This verse is quoted with mind numbing regularity in Christian circles today. And yet, for all of its quoting, ignorance of Scripture is far too common, both in the pew, and the pulpit. What does this verse mean?
- The first primary word we come to, study, is Spoudazo, meaning to exert one’s self, endeavor, or give diligence.
- The second is approved, or dokimos, meaning one who is accepted or honorable.
- The third is worker, or ergates, meaning a laborer or perpetrator of one’s craft.
- The fourth is handles, or orthotomeo, meaning to cut straight; proceed in straight paths; hold a straight course; to teach truth directly and correctly.
- What is it we are handling? The logos alethia, or the word of truth.
(crosswalk.com)
For the purposes of our study this week, we want to focus on the fourth point above, dealing with orthomeo. If we are going to teach truth directly and correctly, we are going to have to know what that truth meant, in its original setting, or at least get as close to that as possible. All this requires honest, objective study.
Please consider the following questions.
- How do you feel about your work in the Word being inspected by God?
- As a communicator of the Gospel, do you understand that this is your craft; much like a carpenter, accountant or doctor has his or her craft?
- Can you correctly handle the Word without presupposition, bias or someone else’s agenda?
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