Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. – 2 Timothy 2:15
Central to the French Enlightenment of the 18th century was a writer and philosopher with the nom de plume of Voltaire. He employed satire and wit, along with historical philosophies, and claimed to advocate for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the separation of church and state. He generally criticized the Christian faith, even suggesting that by the end of his lifetime, the Bible would be exposed as merely a book of fairy tales and falsehoods. His “enlightened” mind completely missed the truths of God’s Word and its eternal nature.
Some translations of today’s verse begin, “Study to show yourself approved,” or “Strive diligently, or “Do your utmost.” The Greek word spoudazo conveys exertion and a zealous and earnest effort to fulfill an obligation or duty. There is a sense of urgency or dedication to act, without delay.
Pastor and author Steven Cole writes, “So many Christians are haphazard and lazy rather than diligent in their approach to God’s Word. They don’t systematically read, study, or memorize it. If they read it at all, they jump from passage to passage, pulling verses out of context. They aren’t seeking to know God.” Believers are called to know the Lord through a commitment to His Word and prayer. The more you know God’s love for you, the more you will be motivated to diligently study who He is.
Researcher, teacher, and Biblical apologist, Dr. John Blanchard, said, “Time should not be spent, it should be invested in the kingdom of God.” God’s Word of truth is available to you – the workman’s tool for the orderliness of your life. Immerse yourself in the Scriptures and apply yourself to study it deeply, so you are prepared for what lies ahead.
As for Voltaire, fifty years after he had died, an evangelical society used his house and press to distribute copies of the Bible!
Today’s Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Timothy 2:14-26
14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
