2 Timothy 2:15
Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 is part of a letter that the apostle Paul wrote to his disciple Timothy. To fully understand this verse, it's important to consider its surrounding context within the letter and the broader message of the letter itself.
In 2 Timothy, St.Paul is writing to Timothy, a young Christian leader and minister, to encourage and instruct him in his ministry. The letter is often seen as St.Paul's farewell message to Timothy, as he anticipates his own imminent execution (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Throughout the letter, St.Paul emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, endurance, and sound teaching in the face of challenges and opposition.
Now, let's look at 2 Timothy 2:15 specifically:
"Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth."
Here, St.Paul is exhorting Timothy to be diligent and conscientious in his handling of God's Word, which refers to the teachings and scriptures of the Christian faith. The key points in this verse can be explained as follows:
"Give diligence": This means Timothy should put in the effort and work hard in his ministry. It implies that he should not be careless or complacent but should actively strive to excel in his understanding and teaching of the Word of God.
"To present yourself approved by God": Timothy is urged to live and work in a way that pleases God. His aim should not be to seek approval from people but to seek God's approval. This involves living a life of integrity and faithfulness to God's commands.
"A workman who doesn't need to be ashamed": St.Paul encourages Timothy to be diligent in his study and teaching of the Scriptures so that he won't feel ashamed before God or others. This implies that Timothy should avoid misinterpretations, false teachings, or errors when handling God's Word.
"Properly handling the Word of Truth": This is the central point of the verse. Timothy is instructed to rightly divide or correctly interpret and teach the Word of God. He should handle it accurately, without distortion, and in a manner consistent with the truth it conveys.
In the broader context of 2 Timothy, this verse serves as a reminder to all believers of the gravity and responsibility of our role as a teacher and minister of the Gospel. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining sound doctrine and teaching in the face of false teachings and worldly pressures. By doing so, we would fulfill our ministry faithfully and honor God.
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