REFLECTIONS ON CHRISTIAN LIFE
Part 1
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God…”
John Washington Kitson
Film Producer, Author, Educator
May 20, 2022
“Based on 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.
Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13), uses several metaphors to describe Believers in his second letter to Timothy, a fellow servant. He refers to Believers as stewards, soldiers, athletes, etc., and when we encounter this key verse—the one I refer to as “the key that unlocks the scriptures”—Paul seems to describe those who study God’s word as craftsmen.
In this sense, a hired craftsman would agonize over the meticulous work to be done, and he or she would do what is necessary to win the approval of the One in charge. Becoming a skilled craftsman does not come by way of a gift, but rather, it consists of diligence and dedication to the skill being practiced. In this case, it involves studying God’s word.
Bible study is perhaps…
Bible study is
the most pressing skill that Christians must have if they are to “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2)” for their personal lives.
the most pressing skill that Christians must have if they are to “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2)” for their personal lives. Ignoring the Bible, God’s word, will not build a spiritual understanding of the will of God for our lives. We often try to win God’s approval through various tasks that may or may not be in accordance with God’s will for our obedience today.
The word of God is our greatest defense against the lies that often govern our world. In fact, Jesus, when tempted, used God’s word to fight off the craftiness of Satan, who is aware of what God has said in His word, and he uses it to his advantage. As a skilled craftsman of the word, you are less likely to be tossed around and “carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive (Ephesians 4:14).”
Charles Spurgeon is accurate in stating: “A Bible that’s falling apart, usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”
Many Christians have a serious identity crisis because they are not studying God’s word, nor are they applying it correctly for their journey of faith. They seem to cleave only to whatever personal interpretations and opinions they have formed about God. Their identity is often rooted in traditions rather than truth. As I mentioned previously, 2 Timothy 2:15, I believe, is a key to unlocking the scriptures. Spiritual growth hangs in the balance because we often fail to study what God has provided for us as Believers in this present age.
Charles Spurgeon is accurate in stating: “A Bible that’s falling apart, usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” Is your Bible falling apart from decay, or is it falling apart because it is being studied with the due diligence it deserves? Study God’s word if you want His approval of your obedience to Him. “The just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17),” and faith is applied when you take God at His word, leaving whatever consequences arise from your obedience to rest upon His faithfulness.
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