Christian Service

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Timothy 2 2:15
(My Translation) “Be diligent to present thyself to God as approved, a workman unshamed, rightly interpreting the word of the truth.”

I: Word Studies:
1. Study: Usually thought of an intellectual pursuit of knowledge — Word has here an almost forgotten meaning — “to pay attention to; give care and thought to.” Greek Word means to be diligent or zealous –Form of inperative here (aor) indicates that this action which should be undertaken at once– “Get on the ball.”
2. To Show: Really has the idea of presenting, something to another. In Romans 6, we are to present our members as instruments of righteousness here we are to present ourselves i.e. to make ourselves available to God for use in his Kingdom interprise.
3. Approved: Has the idea of having been tested and proved to be reliable.
4. Workman: This is the word for the common laborer, the subordinate workman. It is contrasted with the Craftsman or Technician in common language. In Christian service, God is the craftsman, the planner. “The Christian is to be the Laborer.” Hebrews 11:10.
5. Needeth not to be ashamed: Qualifies workman and indicates the kind of workman who has no need for shame when his work is inspected.
6. Rightly dividing: Greek word means to cut a straight line, or to make a straight road. In relation to truth, it means to handle allright, hold a straight course. It is opposed to idea or adulteration or misusing the truth.
7. The Word of Truth: In the whole system of Gospel truth which we find in Christianity. Text does not refer to truth in general, but the Truth of the Gospel.

II: The Goal of Christian Service:
1. “To present self to God as approved.”
2. Our point of reference in service is God rather than men. God is the one we work to please and whose approval we desire above all else.

III: The Character of Christian Service: “A Workman Unashamed.”
1. Negatively: We are not to think of self as the craftsmen, the planners, the designers of Kingdom effort, but subordinate to God who is the craftsman.
2. Positively: We are to be workmen, not idlers, ill-workers, shrikers, or jerkers.
We are to seek to do our task in such a way that we will not be ashamed of our work.

IV: The Way of Christian Service: “Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth.”
1. Handling allright, interpreting correctly. The Gospel truth is our medium of service in God’s name to the World.
2. We are to make sure that our understanding, our interpretation, our proclamayion of the Gospel is in line with the truth.

V: The Necessity of Christian Service: “Be Diligent, be Zealous…”

This is not something which can be accomplished in a lack-a-discal way. It requires great diligence the application of our whole attention and enemy.
Professional golfer — Concert Pianist.