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NASB | 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Timothy 2:15 Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. |
Bible Question: I am struggling with how to make observations of bible text. How to really get in and dig it up. Any hints as to how to read more into the words? I am in a class, and I read it and read it and read it, and I don't know what the observations would be. |
Bible Answer: Hi, mel! I just read through Makarios's postings and I would like to add the following: Firstly, I defer to the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26); I've learned that I will not always see the answers or meanings of Biblical passages regardless of how much I may strive to get it. Secondly, I employ patience and humility! and, lastly, I use a good study Bible and a concordance dictionary. An example of one of my projects is Genesis 14:18-20: These verses seem to be full of mystery; they act as a dangling participle. But they are oh so juicy! Here's Abraham coming back from a fierce battle and out of the blue this man drops in on him. Though Abraham has no discernible connection to the stranger, this man: a) blesses Abraham, b) is aware of the immediate circumstances that brought Abraham to that particular place and time, c) praises God on behalf of Abraham, d) mediates for Abraham, e) offers Abraham bread and wine, and, f) vanishes into the mystery that bore him. It would appear that Abraham just fell into more good fortune. But on the recap... The man Abraham just happened to have met is Melchizedek, who is both a priest of the Most High God and the king of Salem. A good study Bible and a concordance could shed a 2K-watt light on these three verses. The Bible and/or the concordance would expand these verses (Psalm 110:4 and Hebrews 4:14 thru 5:10, 6:19 thru 10:18), clarifying the office, duties, and identity of the High Priest. The Bible's footnotes and the concordance can identify the names and titles while offering a more rounded correlation between Melchizedek and Jesus. The mystery: Melchizedek is both priest and king. Salem is Melchizedek's kingdom. He appears out of nowhere and greets Abraham with blessings and revelations, then offers him bread and wine. Abraham, on his part, offers the priest a tenth of the plunder gained from the battle. The mystery unfolds: Since Melchizedek is the priest of the Most High God, we must conclude that he is also the king that represents the Most High God (Salem being identified as Jerusalem--a kingdom that will not be established for over hundreds of years). Melchizedek demonstrates that he has both spiritual authority and intimate knowledge of Abraham (he lbesses Abraham and praises him, praises God for bringing victory to Abraham, and intercedes on Abraham's behalf by asking God for further blessings). The offering of bread and wine, on the surface, could be interpreted as simple hospitability; but this is Abraham's backyard, it is he who should offer Melchizedek hospitability. And, finally, Abraham offers Melchizedek the tithing, a religious practice that will not come into existence until hundreds of years later, when the priesthood is established. Genesis 14:18-20: These verses, in effect, highlight, in one simple encounter, a mysterious priestly king who typifies the Law, the Commandments and the Lord's Supper! God Bless! |