SCRIPTURE STUDY

(2 Tim 2:15) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

J.A. Bengel said, concerning Bible study, "Get everything out of it, do not read anything into it, let nothing remain unread in it." The most important book in all the world is the Bible. In it is truth and direction, inspiration and guidance. Today, in a world that's floundering, searching yet seemingly never able to come to the realization of truth, the Bible stands as an only beacon of hope. Science cannot uncover the spiritual need of man. Philosophy falls woefully short of explaining why man is here on earth and his purpose in being here. There are questions answered in the Bible which are answered nowhere else. Indeed, there are many interesting books in the world, yet none come even close to the Word of God. This passage gives three ways God would have us study His word.

A DILIGENT STUDENT
"Study to show thyself approved unto God"
The word "study" means to make every effort, therefore to be diligent. A diligent student is one who reads the Bible everyday, who seeks to make it a regular daily pattern for life. Not only do we study, but memorize, outline and apply the Bible to each situation in life. It says, study to "show" that is to present to God a lifestyle that honors Him. "Approved" could be translated genuine. The Christian's desire is a genuineness in heart and life before God. The Bible says, "Whosoever keeps His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected." (1 John 2:5) The diligent student is learning, growing and striving for perfection by the grace of God. Is your study of the scripture all that you would like it to be? Do you have a regular time of devotion? It is one thing to hear the word of God, it is another to discover it's truth for ourselves.

A DUTIFUL SERVANT
"a workman that needeth not to be ashamed"
A "workman" is a laborer. A good laborer is one given to service. As a young boy, 1 remember when we cut down the weeds in my grandmom's yard. The weeds had grown so long that they were as high as full grown corn stalks. After finishing the job. The whole backyard took on a new look. The weeds had completely hidden a cobblestone wall at the back of the property. We had completely forgotten about it being there. The point is, it's amazing what you find when you get busy. The same is true of Bible study, start searching and before long you'll come up with all kinds of interesting information. When we're willing to clear out the weeds of laziness, and apply ourselves to getting to the root of truth there will be no disappointment. Labor requires effort, but we serve a heavenly Master and His reward is well worth the effort.

A DEDICATED SCHOLAR
"rightly dividing the word of truth."
The words, "rightly dividing" are literally cutting straight. Paul was a tentmaker. He knew the value of cutting material used for tents in a straight line so it could be sewn together without gaps of ragged edges. A straight cut meant you took your time and were exact in your measurements. We need to take our time and apply God's standards. lt's essential to put things in their proper order. Failure to take the Bible literally as much as is possible, to discern the difference between promises to the Jew, the Gentile and the Church. Failure to recognize the love of God is coupled with the righteousness of God, that he loves sinners, but cannot and will not overlook sin. Failure to see Jesus as the only means of salvation. These are reasons why so many miss the truth of God's word. A dedicated scholar builds on the basics, God loves, man's lost, Jesus saves. Are you willing to apply yourself? What steps can you take to be a better scholar of scripture?

Here then is God's plan for meaningful Bible study. Study as a Diligent Student, a Dutiful Servant and a Dedicated Scholar. I read of a parable told by William Cunningham, A man was out walking in the desert when a voice said to him, "Pick up some pebbles and put them in your pocket, and tomorrow you will be both sorry and glad." The man obeyed. He stooped down and picked up a handful of pebbles and put them in his pocket. The next morning he reached into his pocket and found diamonds and rubies and emeralds. And he was both glad and sorry. Glad that he had taken some --sorry that he hadn't taken more. And so it is with God's word. Today, let us start gathering the spiritual riches of God's word for ourselves. God bless.