A WORKMAN THAT NEEDETH NOT TO BE ASHAMED

To understand this statement we need to link it with the exhorta­tion that precedes it - ‘study to show thyself approved unto God’. Taken together, these statements bring before us the posi­tive and negative aspects of the same point, the one being the consequence of the other. If Timothy studied to show himself approved unto God, that’s a positive action, then the outcome would be that he would have no reason to be ashamed.

Generally, we use the word ‘study’ to refer to an academic or theoretical exercise, but its use here relates to something expe­riential not theoretical. Paul is urging Timothy to exert himself, to diligently make effort to present himself approved unto God. To gain that divine approval, Timothy would need to discipline himself so that he would consistently manifest to God those qualities that satisfy His requirements for service.

In achieving that standard, Timothy could be assured of preservation from any sense of shame resulting from his work being unsatisfactory. No particular form of work is mentioned here, for the principle that Paul is setting out is applicable to all who serve God. If we want to earn divine approval in our work for the Lord then a pre-requisite is that we meet His approval in our lives. In every facet of life, it is true that standards can only be achieved by expending effort. However, that maxim is never more applicable than in the work of God.

In addition to Timothy’s personal qualities, the verse contin­ues by setting out a responsibility relative to one aspect of his service. It was incumbent that he rightly divided ‘the word of truth’. Whatever illustration we use for the origin of the word ‘divide’ - and there are several - the essential point being established is that Timothy was to teach the scriptures in an intelligent and orderly way.

The Bible is not a compendium of truth that has been ran­domly assembled, but each phrase, verse and chapter fits within a specific context. One of our greatest needs today is for men who are approved of God, and who can set out the word of God in an orderly, systematic manner.