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Show A WORKMAN THAT'S NOT ASHAMED TO CUT IT STRAIGHT "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2: 15 KJV) "Strive diligently to present yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, cutting in a straight line the word of truth. (2 11 Timothy 2: 15 Darby Bible Translation) When the Apostle Paul looked at the churches he has established, he told the Roman congregation, "/ beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living 1 sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mine, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2) Every believe /Z. in Jesus Christ was to come boldly before God as a personal offering and strive to live according to His word. Half-stepping would not be tolerated and the hymn writer sand, "None but the righteous shall see God." God wants a workman that's not ashamed to cut the Word straight. Then, that same Paul wrote a personal note to his spiritual son Timothy about not only the called to 2 follow Jesus but the call to carry God's un-waving word. He told Timothy, "Strive diligently to present yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, cutting in a straight line the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2: 15) He wanted Timothy to 11 accept the Word of God and to tea½h it the w(ay distribute it accµJrately, ct ,, vvr tJof- wi ,''j aw:[. w ~c...ul 1 It it really is, without mixture. To "rightly i0 1 l.(.R,; I v ~%ik -tt> 01 divide the word of Truth" means literally 1,_,,,,J.,;f~ to "cut in a straight line the word of truth." God wants a workman that's not ashamed to cut it straight. This is a work of instruction and description given by an elder to a younger preacher/pastor. It is a word about the call to preparation, the 3 purpose of mission, the approach of the ambassador, and the responsibility of the Man of God. When the sheep drink only milk and never grow up to eat meat, the church will be like a stunted runt or weakkneed weakling. The church will stand tall when the leader divides the Word rightly and cuts it straight. The first thing to remember is that the spokesman for God must study. "Study to show thyself approved unto God. That means time away from the H hussle and bussle of life, quiet time for ,Jq "})~ -{-ft 1JJJO J meditation and serious thought. A rusH in at the last minute may get you leftovers but not much fresh off the press. Psalm 1 reminds us to "delight in 1 I I 4 the law of the Lord, and Meditate day and night so that we can become like a tree planted by the rivers of water, bringing forth it fruit in his season; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." (23) You cannot teach what you don't know. That is the only way to cut the Word of God straight. Second, declare the word of God with"dany shame. "A workman that needeth not to be ashamed." "Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all r. ; rL~ f2 Timo1~,1 longsuffering and doctrine.'~ ltll'M "' bef Ko @J H1 wt> u.,(c{; 4: 2) The Apostle Pau~said, #For I a not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, 5 and also to the Greek." (Romans 1: 16) ""Lift up your heads~ 0 ye gates; even lift them up~ ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. (Psalm 24: 11 9) |
