Pursuit Of Knoweldge

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
-Second Timothy 2:15-19 (KJV)

During yesterday's Talkin' Scripture broadcast, we studied that we must put into practice the Word of God. We studied that it's not enough to merely listen to the Word, we must do it. I think that is the idea that Paul was teaching Timothy.

Verse 15 says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Paul teaches Timothy to study. He didn't say listen to the Word, or hear the Word, or glance over Scripture. Instead he says to study. Among the definition of study is the pursuit of knowledge. To be a pastor, Timothy would have to pursue knowledge. Pursue is a verb, it's an action. To pursue means to strive to gain or accomplish. Timothy would have to pursue, to gain or accomplish, knowledge. Why? Two reasons, to "shew thyself approved unto God." To be approved means to consider right or good; think or speak favorably of. We must show ourselves as right or good unto God. The only way to do that is to study (and apply) the Word of God to our lives. The second reason Timothy would have to pursue knowledge is to "rightly dividing the word of truth." He could not teach God's Word to others if he has no idea what it says. That is why we must study the Word, and also why we must apply the world. If we fail to apply what we read in the Word of God, we will never be approved onto God, and we'll never rightly divide the Word. We'll talk more about this tomorrow.

For now, though, I must ask. Do you spend time in study of the Word? I'm not talking about just reading a chapter a day, or taking a glancing look at Scripture. I am talking about getting into the word, following the cross references, looking up words you don't understand. Have you done that? If so, have you applied your new found knowledge? Think About It.