2 Timothy 2:15

“Rightly Handling the Word of Truth”

July 10, 2011

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,

Those who are called to proclaim the Word of God to His people need to be true to that calling, and especially to the One who called. Paul instructs Timothy to be quick about obeying God on this priority. As the original apostles were sure that they must not allow themselves to be distracted from the duties of prayer and the ministry of the Word, pastors and teachers in every generation should be thinking first about God in attending to their calling. Paul tells the Corinthians that it is a small matter to him whether he has the approval of any human court. He is interested in God's approval of his ministry

The words “do your best” translate one Greek word that has to do with speed. The picture here is of a servant that knows the voice of his Master, and is ready to respond swiftly in coming before Him to do His will. The one who is called to preach and teach the message of Jesus Christ stands in the presence of the Almighty, ready to say what Jesus would have him say and do what Jesus would have him do.

A worker who has no need to be ashamed,

Timothy is God's workman. He must not be led away in directions that are against the calling of God. This will require a true fellowship with the Lord. Do we have a sense that we are doing our work far away from the presence of God? Are we impressed with our choice of words and illustrations? Do we too easily parrot what smart people say? Are we impressing others or ourselves? Fine... but will we be ashamed of what we have said and done when we remember God and come back into His presence?

It was never safe for the Lord's prophet to forget his experience in the heavenly council. For the messenger of Jesus, the hour is too late to be unaware of the voice of the Shepherd. What is the Lord saying to me as His messenger here and now? If I ignore His directive, will He be pleased just because the church was pleased? What other voices are more obvious to me than the voice of Jesus? To whom do I swiftly present myself? Whose face am I most concerned about? Will I be ashamed when I remember God?

Rightly handling the word of truth.

Jesus wants his pastors and teachers to use the sword of the Spirit, the Word of truth, rightly. The Word is a very sharp knife. It can make a “straight cut.” The translation “rightly handling” is a call to be a straight cutter with that heavenly sword. I do not need to hack away with it as if it were a blunt instrument. The Spirit of Jesus is able to do His healing surgery with His own scalpel. He has His hand on My hand.

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing unto You, O Lord my strength and my Redeemer.

Jesus has the right to be the One... the One we stand before, the one smile we long to see, the one voice we are quick to hear. His death for us insists on this priority. He is the King of the Resurrection age.