"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB)
That's a familiar verse. It is perhaps more familiar in the King James Version.
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Study.
Notice it doesn't say "read". It says "study". "Be diligent".
Both translations refer to a "workman". That implies one who puts forth some effort. We don't learn the truths of Scripture by osmosis. We can't know how to "accurately handle the Word of Truth" simply by owning a copy of the Bible. Or by having multiple copies in our home. Picking up a Bible and carrying it with us to church on Sunday does not qualify as being "diligent".
It's heartbreaking to realize how little Christians know about the things they claim to believe. It's heartbreaking to realize how casually many Christians today approach the Scriptures. It's heartbreaking to be confronted with how little time many Christians actually spend reading the Word of God. And how few go beyond reading. How few are committed to the discipline of studying.
Is it any wonder that other religions and cults are gaining so much ground in the world today?
Is it any wonder that our culture is in such a downward spiral?
Is there any way to reverse this trend?
Perhaps it's time to get serious about the admonition in 2 Timothy 2:15. It's time to study. It's time to be diligent.
How deep are we willing to immerse ourselves in the Word of God?
How much time are we willing to give to studying the Word of God?
How much are we willing to act on, to live out, the truths we learn?
How deep are we - you and I - willing to go?
May we - you and I - study. May we be diligent. May we accurately handle the Word of Truth.
"Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints......"
(Jude 3 NASB)
Originally posted October 28, 2014
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