Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

I think that the idea that Paul is expressing to Timothy here is that, although Christians are all sinners saved by God's grace, Timothy (and, by extension, all Christians) should then (alluding back to 2 Timothy 2:2) through conscious effort, conduct themselves in living, and in sharing Christ with others, in such a way that they will need to feel no shame or fear because of their actions when they present themselves before God, but will be approved by Him for the manner in which they have correctly presented the gospel message to others through their lives and words.

Christians should seek this approval for their actions not because those actions save them, but as visible evidence of their gratitude to God for the salvation that they have received by His grace through faith.

July 21 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jay Saunders Supporter

In my opinion as a minister of the gospel and elder in the body of christ in both word and deed, I believe the only way to approve yourself to God (besides through amazing grace) is to submit to the authority of Christ, who is the word made flesh, furthermore the word of God.

To be approved is an act of study of the scriptures to the point where you understand the wisdom and knowledge of God the Father thoroughly, which the Lord has ordained for us to have through his word.

This choice must be individually made by all true believers, who love Christ and wish to know him intimately through His testimony.

This testimony starts in Genesis and ends in Revelation, so this pursuit is no different than your pursuit of any occupation of studies that requires an education. A doctor, a lawyer, a contractor or a minister must always be in pursuit of knowledge to hone or perfect their craft or vocation.

This pursuit involves love because without love of Jesus, you can not or will not pursue this knowledge because this pursuit requires sacrifice of time and the sacrifice of fleshly pleasure that could be pursued instead.

When you can answer any question put to you about the scriptures and can teach, this is a sigh of approval. Another sign of this is that the Lord will put people in your path that need answers to questions that only God's word can answer.

Every Christian needs to know the scriptures thoroughly because Satan himself perverts these very scriptures to deceive the novice believer in Christ into believing false teaching, and through them newer Christians are led astray by lying, deceiving spirits.

This is not a form of works righteousness. It is the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and maturity in the faith for yourself and those in your sphere of influence to share Christ's love with.

July 28 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV) states:

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

This verse emphasizes the importance of diligent study and faithful application of God's Word. To be "approved" by God means to be tested and found faithful, much like a worker who fulfills their duty with integrity. Accurately handling Scripture requires careful study, discernment, and a commitment to truth.

Supporting Verses:

Joshua 1:8 (my favorite) – "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Encourages diligence in God's Word.)

James 1:22 – "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (Faithful workers apply what they learn.)
Colossians 3:23 – "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." (Our efforts should be directed toward God's approval.)

Titus 2:7-8 – "Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned." (Demonstrating faithful stewardship of God's truth.)

Ultimately, this verse calls believers to live out their faith through careful study, correct teaching, and integrity, ensuring they stand unashamed before God as faithful workers of His truth.

"Requirements of Beneficial Study

The most beneficial study of God’s Word requires diligence and perseverance, but the results are worth the effort. A.B. Simpson said, 'God has hidden every precious thing in such a way that it is a reward to the diligent, a prize to the earnest, but a disappointment to the slothful soul. All nature is arrayed against the lounger and the idler. The nut is hidden in its thorny case; the pearl is buried beneath the ocean waves; the gold is imprisoned in the rocky bosom of the mountains; the gem is found only after you crush the rock which encloses it; the very soil gives its harvest as a reward to the laboring farmer. So truth and God must be earnestly sought.'”

A. B. Simpson

13 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report