Be Diligent

One of the most important verses in the New Testament is 2 Timothy 2:15. It contains Jesus’ commandment given

through the Apostle Paul. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be

ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”

The Bible teaches, “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so

that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). While we are saved to enjoy the presence of God in heaven forever, we

are also saved to serve Him during our lives on earth.

We are equipped to perform our service (good works) by diligently studying the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit opens our

hearts and minds to understand the Scripture. He also helps us to live out what we learn. At the Last Supper, Jesus told

His disciples, “the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring

to your remembrance all that I said to you” (John 14:26).

An important function of the church is to prepare believers (God’s workmen) to accurately handle God’s Word. The job

of ministers is to prepare the people to do God’s work, not to do God’s work for the people. Ephesians 4:11-12 tells us

that Jesus “gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

for the equipping of the saints for the work of service.” While we are blessed when we attend church, we also attend to

prepare us to be a blessing to others.

Personal and congregational study of the Scriptures allows us to “always be ready to make a defense to everyone who

asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15-16).

God promises that when His workmen correctly and lovingly share His Word, it will accomplish His goals. “So shall my

word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and

shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).

We are participants in God’s plan, but we may not see the final results. However, we know that in His time, He will

accomplish His purposes. “So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes

the growth” (1 Corinthians 37).

“For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of Yehovah and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in

Israel” (Ezra 7:10). Ezra was living out 2 Timothy 2:15. He studied the law - not for the sake of knowledge, but to direct

His thoughts and behaviors. He committed himself as one of God’s workmen to teach God’s Word to others so they

would be prepared to practice it and share it.

Commit yourself to study, practice and share God’s Word.