Written by Malik Holden
2 Timothy chapter 2 verse 15 says to
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
We as believers should be encouraged by this verse and to always study Gods word, and to demonstrate our faithfulness to the Lord so we can accurately interpret and teach The truth of Gods word to its entirely.
Key Points to look at
Point#1. Study to shew thyself approved unto God:
The context of this verse is Apostle Paul instructing Timothy to study to show himself approved unto God. Paul is essentially urging Timothy to study and correctly interpret the scriptures to be a faithful minister who can stand confidently before God especially in front of false teachers who were misinterpreting the Bible in the early church. Paul also informed Timothy about this same matter in (2 Timothy chapter 4 verses 1-5)
Point #2. A workman that needeth not to be ashamed
We should be Christian workers who can confidently share the Gospel without embarrassment due to our thorough Bible knowledge because of studying and praying for the Lord to reveal things to us through the holy word. This verse also signifies a person who diligently studies the Bible and accurately interprets it, plus being able to confidently share their faith without fear of being wrong as I stated earlier.
For example maybe trying to help point a coworker or a lost family member to Christ, you shouldn’t be ashamed to share the gospel which is the death, burial, and Resurrection of Christ. (1 Corinthians chapter 15 verses 1-4). Explain to them that they must be born again as Jesus said to Nicodemus in (John chapter 3 verse 7) which means to be saved. Then let them know that they are a sinner (Romans chapter 3 verse 23) and because of our sins we are promised death (Romans chapter 6 verse 23) This also includes eternal separation from God (Hebrews chapter 9 verse 27). BUT GOD loved us so much that he Gave his only begotten son our Lord and savior Christ Jesus to bear our sins and die in our place (John chapter 3 verse 16) Jesus shed his precious blood for you and me and he died for us and shed his blood. The blood is christ is what washes us clean from sin. (Hebrews chapter 9 verse 22) While we were yet sinner Christ died for us. (Romans chapter 5 verse 8)
God commands all men (everyone) every where to repent (Acts chapter 17 verse 30) Repentance is a change of mind that agrees with God that one is a sinner, and also agrees with what Jesus did for the whole world on the cross. (1 John chapter 2 verse 2) (Acts chapter 16 verses 30-31 ) We should simply believe on Jesus as the one who paid it all on Calvary and bore our sins, and died in our place. Who was buried and God resurrected. (John chapter 1 verse 12)
(Romans chapter 10 verse 13) whosoever includes you. Shall be saved, shall means not maybe nor can but shall be saved. Call on the name of the Lord in prayer. No one can save you but God.
The Bible also teaches on a “know so salvation” (1 Timothy chapter 2 verses 3-4)
Point #3 Rightly dividing the word of truth
Dividing here doesn’t mean splitting the Bible into parts, but rather carefully discerning the different aspects of a passage and understanding how they fit together within the broader context. The Bible says in Proverbs chapter 30 verses 5-6 that Every word of God is pure and to not add unto his words. Unfortunately that’s what “new versions of the Bible do” They add and take away from Gods true word “the King James Bible” God COMMANDS for his word not to be added to or taken away from (Deuteronomy chapter 4 verse 2, Revelation chapter 22 verses 18-19)