What is the meaning of 2 Timothy 2:15? Make every effort “Make every effort” (2 Timothy 2:15) calls for deliberate diligence, not casual interest. Paul urges Timothy—and us—to throw the full weight of our will and energy into following Christ. • 2 Peter 1:5 reminds believers to “make every effort” to grow in virtue and knowledge, showing that spiritual progress is active, not passive. • Hebrews 4:11 exhorts, “Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest,” tying effort to perseverance and obedience. • Genuine striving includes daily disciplines like prayer, Bible reading, fellowship, and obedience; it is wholehearted pursuit, not half-hearted hobby. to present yourself The focus shifts from activity to audience: we labor “to present” ourselves before God. • Romans 12:1 urges us to “offer your bodies as living sacrifices,” underscoring that our whole lives are an offering. • 1 Peter 2:5 pictures believers as priests “offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God,” stressing personal responsibility. • Living conscious of God’s gaze shapes choices, motives, and priorities; we are performers on a stage with one ultimate Viewer. approved to God “Approved” signals having been tested and found genuine. • James 1:12 promises a crown “when he has stood the test,” showing God’s approval follows endurance. • 1 Thessalonians 2:4: “We speak as those approved by God,” highlighting faithful stewardship of the gospel. • Approval is not earned salvation, but evidence of authentic faith that withstands trials and temptations; God’s “well done” matters more than human applause. an unashamed workman The image is of a laborer with nothing to hide when the foreman inspects the job. • Romans 1:16: “I am not ashamed of the gospel,” modeling bold confidence. • Mark 8:38 warns against being “ashamed” of Jesus and His words. • 1 Corinthians 15:58 encourages us to “always abound in the work of the Lord,” reminding that steadfast service eliminates shame. • Faithful workmen refuse compromise, corners-cutting, or fear of opposition, because the gospel’s honor eclipses personal reputation. who accurately handles Good workers must “accurately handle” (or “rightly divide”) the word. • Acts 18:26 commends Priscilla and Aquila for explaining “the way of God more accurately,” illustrating careful instruction. • Nehemiah 8:8 shows Ezra’s team reading “and giving insight so that the people could understand,” pairing clarity with fidelity. Practical outworking: • Stay within the text’s plain meaning, letting Scripture interpret Scripture. • Teach the whole counsel of God, avoiding hobbyhorses and distortions. • Reject false doctrine by measuring everything against God’s written standard. the word of truth Scripture is not merely true; it is “the word of truth,” the final authority. • John 17:17: “Your word is truth,” Jesus affirms absolute reliability. • Psalm 119:160: “The entirety of Your word is truth,” establishing comprehensive inerrancy. • Ephesians 1:13 links salvation to hearing “the word of truth—the gospel,” showing life-changing power. • Because the Bible is God-breathed, we study and teach it with reverence, confidence, and submission. summary 2 Timothy 2:15 calls every believer to: • Pour wholehearted effort into discipleship. • Live consciously before God’s eyes. • Seek His approval above all. • Labor unashamedly for the gospel. • Handle Scripture with precision and integrity. • Stand firmly on the Bible as the unerring word of truth. Such a life pleases the Lord, equips His servant, and safeguards the church. |
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