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Study
Edward Benesh

Be diligent to show yourself approved unto God, a worker unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
(2 Timothy 2:15)

I was trying to work out. There I sat with determination lifting weights on this machine that, in the past, was nothing more than a thing to hang jackets on as we came in from outside. That is when my oldest son walked by and said, "Dad, you can't use that machine, it will hurt you…it is dangerous." What? It is dangerous? I had used this machine for years with no problems or complaints. I was perplexed at his statement, so I had him demonstrate what he meant.

As he demonstrated, immediately I noticed the problem. He simply was not using the machine correctly and as a result, ended up almost pulling the whole thing over on top of himself. It was the exercise equivalent of trying to use the butter knife as a screw driver or your credit card as a key. It may work some times, but usually something (the card or knife) or someone (you) ends up getting damaged.

What may seem convenient for us may not always be appropriate. Take the idea of Bible Study, for instance. Paul told Timothy that he was to "Study" that he may be approved of God, "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). The term interpreted as "Study" in the King James Version carries with it at least three ideas in the original language. First, since it is attached to the "word of truth," then implied is the idea of "study." Second, to study takes effort, so we also have the idea of being "diligent," which is the way many versions render it. Finally, the primary usage of the word in most of the Bible and beyond is "to make haste." In other words, we are to diligently seek understanding now.

Now, let us ask, "Why?" Well, because we want to be approved or have the stamp of approval of God. We all want that, Right? Paul even shares with us the method by which we can diligently make haste to study. He says we must, "rightly divide," which means to "make a precise and straight cut." To put it in more modern terms, we are to energetically seek understanding with haste by precisely and carefully cutting into God's truth or the Bible. Now, is that what you do, or are your study habits a little more haphazard…more dangerous?

You see, some folks, for some reason, feel that simply owning a Bible gives them a corner on the market of Truth. It is a shortcut that ends up being inappropriate and unapproved. You cannot simply buy the approval of God. Some folks think that to own it and simply sit down with it when it is convenient and read some favorite passages…falling asleep in that favorite chair or bed fits the bill. Not quite!

Appropriate study and use of God's word will be like a good workout with a good sweat...only spiritually. It is done even when it is not convenient and is more than simply reading. Even our method is invasive. It is cutting, not scratching. Inappropriate methods simply pull the Word of truth down on us to display God's disapproval.

In this day, handle God's word correctly. Seek his approval and start today to study. If you need assistance, seek it.