Study

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

"But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:14-15

For several years Timothy had the benefit of the teaching of the apostle Paul as they worked together preaching the Gospel. This teaching was useful in preparing Timothy for his own preaching. From the instruction found in these passages it is clear though that Paul did not consider Timothy's knowledge to be complete. No matter how much knowledge or teaching we may have had in the past it is certain that we need to continue in our study of the Gospel. Many young men work with an older preacher for a few years before finding their own work This can be a great help in preparing them for the work of preaching. But as with Timothy even these men must continue their study once they are working on their own

Today there are many things that can distract us from our studies. If we are not careful even those things we use to assist our study can hinder instead of help. Computers and the internet can be very useful in finding information on many topics of use to the teacher. They can be used to reach those that are lost. But if we are not careful they can also waste a great deal of our time. Commentaries can be helpful in developing a fuller understanding of the Scriptures. But they can also lead us astray if we emphasize them too much in our study. The comments of men are not what we need most. Simply reading information is not enough to help us understand the Scriptures. Study involves diligence and meditation on the word. Paul told Timothy study would help him divide the word in the right manner. The ability to rightly divide the word comes only through reading and meditating on the word with an open mind. The Psalmist tells us the man that meditates day and night will be blessed.

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." Psalm 1:1-2

No amount of internet surfing or searching, no commentary or religious paper can take the place of reading and meditating on the Word. Prepare diligently! - Dan Henderson

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