A Study of 2 Timothy 2:15

1. Read: 2 Timothy 2:15

2. About the Text:

1) Paul is writing to Timothy.

2) There were some striving about words.

a. To no profit.

b. To the subverting of them that hear.

3) Paul’s command to give diligence/study is in contrast to those who . . .

a. Were not giving diligence/studying.

b. Were not showing themselves approved to God.

c. Had reason for being ashamed.

d. Were not rightly dividing the word of truth.

3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. The Greek word for “Study/Give Diligence.”

1) This is the same Greek word used in Hebrews 4:11. “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.”

2) It is from the same root as the word Luke uses when describing how Zacchaeus came down from the tree in which he was watching the Lord.

3) In Luke 19:6 we read, “So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.”

4) The word involves the notion of making immediate and useful effort.

2. The KJV translates this word “Study.”

1) It comes from a Latin words that means: to be busy with, devote oneself to, or concentrate on.

2) Timothy was a preacher.

3) Paul was writing to him to give diligence in his work of preaching.

4) Timothy was to give diligence in presenting himself to God.

a. As a workman.

b. As one who does not need to be ashamed.

c. As one who rightly divides the word of truth.

5) Given this context, it is in the area of studying God’s work to which Timothy was to apply himself, or give diligence.

6) Study is a good contextual translation.

1. We are constantly showing ourselves to God.

1) We live knowing that God is watching – Psalm 33:13-16 says, “The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From the place of His dwelling He looks On all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works.”

2) We are to be living sacrifices Romans 12:1-2 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

2. We are before God to be approved by God.

1) The word “approved” means one who has passed a thorough examination.

2) It is from the same root word as in 1 Thess.5:21 – “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”

3) Consider also 1 John 4:1, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

4) James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

5) 1 Peter 1:7 “that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

3. God is Him to Whom we are to be approved (Galatians 1:10).

1. You will be a laborer.

1) The kind of laborer for which Jesus told his disciples to pray — “Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38).

2) “For we are God’s fellow workers….” (1 Corinthians 3:9).

2. That does not need to be ashamed.

1) There is no reason to be embarrassed.

2) Irreproachable

3) Like 1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God[a] in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”

4) Like 1 Peter 4:11, “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

3. Handling rightly the word of truth.

1) One needs diligence to do this.

2) Literally, this expression means to cut a straight line—not deviate from the intended course.

3) The object is the word of truth.

4) God expects us to use the scriptures correctly.

a. To use correct thinking in interpretation – God wants us to reason with Him – Isaiah 1:18.

b. To apply the word of God correction – We must be doers of the word – James 1:21.

5) To proclaim God’s word to others – we must teach others – “They ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:42).

1. Do you want to be a man or woman of God?

2. Have you been handling God’s word correctly?

3. Do you want to be a worker for God?

4. Would you like to be approved before God?

5. Invitation