Study To Show Thyself Approved

One of my favorite verses, and a personal challenge to me, is 2 Timothy 2:15.  The KJV reads “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.”  When I did a word study on “study”, I realized why the NASB and the NKJV render the word “study” as “be diligent”.

I had thought of the word study as my bible opened in front of me, perhaps some word study tools or commentaries easily accessible, pen in hand to take notes; in other words, being prepared do more than just a cursory reading of Scripture.  I now realize the word “study” doesn’t necessarily imply the books or the tools I utilize to dig deep, but more about my daily attitude and my will.

Study means to be diligent, to endeavor, and to labor.  But it has the added emphasis of to be eager, to make haste, to make every effort to do one’s best.  I should labor in earnestness because there will be a day when my work for the Lord, my analyzation of His Word, and my personal application of the truth is inspected.  The opposite of the word study is to neglect, to delay, to be lazy.  Wow!  Now I am challenged even more by this verse!  How often do I neglect my daily devotionals, not to mention, in-depth study with all my books before me?  How often am I distracted and allow myself to think I will get to it later?

I am challenged to engage my will even more and determine in my heart to be zealous for the precious, needful Word of God. I should endeavor daily to have right understanding.  Not as a work, but with joy!  It is my daily bread, my daily communion with my Lord.  I know I have much more biblical truth to search out, apply in my own life first, and then impart correctly to others as I teach, counsel and disciple!  I do not want to be ashamed when I met Him face to face.