Study to show thyself Approved

Study to show thyself Approved unto God

 

What does that title mean? Why do so many Christians quote those verses? Are they trying to get approval of God or man? I will endeavor to expound upon the following verses in the full context.

 

2Timothy 2:14 ¶ 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.

 

First of all Paul, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, is writing this to young Timothy who was struggling. By reading both letters you will understand that some must have been giving Timothy a hard time. As a Pastor, Timothy was more than likely Discouraged by “Christians” who were critical of his age. So Paul writes to him and to us about putting them to remembrance and charging (to attest or protest earnestly) them before the Lord Jesus to stop playing “word” games because they were “subverting” (an overturn (“catastrophe”), i.e. demolition; figuratively, apostasy) those who listen! So Paul was telling Timothy to rebuke those who were playing word games that was actually leading people away from the faith and truth! That is the context. So many still do this today and cause much confusion within the Body of Christ!

 

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

 

With the context now in focus let us look at verse where the title is derived. The word “study” means (to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest:–do (give) diligence, be diligent) which is different from the English definition of the word “study.” The English definition of the word “study” means (The devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge on an academic subject, esp. by means of books.) What the Apostle Paul was actually telling Timothy was to be Diligent not to “get in the Word of God and study” as most Christians like to tell other Christians who may not agree with them on any given topic. Paul was telling Timothy that he needed to be diligent to show himself “approved” to God, not other people! The definition to the word approved means ( properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e. approved:–approved, tried) So in context we could bring in a passage in James. 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, (the word “tried is the same Greek word that is used for “approved” in our topic Scripture lesson.) he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Paul was telling Timothy to endure the pressure to please God rather than men! Now, the phrase “ needeth not to be ashamed” is defined by the word irreprehensible. This word literally means Blameless or innocent before God! Now for the phrase “rightly dividing.” To define from the Greek the following is rendered; to make a straight cut, i.e. (figuratively) to dissect (expound) correctly (the divine message). So Paul was saying “dissect” or “expound” the Divine Message! Which is the Word of Truth! So why do so many Christians throw these verses at other Christians when the Truth is we are to be “Diligent” to be “accepted or tried” before God, as one who “expounds” or “dissects” the Divine Message! This passage is not designed to be thrown around as a way to “condescend” or “discourage” another believer! That is exactly what others were doing to young Timothy! Let us now continue.

 

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: (Gangrene) of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

 

Remember, Paul is writing to young Timothy concerning these fellows who were twisting or playing games with words. Paul says their words are like gangrene! Eating away at peoples faith! Leading to more ungodliness! Infecting the “Body” of believers! This is very much the case for today!

 

18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

 

Paul is stating plainly that these “word games” and ungodly men were “eating away” at the Faith with their “twisted truth” by saying that the Resurrection has already come to pass! Paul then states they are “overthrowing” or “subverting” others in the Faith! Be careful who you listen too and you MUST be “diligent” to be “approved” to God and not men! You MUST “rightly Divide” the Word of Truth. Again, not to be arrogant, or “condescending” to others but to be Strong in Your Faith!