translations of the Bible can be very
enlightening and provide inspiration for more study and research. It is also
important to study God’s word in context…looking at the verses around the one
on which you are focused.
For example look at 2 Timothy 2:7-19.
(7) Consider what I say, for the Lord will
give you understanding in everything. (8) Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the
dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, (9) for which I suffer
hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not
imprisoned. (10) For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who
are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus
and with it eternal glory. (11) It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died
with Him, we will also live with Him; (12) If we endure, we will also reign
with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; (13) If we are faithless, He
remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. (14) Remind them of these things,
and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words,
which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. (15) Be diligent to
present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed,
accurately handling the word of truth. (16) But avoid worldly and empty
chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, (17) and their talk will
spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, (18) men who have
gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken
place, and they upset the faith of some. (19) Nevertheless, the firm foundation
of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His,"
and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from
wickedness." NASB
There is a lot more said here than just study to show
yourself approved to God! Christ is risen from the dead—I endure all things so
that those who are chosen may be saved in Christ. Endure—we will reign with
Him. Now study to get God’s approval and avoid meaningless conversations that
will get you into trouble like some people in Paul’s time did. God knows who
belongs to Him—so stay away from doing bad things.
The key word is still study. In order to know what God
wants of us we need to STUDY His word. Have you read your Bible today? Do you
have a plan of what to read daily—and yet there is more to studying than just
reading. Read— Record—Review—Recall—Remember.
Dear Jesus—Thank you
for the changing seasons—and for this time to reflect on studying. Give us
wisdom as we study your word and apply it to our lives.
© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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