Paul exhorted Timothy to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15) This admonition is urgently needed in the church today because…
Every Christian Is to Be a Worker for the Lord
The church of Christ is a divine workshop, and all who seek admittance should come with sleeves rolled up and loins girded about for service. We may have on our “Sunday best” for worship, but at other times we should be wearing work clothes. The Ephesian church was reminded that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). When the Jews returned to their homeland from captivity they “had a mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6), so they rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem in fifty-two days (Nehemiah 6:15). As God’s people, we always accomplish far more, with His help, when we have a mind to work.
We Are Under the Eyes of God as We Work
The admonition is, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God…” We are to seek God’s approval now, not just on judgment day, because “There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). Though we cannot see God, except through the eye of faith, we cannot escape His notice, and each day’s work comes before His inspection. Of course, this is altogether fitting and proper since “God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
We Must Work in Such a Way That We Will Not Be Ashamed
What is the admonition? “…a worker who does not need to be ashamed…” When we give our best in the Master’s service there is no reason to be ashamed. Faithfulness is what is required, not perfection. Shame and embarrassment result from carelessness, inactivity, and unfaithfulness. We should endeavor, with the strength God gives us, to make each day’s work shameless, and to finally stand before the great Observer of all things in the last day without shame. “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” (I John 2:28)
Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth Is Part of Our Work
Another version renders it “handling aright the word of truth.” The truth can be perverted and twisted to the point that it is unrecognizable. Handled carefully and correctly, the truth saves, purifies, and sanctifies the obedient believer. Rightly dividing it aids the Christian in knowing what his work is, and what it is not. This requires study, and study is work. However, studying the word of truth keeps us on the straight and narrow, working for the Lord, and that’s where we need to be.
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