APPROVED UNTO GOD?

 

A STUDY OF APPROVAL

2Timothy [KJV] 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

1Peter [GW] 2:2-11a Desire God's pure word as newborn babies desire milk. Then you will grow in your salvation. … you are chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, people who belong to God. You were chosen to tell about the excellent qualities of God, who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not God's people, but now you are. Once you were not shown mercy, but now you have been shown mercy. Dear friends, since you are foreigners and temporary residents in the world, …

  The requirement to study, rethink, and apply pleasing God is the same for every follower of Christ. (Rom.12:1-4) But just how much study of His Word is required for His approval?  In action it is not however exactly one model: Always the same text, Sola Scriptura, but according to spiritual and service gifts of individual workman diverse in hand. We all do not learn in same way!

  I begin by using hermeneutical principle of immediate context of 2Timothy 2:15.

·         In 2:2 we see we are to learn enough to be able to meaningfully with intelligence pass knowledge and wisdom on to others that will do the same.

·         In 2:14 we see we are to be learned enough to remind our fellows of what is truly profitable now and for eternity.

·         In 2:15 we see we are to be learned enough to make correct sense out of God’s Word.

·         In 2:16a we see we should be learned enough to quickly settle useless foolish discussions.

·         In 2:16b we see we should be learned enough to stop short those that do not contribute to godliness in living. Barnes comments “A man fond of contention in religious things is seldom one who has much love for the practical duties of piety, or any very deep sense of the distinction between right and wrong. You will not usually look for him in the place of prayer, nor can you expect his aid in the conversion of sinners, nor will you find that he has any very strict views of religious obligation.” I well remember a group arguing about how many angels would fit on the head of a pin!

  Going to the larger text of Scripture:

·         In Ecclesiastes 12:13 we see we are to fear God and live by His Wisdom in service. Can we do so without studying what He tells us? No.

·         In Leviticus 10:11; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 11:9 we see were are to teach our children. Can we do so without knowing the subject matter? No.

·         In Matthew 4:4 Jesus tells us we cannot live healthy without ingesting the Word.

·         In Matthew 11:29 we see we are to learn of and from Jesus. Can we do so without studying His record of His life? No.

·         In Mark 16:15 we see that only with studying the Word can we know what is needed to be said. (This was the great failure of the 1925 Scopes trial, the winners looking like a bunch of emotionally charged monkeys swinging far from holding forth with a Biblical discipline [apologetics] of defending their position through the systematic use of information and proofs.)

·         In 1Corinthians 13 we see we must learn the truth of love else we in adolescent manner think and act, and thereby represent ungodly love. (Especially note 13:11.)

·         In Ephesians 6:10-17 we see our protection involving the Word of God. Does He provide our armor and instruction for donning? Yes. Does He dress us? No.

·         In 2Timothy 3:16-17 we see that it is the Word that equips us to properly serve God and our fellows. Can we follow instructions that we don’t know? No. (Did you ever hear the story about the man that always read the manufacturer’s manual before assembling something?)

·         In 2Timothy 4:2 we see we are to develop capability of being resourceful in sharing God’s Word. Can this be done authentically without study? No.

·         In Titus 2:1-15 we see we are to teach others commendable living and be just such an example before them. Can we do so if don’t study what God says this should be? In part, yes. (Romans chapter 1 & 2; note 2:14-15.) Toward furtherance of completely, no.

·         In John 8:32 and James 1:25 we see that only by knowing the Word can we enjoy true liberty. (Note Ps.119)

  Whew! After all the effort searching, reading, pondering, writing, editing several times, I feel like a workman. However, is the work done? I think not for I’m sure I missed a few points that only further (Or is it “farther” in this case?) diligence may uncover. Does this mean 2Timothy 2:15 is a matter of continuing education? Yes.

EBB4