Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
What does 2 Timothy 2:15 mean?
Those disposed to strive, commonly strive about matters of small moment. But strifes of words destroy the things of God.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside 2 Timothy 2:15-18 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:15
Study to show thyself approved unto God - Give diligence 2 Peter 2:10 , or make an effort so to discharge the duties of the ministerial office as to meet the divine approbation. The object of the ministry is not to please men. Such doctrines should be preached, and such plans formed, and such a manner of life pursued, as God will approve. To do this demands study or care - for there are many temptations to the opposite course; there are many things the tendency of which is to lead a minister to seek popular favor rather than the divine approval. If any man please God, it will be as the result of deliberate intention and a careful life.
Key words
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Context in 2 Timothy 2
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2 Timothy 2 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as suffering and endurance. Second Timothy is a final appeal to courage, endurance, sound teaching, and fidelity to Scripture under suffering. Read this chapter with the wider themes of endurance, scripture, and courage in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Bible verses about suffering and trials
Key passages on grief, endurance, lament, divine mystery, and the Christian claim that suffering is neither final nor meaningless.
Passages on the nature of truth, honesty, deception, the word of God as truth, and Jesus' claim to be the truth.