A Workman Approved unto God.
By M. Wood
“STUDY to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim. 2:15. Timothy was no novice in the Scriptures; 2 Tim. 3:15; still Paul deemed it advisable to admonish him to diligence and perseverance in the study of the Holy Scriptures, that he might be a workman approved, not only of men, but unto God. The words of the great apostle to Timothy should have equal weight upon the children of God at the present time. There never was a time when the people needed to understand the word of God more thoroughly than at the present. We must cry out with earnestness of soul, “Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth.” Says Peter, “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” Says Hosea, 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Many are hastening on to their eternal ruin who might be saved had the professed followers of Christ the ability and inclination to instruct them in the Scriptures. Study to show thyself an approved workman—in what? farming? building? patent inventions? &c. After foretelling the perils of the last days, Paul says, “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee.” 1 Tim. 4:15, 16. Our Saviour says, “Labor not for that meat which perisheth.” John 6:27. Labor for an understanding of the fundamental principles of truth. What a mighty influence for good we might exert if it could be said of us, “A workman approved unto God.” How mightily would the Lord work for us if we would work for ourselves. God would have intelligent missionaries in whom the gifts and graces of the apostolic church would be manifested in the last days. But how can God bestow these gifts upon those who do not grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth? Those who have pressed forward, acquainting themselves with the things of God, may be instruments in the hands of God in accomplishing a great work. Through inactivity, some have fallen asleep. Be entreated to arouse before it is too late.