The first phrase in the verse is: "Study to show yourself approved of God", with the phrase that follows elaborating upon that charge: "a workman that needs not to be ashamed" (KJV). In other words, as laborers in Yehovah's vineyard, let us examine ourselves and our labors honestly so as to assure that we daily present ourselves, through our attitudes and actions, in such a way as to bring glory to our God. By such diligence to our labors (to which the Master has called us) we need never shrink in shame before His gaze. We are His chosen sons, saved by grace through faith, confident in His choosing of us, and diligent in our daily devotion to Him.
In this great spiritual reality there is no place for any feeling of failure or sense of shame. Perfect in ourselves? No! Perfected in Him? Yes! Abiding in Him, and in His love and grace, and His Spirit abiding in us, our service, though imperfect by virtue of our human nature, is approved unto God by virtue of His nature! Thus, although we are expected to give due diligence in our service as loyal and loving servants, yet even our most feeble efforts are applauded from above, for we are beloved sons and daughters!
As alluded to above, Paul called Timothy (and by extension each of us) to "diligence" when he used the Greek verb spoudazo. This Greek term simply means: "to make haste, to exert one's self, endeavor, give diligence" [Dr. Kenneth Wuest, Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament, vol. 2, "The Pastoral Epistles," p. 134]. "Zeal, earnest desire, effort, and haste, are all implied in it" [The Pulpit Commentary, vol. 21, II Timothy, p. 21]. "Give diligence" [Dr. W. Robertson Nicoll, The Expositor's Greek Testament, vol. 4, p. 165]. The term "literally means 'make haste,' and so 'be zealous or eager.' 'Study' (KJV) is obviously too narrow a term, usually referring today to the studying of books. The true meaning is 'make every effort'" [The Expositor's Bible Commentary, vol. 11, p. 402]. In essence, as servants of our Lord, we are called to give our best unto Him. God doesn't want "weekend warriors" or "part time" laborers. God expects, and God deserves, our ALL.
As part of that determination, especially as one called to be an ambassador of His grace, I am resolved to show diligence in "rightly dividing the word of truth" (KJV). But, what exactly does that mean? What is the "word of truth," and how does one "rightly divide" it? It is this final phrase in the passage that has caused the most confusion among disciples of the Messiah.
Paul was not telling Timothy to preach the OT writings, but rather to employ his knowledge of these sacred writings to proclaim the message of truth contained within them -- which is: the good news of the Messiah who has come to bring fallen men back into relationship with their God.
Jesus Himself even emphasized this purpose for the Jewish sacred writings (something the legalists of His day failed to perceive ... and which the legalists fail to perceive even today) -- "You search the Scriptures thinking that in them you have eternal life, yet it is these that bear witness of me, and you are unwilling to come to me that you may have life" (John 5:39-40). Paul, therefore, charged him to diligence in his ministry of imparting this good news to those around him, and to "handle accurately" that Word of Truth that saves! I believe that to be the message of divine Truth, not only found within the sacred writings, but also personified in the son of God!!
The noted Greek scholar, Dr. Marvin Vincent, wrote, "The thought is that the minister of the gospel is to present the truth rightly, not abridging it, not handling it as a charlatan, not making it a matter of wordy strife, but treating it honestly and fully, in a straight forward manner" [Vincent's Word Studies, e-Sword]. Albert Barnes (1798-1870) suggests Paul is instructing Timothy to "rightfully and skillfully teach the word of truth" [Barnes' Notes on the Bible, e-Sword]. Dr. Henry Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the NT states that in 2 Timothy 2:15 this word means "to teach the truth correctly and directly" [p. 453]. Don't wander away from Truth; stay on course with Truth; don't take the detours of human speculation.
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