Study to shew thyself
approved unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing
the word of truth. II Timothy 2.15
From a scholar's point of view this scripture is particularly interesting. It
has two words in it which are confusing in the King James Bible. The first is
spoudasohn, translated "study." The second is orthotomunta,
translated "rightly dividing." Clarification of these two words should add a
depth of understanding for this important scripture. In this article we will
look at spoudasohn. In modern English the word study implies an
intellectual activity through which one learns a subject. However,
spoudasohn involves a larger concept. It literally means to be diligent,
to exert oneself, to expend maximum effort, to work with all one's might.
Certainly, when we truly study God's word, we must be diligent. A cursory
reading of a scripture, glancing at a chapter, or reading rapidly through a
passage to "get through" with your Bible study is not the type of study
enjoined here. This is where you go past the surface and dive deep into the
depths of the treasures of the word of God.
However, this goes further than simply the intellectual pursuit of Bible
knowledge, as valuable as that is. It speaks to all aspects of our Christian
life. We are to be diligent in everything: family life, professional life,
friendships, ethics, giving, ministry, serving others. When we are involved in
something, we are to give ourselves wholeheartedly to that endeavor.
Sometimes, I hear people talk about their ministries, and it's like ministry
for them is something they do in their spare time if they have nothing better
to do. We need to be as enthusiastic about cleaning the church as we are about
watching our favorite program on TV or going out to the hockey game. The same
goes for our jobs, our families, our friendships, all of our life.
There is also a sense of urgency in this word. It can also be translated "make
haste." Part of our diligence comes from the fact that we know the time is
short. We must make haste if we are to complete our workmanship. One of these
days, the clouds will roll back as a scroll and the one who made heaven and
earth will stand between heaven and earth not as a suffering servant, but as a
conquering king. The archangel will raise the trumpet (the shofar) to his
lips, and play the final call. And he will cry out "Come up hither." The time
for work will be past. The workmen of the Lord will lay down their tools and
follow the master craftsman into that home He has built with his own nail
scarred hands. Yes, time is short. We must be diligent. We must make haste.
Even so, Come, Lord Jesus.