Through the Bible - Jeremiah 17-20, 2 Timothy 1-2
Good morning,
Today (as I write this) is our son Jeff's 26th birthday. It seems like yesterday when he was born. The first words out of Jean's mouth was "he's beautiful!"
Jeff was a great blessing then and even through the trials in our lives, Jeff continues to be one of our greatest blessings and joys.
Today's verse comes from this weekends' reading. It is a verse that I remember memorizing when I was probably in second or third grade. It is the key verse for the AWANA clubs which stands for "approved workman are not ashamed".
2 Timothy2:15 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 idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.
The NKJV Commentary notes that "what is approved is what remains after testing."
The trials and temptations that we face are a way of testing us to see if we are true to our faith and to our God. Sometimes the trials of life turn us away from God, at least for a period of time. Sometimes, the trials cause us to be more diligent in seeking God, and understanding Him through the scriptures. These same trials give us a different perspective on life, and God's Word. Coming through these times may bring new meaning to verses and passages that we have already learned..
Rightly dividing means "cutting straight". I don't know if it is as much as us correctly interpreting as much as it is God's Word "cutting straight" to our hearts, through the prism of the trials and circumstances of our lives.
James 1 encourages us to count it all joy when you encounter "various trials". MacArthur notes that "The Greek word for trials connotes trouble, or something that breaks the pattern of peace, comfort, joy, and happiness in someone's life. The verb form of this word means "to put someone or something to the test" with the purpose of discovering that person's nature or that things quality. God brings such tests to prove - and increase - the strength and quality of ones' faith and to demonstrate it's validity."
The apostle Paul knew something of trials and was preparing Timothy for the trials that he would face. Being diligent in the study of God's Words of truth would better prepare him to face whatever the world would throw at him.
Peter knew of God's grace, His strength available in times of trial, pointing out that just as the trials vary, God's grace comes in various forms to meet those needs.
1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: ESV
May we be good stewards of God's "varied" grace, serving, strengthening and encouraging others.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
2 Tim 2:14-3:1
Approved and Disapproved Workers
14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to 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 idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
NKJV
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