July 26th, 2023
When I mention the word study what comes to mind? Is it school, library, detention, boring, cheating, or to much work? There is a culture today being trained in the art of laziness, cheating, menial effort in academia, in the work force, and it all stems from today’s culture and education that teaches the get it quick mindset, the I don’t have to work at it mindset, the I don’t need to study mindset. The sad thing is this attitude has crept into the body of Christ too where the life of Christianity is approached with a mindset of “I don’t have to work at it,” “I don’t need to study,” and “I can take the easy way. after all, studying is for the pastor, and the elders. What is it that the Lord wants us to do so that we do not strive about words to no profit, and ruining the faith of those who might be listening? He wants His own (His children – the believers in Jesus Christ) to know what they are talking about when it comes to doctrine, and to show themselves approved to Him – (2 Timothy 2:15). We are to put great effort into the study of the word of God. Study means, a setting of the mind or thoughts upon a subject to be learned or investigated; act or process of acquiring by one’s own efforts, knowledge or information on a particular subject. Some translations use – be diligent – which means – a zealous persistence in accomplishing a goal. Why? To show thyself approved unto God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed before God when handling His word.
- What does God think of our handling of His word? – Does He approve?
- Have we put great effort into the study of it to show Him we are ready to handle it correctly?
- Can we rightly divide it? – that is with great precision – anything less is shameful
Consider what (2 Timothy 3:16-17) says….All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
But how can we know the doctrine, how can we reprove, correct, be righteous, be perfected and thoroughly furnished if we do not know the scriptures, and how do we know the scriptures if we do not study them? This is not a “new concept – Read: (Joshua 1:1-8). Just as Joshua was to meditate or study the scriptures daily – we are to – Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Why? – That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. God has not changed? – As God’s people today, we are expected to study His will and His way so that we may walk accordingly. What can I do so that I am not one who is ashamed in handling God’s Word inaccurately?
- Read it – (1 Timothy 4:13)
- Memorize it – (Psalm 119:9-16)
- Use it – (Hebrews 5:12-14)