Growing Spiritually
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
Focus on God's Word
Paul wrote to his young friend, disciple, and son in the faith Timothy. This was Paul's last letter before he would be martyred, and people's last words are always important, especially to those who love them.
Paul, in this letter, or epistle, consistently pointed young Timothy back to the Word of God. You will see this throughout the letter directly or indirectly: 1:13, 2:2, 2:15, 3:8, 3:15-17, 4:2-4. Paul tells Timothy to be diligent in his study of Scripture, not for the purpose of pleasing people, but for the purpose of pleasing God.
In the NASB, the word used for approved is diligent. The MacArthur Study Bible says of diligent: This word denotes zealous persistence in accomplishing a goal (p. 1877). The persistent goal of a Christian, and especially those in leadership such as Timothy, is rightly dividing God's Word or cutting it straight. The word worker is the idea of a laborer, especially when it comes to farming.
Timothy's Responsibility
If you have ever farmed, you know it is hard work. Tilling the ground, planting, watering, weeding, feeding, taking care of the crop as it grows, even if it is only one tomato plant, requires much toil.
When it comes to God's Word, we work so that we do not wrongly divide that truth, and hence become ashamed. What could be more damaging then to tell someone something you thought God said in His Word, but didn't!
When someone believes a falsehood, it affects them spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. It affects how they view God, themselves, others, life, relationships, money, time, responsibility, decisions, and every other aspect of life.
Yet Paul, nearing his death, pleads with his young and faithful friend to study God's Word diligently to become spiritually mature. Timothy learned much from Paul, but Paul makes clear to him that it's Timothy's responsibility to grow spiritually (3:16-17).
Self-Study
What about the Church today? So often we completely depend on someone else to mature us. While our church should spiritually feed us, our pastor is not the main source of food! God's Word is! Reading, studying, and praying God's Word is where we learn, and this is supplemented with good teaching from others.
Why don't we study? Too often the answer is because we are lazy and want to be spoon-fed. We're too comfortable allowing others to treat us than to take the time to diligently study for ourselves.
I'm not saying It's just me and Jesus. No, God has given teachers and preachers to teach and equip us (Ephesians 4:12-14). They should teach us and help us, but they should also challenge us to study on our own. Teachers and preachers can teach us what to think, but in order to know how to think and why you think the way we do, we must study for ourselves.
Take Responsibility
Sadly, many Christians do not know how to study. How should we go about it?
First, we start where we are with what we have. Read and study the Bible. Pray and ask for God's understanding. God works in you to will and to do of His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
And yes, along with your self-study, listen to good Bible preachers and teachers. Join a Bible study where you will learn the Bible, not just the application of it. Ask a more mature Christian to mentor you. Buy reliable books, seek Biblical ministries to help you grow as you take responsibility and depend on the Lord to grow spiritually!
Dr. Michael Weis is a pastor, video operator, editor, and social media manager at Zion's Hope.