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. 2 Timothy 2:15

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(running time 2 minutes 11 seconds)

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I think this Bible verse should be the motto of every business owner.  It covers two specific issues that many business owners struggle with, but we’ll get to that in a moment.

First, let’s look at the context of this verse. Paul is talking to Timothy.  He is mentoring him and wants to make sure he stays strong in the faith.  Timothy is a young leader in the church and Paul lays out some foundations that would help anyone in business.  We may not think about it, but a church is a business.

Paul reminds Timothy of God’s grace and tells him to be strong.  He tells him to teach others and entrust that knowledge to those who will teach others.  He is setting up the foundation for Timothy to go from being mentored to mentoring.

Next, he reminds Timothy of his higher purpose and to keep his eyes on Jesus instead of all the affairs of this world. Then reminds him of the suffering that comes with battle, even spiritual battles.

Now we come to verse 14.  Paul tells Timothy that the Bible is not just about words, it is about who you are and our relationship with God.  It is about our character.  He says to “present yourself to God as one approved.” Look at this as a whole.  He reminds him of God’s grace, then tells him to come before God approved.

Paul defines ‘approved’ in the next verse.  Paul said to be approved, you must first not be ashamed.  I have ran into too many business owners who are ashamed of what they believe.  Don’t do that!  Be proud to be a Christian.

To be approved is to “correctly handle the word of truth.”  The Bible is a powerful tool.  God wants us to study it, dig into it and really get to know His heart.  We must learn how to learn the Bible and teach others.

These two things go hand in hand.  When we learn the Bible intelligently we have courage.  We won’t be ashamed if we know what the Bible says.  Don’t let intellectuals scare you.  They want to see if you know what you really believe and if you really believe it.

In verse 22 Paul lays out actions to keep anyone from being ashamed.  Let’s run through it quickly: flee evil desires, don’t be quarrelsome and know how to gently instruct those who oppose you.  When mixed with a solid understanding of God’s word, leading in this way will lead others to salvation.

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. 2 Timothy 2:15