Cathy Baker

Years ago, I heard a pastor say that our spending choices reveal what truly matters in our hearts. I believe this could also be said about final words before death, as Paul demonstrates in 2 Timothy, his final letter, written to the young pastor Timothy and, ultimately, to every believer. 

Where Does the Bible Say We Should “Study to Show Ourselves Approved”?

In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” How do we handle the word of truth? Ephesians 6:17 calls the word of truth the sword of the Spirit. 

While other weapons in biblical times were also used for hunting and cooking, the sword was designed for one purpose only: to kill. It was not a weapon to take lightly, and this is especially true when referring to the word of God. 

In Greek, the words correctly handling the word of truth are translated to cut straight. To cut anything straight requires skills beyond an amateur. In Paul’s final letter, his fierce defense of the inerrant word of God is never more straightforward as he gives a charge to those who share Scripture with others. The obvious recipients are preachers and teachers, but Paul’s command doesn’t stop there. 

We may not preach or teach to a crowd every week but consider how often our children need guidance, or a co-worker without Christ asks for advice, or a friend reaches out in dire need of hope. Will we share our opinions, or will we share truth? The Bible says we should study to show ourselves approved so that we will be ready to wield the word of truth at a moment’s notice.

We must know the Word and share it as God intends—straight, without wavering, or with a sugary coating that makes it easier to swallow. His Word is living and active. Our words, although sometimes helpful, do not cut straight to the heart. 

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