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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: This question is intended to stimulate thought and comment from users of the Forum. How important is it for Christians to engage in regular and serious Bible study, and why? Please refer to 2 Timothy 2:15 and 1 Peter 3:15. In your comment please use these verses or other Biblical references that speak to the question. |
Bible Answer: Hank, great question. Years ago, when a dear friend was asked about “reading the Bible” he commented, “I haven’t read the Bible in years. I study it.” For years, his statement became my attitude. Now, I do both, but separately. In the past, when I have worked with other churches, too often, too many expect their preacher to do the “Bible” FOR them. But Peter’s 3:15 “includes” verse 8 (if you catch my drift). “Finally, let ALL OF YOU be …” and Peter lead us to that place where he exhorts INDIVIDUALS in verse 15 with “but revere Christ in YOUR hearts and be always ready to make a defense to EVERY ONE” …(also individuals) “… who asks you for the reason of the hope that is within YOU.” And the same goes for 2 Tim 2:15. It IS everyone’s personal responsibility to present THEMSELVES to God …” Last year I made a resolution NOT to make any resolutions. I kept it too. : ) This year I promised myself to read at least one chapter of the New, one chapter of the Old, one Proverb (according to the date, like today it’d be 13), and five Psalms – the date, plus thirty, plus thirty, plus thirty, plus thirty. (Today, Psalms 13, 43, 73, 103, and 143.) That means I will read every Psalm and every Proverb 12 times this year. I’ll also read completely through the Scriptures again. In the past, my BIGGEST problem has always been – when I am reading something, a verse, a phrase, or a word catches my eye, and away I go. Too often, with too many different translations spread out on the floor, with too many “study books” on the “topic” at hand and … Thus far, this year, I am able to get a better grip. If I notice such now, I keep reading until I am finished, THEN I race to the researching books. Only eleven and a half months to go, before I get to start all over again. :) Blessings, Taleb P.S. Hank, just NOW, I noticed WHEN you asked this question. Interestingly, the answer today is differant from April 17, 2001. :) |