Study to SHOW. It is not to KNOW

2 Timothy 2:15 - “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

We have the eternally preserved and inspired Word of God that was given to us, His children; not only to read and reflect on His goodness, but primarily to feed and equip us and be prepared and effective in the work of the Lord. It is important that in reading our daily devotion we must include the serious studying and applying of the truth of God’s Word in our lives. This is the reason why the daily devotional I am sharing with you is not only aimed at comforting and encouraging the readers; but also at teaching the truth, relating, applying, and empowering the believers to be ready in "every good work."

God has left us with everything we need. He left us with an institution, the local Church - a place to learn, grow, and serve as our spiritual home. It is not only a place to worship; but a place to be trained with God’s Word. We have the local Church to be victorious in doing the task He told us to fulfill. 

We have a place, the local Church; the Bible, our textbook; the Holy Spirit, our Guide and inspiration; and our Pastors, our mentors. Our Lord did not leave us wanting and lacking to know, learn, and fulfill our calling. The question is, are we taking advantage of this opportunity? 

The responsibility to learn is given to every individual. Apostle Paul addressed this Epistle to Timothy as an individual person. But this is not exclusively for him. It is for each of us to study the Scriptures in order to “show ourselves approve unto God.” It is not to study the commentaries or the opinions of others about the Bible. It is to directly be instructed from God’s Word. 

Although we are blessed when we are taught and mentored by our leaders, we must not only depend on them to feed us. We have to feed ourselves daily. It is important to learn not only to show God that we are gaining knowledge but also because we are God’s workmen with great responsibilities to know how to fulfill our tasks effectively.

“Show ourselves approved…”

We are first accountable to God, for He has equipped us with wonderful faculties such as mind, emotion, will, understanding, common sense, wisdom, and many more we can use and apply. We are accountable to God for how we are using all these. Are they all being used to please and be approved by Him? 

“Workmen not too ashamed…”

We are God’s witnesses and His ambassadors to show our “diplomatic credentials” to people we meet daily. We have to be sure that we know and understand our work. We should be confident about who we are and proud of what we carry, which is the Gospel truth, “ power of God unto salvation.”

1 Peter 3:15 - “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

“Rightly dividing the Word..”

We study God’s Word not only for our benefit and gain. We study to teach, equip, and train others and prepare them for service. 

2 Timothy 2:2 - “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

We have an important duty to know the meaning and the correct interpretation of God’s Word. We are not to resort to private interpretation but to guide them to the correct interpretation coming from the Scriptures. 

Conclusion:

To study is not to accumulate wealth of knowledge, and to show how smart we are. We study to learn and "true learning" changes lives. It transforms the way we live and serve. Unless changes are seen; there is no evidence of learning; hence studying is not producing the expected outcome. 

When we learn, it affects our behavior. The Bible's truths and doctrines are not only heard from us. It will be seen in the way we talk, live, and serve. It is seen in our behavior.

Titus 2:1,7 - “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: [7] In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,”