Verse of the Day 2/1

Verse of the Day 2/1

2 Timothy 2:15   Study to show yourself approved by God, a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  Modern English Version (MEV)

Our men's bible study group is currently going through the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5-7.  One of the opening questions that we discussed this morning was "what person (living or dead) do you respect most? Why?"  Two of us had the same answer, Billy Graham.  As to why, some of the reasons were that whether it be in front of presidents or crowds at revivals, he was authentic.  He was the same person and his message didn't change.  I never heard or read of anything contrary to that.

Billy shared the Gospel and his message didn't vary through the years and was not dependent on his surroundings.  One of the reasons for this is that he knew what he believed.  It didn't just come to him, he studied diligently, like the workman described in this verse.  Rightly dividing can be described in carpentry terms as "cutting straight".  Whether build in a table or framing a house, boards cut straight will fit together properly, squarely and you will not see gaps in the seams.

In his biography of Billy Graham, author John Pollock writes,  "Beyond all else Billy Graham studies the Bible, the supreme authority for his belief and action. Every day he reads five Psalms, covering the psalter in a month, and one chapter of Proverbs, the book that "shows us how to relate our own lives to our fellow men." He reads through a Gospel each week, using commentaries and modern translations, and constantly returns to the Acts of the Apostles. He annotates throughout the Bible. "Sometimes His word makes such an impact on me that I have to put the Bible down and walk around for a few moments to catch my breath."

The MEV translation above and the old King James version begin the verse with "study".  Other translations say "be diligent", "do all you can", and "do your best" to convey the message.  They all point to the same thing put every effort to know what you believe by reading and studying God's Word and do your best in the power of the Holy Spirit to live it day by day.  Read His Word today and like Billy Graham, when you put the Bible down "walk around for a few minutes and catch your breath" as you consider it's meaning and application for your life.

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

2 Timothy 2:14-16 New King James Version (NKJV)

Approved and Disapproved Workers

¹⁴ Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to ^[a]strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. ¹⁵ Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ¹⁶ But shun profane and ^[b]idle babblings, for they will ^[c]increase to more ungodliness.