STUDY INVOLVES WORK

WORK IS INVOLVED

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

2Timothy 2:15-19 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

  Reading God’s Word, the Bible, in 90 days, a year, or any other time period is good, but not best. 2Timothy 2:15 plainly urges working at study in order to understand, personally apply, and enable properly teaching others sound doctrine. Matthew 7:21-23 is just such a possibly discombobulating passage of Scripture that may be taught profanely. Most 7:21-23 confused and/or frightened individuals need to study to resolve their angst or learn of their need for Biblical salvation . . . and gain in 2Timothy 2:2 ability. (This latter group may involve cultural Christians.)

  Yesterday I was privileged to guide a Christian individual in how to understand Jesus’ hard saying such as Matthew 7:21-23.

·         First be sure to not let our emotionally focusing on only 3 verses distract us from prayerfully calm trust; being “saved” should by trust include being delivered from emotive self. This means distancing from troublesome emotional reactions.

·         Then read it in the context of all Jesus said on the matter. The golden rule, 12-14; A tree and its fruit, 15-20; The troublesome “I never knew you.” passage, 21-23; Houses built on rock or sand, 24-27.

·         Take note of the described characteristics of those never known and those known by Jesus. Jesus is educating on how to discern the difference, doing so for personal consideration and outward use.

·         Keep in mind that now as then His Word is to those traveling the broad road to destruction. Jesus spoke to groups small and large that included many cultural religionists that knew about God, but did not know Him.

·         List the two sets of characteristics and use as a personal mirror first of all and then you may use them as a window for otherwise examination; Matthew 7:1-6 on healthy judging is also contextual.

  The above is the hermeneutical immediate context study principle. I consider studying relatable greater Genesis through Revelation context the next step. For the serious 2 Timothy 2:15 student I suggest acquiring PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS, by J, Edwin Hartill. (This is the textbook son Ben and I studied at Maryland Bible Institute.)

  Any questions?

EBB4