Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
— 2 Timothy 2:15 —
Mike Abendroth: European Bible Training Center | Germany
Paul charges Timothy, his young apprentice, to put forth every effort into the proper study of God’s word. No short cuts. No excuses for a casual or lazy approach. God and His word demand excellence and precision. Timothy, and by extension, all who handle God’s word, are called to be “workmen.” “Cutting straight” is the goal. There must be no additions to Scripture, no subtractions, no mutilations, no perversions, and no changes. It is one thing to be shamed by the world, a parent, or a teacher, but receiving shame from a thrice-holy Savior is something that must not be underestimated. The reverse is also true: when Scripture is accurately handled, there is commendation from the Lord. Roads or paths are cut through a forest to help travelers in reaching their destinations with ease. The same principle is true for handling God’s word. The teaching of the word must remain faithful to the author’s intent so that every reader gets to the right destination (the meaning of the text) easily and accurately. There must be no additions to Scripture, no subtractions, no mutilations, no perversions, and no changes to the word. Exactness is the goal of the teacher. He is to be in stark opposition to Elymas the magician, who made “crooked the straight ways of the Lord” (Acts 13:8–10). If you teach the Bible or study it, you have the wonderful responsibility to follow in the steps of Timothy.
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