God's Purpose For Studying His Word - Part 1

God’s Purpose For Studying His Word - part 1

2 Timothy 2:15

“15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

In secular society, students of all age groups are rewarded with a certain mark for their efforts in studying.  In past generations the mark was a more realistic reflection of the students efforts and abilities.  Presently, the mark is a reflection of political correctness, not allowing any student to fail and thus not allowing true learning to take place.

In the Bible, God does not have a marking system like man does.  God speaks of the importance of faithfulness and obedience.  God is merciful and understands man’s sinfulness.  He does still require faithfulness and obedience to His Word.  

1 Corinthians 4:2

“2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

John 13:17

“17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”

God provides the means for man to be forgiven, first of all in salvation, and then as a child of God through confession of sin and forgiveness.  Recently a radio preacher stated that we have been too focussed on I John 1:9 and not enough on Romans 6.  It gave the impression that he leaned toward sinless perfection in the here and now.  God does not suggest that anywhere in the Bible.

We want to spend some time looking at the importance of studying God’s Word, and meeting God’s approval in doing so.

Study.

The Greek word translated “study” in this passage means: to make effort, be prompt, be earnest.  The implication given with this word, is that there is a need to learn.  In the context of this verse, it means there is a need to learn what God has to say.  In order for this to occur, there needs to be a willingness to learn and there needs to be a humility that will allow learning to take place.

In a recent article sent to this writer, the author spoke of the need for young pastors to be willing to learn from older pastors.  It is important to have that humility to be willing to learn.  It is also important to have discernment so that we are actually learning the truth.  The sad reality is that many times older men are leaving the faith once delivered unto the saints and they have built their ministry on compromise.  Sadly, sometimes not even recognizing the compromise that is taking place.  God does tell us to be apt to teach and He also reminds us of the importance of seeking understanding.  We will never learn all we can learn during the short time we have on this earth, if we lock ourselves away from others and simply do self-studies.  That is a form of pride in thinking that there is no one that can or will teach us anything.  We will get our teaching directly from God.  This attitude is not supported by the Word of God.  That being the case, it cannot be the attitude of the student who is following what our text is saying.  In our text, we see that our study has an goal in mind.