Show Yourself Approved

 It’s not enough to just hear the word taught in church one day a week or to just read it. We are responsible for being stewards of the word. 

‘Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. – ‘ 2Timothy 2:15.

The Lord speaks to us in many different ways, but one of the main ways he speaks to us is through his written word. As followers of Jesus, we are expected to be diligent in studying, meditating, and understanding the word of God. As we study the word, we learn about God‘s character -who he is and what he is like. We receive instruction, encouragement, and direction for how to walk out this journey. We are also better able to discern the truth versus false teaching. All the answers for living out our life as a yielded vessel to the Lord are found in the scriptures. 

Have you ever gotten up in the middle of the night or just walked into a dark room and had to feel your way around as you walked to switch the light on? You may have stumped your toe or stepped on an object because you couldn’t see in the dark. That’s what it is like on this journey when we don’t know the word of God. We run into all sorts of problems that we don’t see coming. We leave ourselves open to easily falling into sin and to be easily deceived by the enemy. We are also tossed back and forth by every wind of doctrine, not knowing what to believe. God’s word steadies our feet and brings light to the dark places in our life. 

The Bible says:

‘ I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. ‘ – Psalm 119:11

‘Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. – ‘Psalms 119:105

The Bible tells us we are to meditate on the word day and night. Part of studying includes meditating on the word. This meditation is not the eastern practice of sitting with our legs folded, completely emptying our mind of every thought and trying to draw from our own inner strength, wisdom, power, etc. Instead, we are to empty our mind of distractions and fill it with the scriptures, acknowledging that our utter dependence is on the God of the Bible. In other words, spend time pondering the scripture or mulling it over in your mind, allowing it to fill and affect all the inward parts of your heart and mind. Meditating on scripture also helps you memorize it.

‘This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. ‘ – Joshua 1:8

There are many resources to help you study, but the best resource is the Holy Spirit. I strongly recommend using a lexicon and concordance to aid your study. Bible lexicons provide definitions and meaning of biblical words found in the original Old Testament Hebrew language and the New Testament Greek language. This is important when trying to understand the original intent of the word to properly apply it to our life. While I am not against using bible commentaries, my recommendation is to use it as a last resource. Let the word interpret itself and see what revelation the Holy Spirit gives you before you lean on someone else’s interpretation or perspective and allow it to affect you for better or for worse.  Also, do your research when choosing a bible translation so you can understand the differences between them and choose which one is right for you. The comparison chart below is not an exhaustive list, but some of the most widely known translations. Some translations are good for general listening or reading, while others are better for studying.

A couple of online resources I tend to use that allow me to work with different translations and include lexicons are https://www.logos.com and https://www.stepbible.org. Logos does have a free version, but it is limited.

Just as God is a living God, so is his word a living word. I’ve studied the same scriptures at different times and learned something different each time. The new revelation I received was not contrary to what I previously received, but it was a deeper understanding. Sometimes we will see another revelation of a scripture or passage we’ve read before based on the season of life we’re in or based on the depths of God we are seeking.

I encourage you to get in the word of God and be a good steward! Look at it intently, so that it will change you into the likeness of our wonderful savior, Jesus Christ.

Blessings!