Diligent Study part 1

2 Timothy 2:15

Introduction

Bible study is a sort of universally recognized need but is rarely practiced as it ought to be.

There are a million aides and guides out there to point you in one direction or another for becoming a better Bible student.

While these products are advertised as aides, they often offer supposed shortcuts to actual study.

That is not to say that you must always start from scratch, but be careful that you do not seek for someone to do your thinking for you.

If we are not careful, we end up treating the Bible like many a school textbook where we cram when we have to in order to pass some test that is before us.

I want to think this evening about making Bible study a more regular part of our lives.

Not Ashamed

Paul says study so that you won’t be ashamed (2 Tim. 2:15).

This is strong language (Lk. 14:9; Rev. 3:18).

It can be the foundation for strong rebuke (Heb. 5:11-14).

Husbands in particular need to be leading this effort (1 Cor. 14:35).

This is not about our pride but rather for His pleasure (Col. 1:9-10).

A Diligent Workman

The word diligence suggests hard work, eagerness, and urgency (2 Tim. 4:9; 1 Thess. 2:17; Lk. 19:5-6).

Profitable study is hard work and requires devotion (Acts 22:3).

We have to remember what we are working for (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 1:14-16).

Accuracy

We aren’t studying “to be right” but we do want to be correct (2 Tim. 2:15).

This has to do with making some fine distinctions (Heb. 4:12).

A lot of that will come from experience (Heb. 5:14).

But we have to know the limitations of what can be known (2 Tim. 2:14; Deut. 29:29).

Accuracy comes before application.

Conclusion

The Creator has recorded and preserved His thoughts for us.

It is shameful to treat that with less interest than the mind numbing pablum the world feeds us daily.

We have so little time and so far to go.

Do you not know where to start, then let’s start together.