Study!

Study!

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

[15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Paul writes to his young protege Timothy, and encourages him to apply himself to the value of study. Why study and not any other act? A definition of study available online says it is 'the devotion of time and attention to gaining knowledge of an academic subject, especially by means of books'. If we apply that to the verse above, it would mean the devotion of time and attention to gaining knowledge about God, by means of the only one book that reveals the mind of God, which is the written word. It is by means of the written word that the revelation of the power of the spoken word, as well as the person of the Word are all made manifest. Reflect on the words TIME and ATTENTION. Both words used in the context of the verse above are not words you use when you are in a hurry, or you are pressed for time. If you are content with just anything, then anyhow it is done is fine.

If there is something you need done right away, you will sacrifice time and most likely attention to detail, but if you want it done properly, you have to invest your time, and also pay close attention to what and how you do it. For a generation that has been viewed as the 'microwave' generation, there is a danger that it does not have the patience to sit down and study, in order to know more about God. The speed of the Internet and the ease of access to resources and information has changed the landscape for many of us. The time taken to do research has been greatly reduced by the time it takes to ask AI to generate information for you; however, it is clear that you cannot access the resources of the Holy Spirit through any code that the earth is able to give you. God cannot be rushed, and anyone willing to access the amazing resources of grace that He has must learn the value of study. It will demand time from you, and a lot of sacrifices must be made. 

Why bother with the investment of time? It is the value at the end of the wait that matters. You invest time in order to gain God's backing and approval. How can I claim to represent God and He cannot hold my attention long enough to pass on His instructions to me? What would I speak if I do not have His backing? I work for Him; I walk with Him; I speak for Him; an ambassador does not have authority separate from that of the country He represents. You become an expert by doing something over and over again, paying attention to detail. You become skilled by constant and consistent exposure. I am called a workman: a man who works. Not a man who talks a big game and does nothing, but one who works. He works under definite and divine guidance; he works for a definite and defined master, and he works for a definite reward. He becomes skillful in the right usage and application of the Word of truth. You either take Him as Truth, or you settle for the false versions that are available everywhere. Am I one who God can trust with the treasure of His Word? God's time of favour is here.