2 Timothy 2:15

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Back in our same verse about diligence that we looked at earlier, I want to talk about one more principle in this verse. It’s the principle of accuracy. You hear so much today about acceptance of different lifestyles, and different beliefs even within Christianity. I believe it is our obligation as Christians to learn what God really says about every issue. That is what “accurately handling the word of truth” is all about. I actually like the way the Living Bible puts it:

2 Tim 2:15 (The Living Bible)

15 Work hard so God can say to you, "Well done." Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work. Know what his Word says and means.

God is not wishy-washy. He doesn’t say, “live your life however you feel is right.” God gives us explicit instructions in His Word on how we should live as Christians in this world. It’s up to us to be diligent to learn what the Word of God says.

When God told Noah to build an ark in Genesis 6:13ff, He gave Noah explicit measurements, down to where the windows should be! Look at the example of the Tabernacle that God commanded the Israelites to build. From Exodus 25 to 26, He gives Moses very detailed instructions, including measurements and materials, on how to build the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle. God even warned Moses to do it exactly as He had said:

Hebrews 8:5

5 … just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, "SEE," He says, "THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN."

I believe that God gives us the same type of detailed instructions on how to live as Christians, and those instructions are found in His Word. If God was that specific about the tabernacle of the Old Testament, what about the tabernacle now?

1 Corinthians 6:19

19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

Let’s look at the example of Apollos.

Acts 18:24-26

24 Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures.

25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; (this refers to the baptism taught by John the Baptist, which was one of repentance BEFORE the Messiah came – see Acts 19:4-5 - but that’s another study altogether)

26 and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

It is our responsibility as Christians to be able to defend and explain exactly what the Word of God says about any subject. That’s why the diligence is required! God does not want His children to be lackadaisical about their Christian life.

1 Peter 3:15

15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

Psalms 119:7

7 I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart,

When I learn Your righteous judgments.