Be Diligent to be Approved by God

Christians must be completely devoted to their duty and mission. Inherent in this is an embracing of a biblical worldview, where the revealed word of God is valued as the source of truth and authority, coming from the mind of God himself. The Spirit has revealed the word through the apostles with the intention that we obey it. This involves submission to a higher, supreme, and eternal authority, acknowledging that we are not in control of our life. God clearly draws the line between truth and lies. Anything not of the truth is a lie. Everything God says is true. Everything Satan says is a lie in one form or another. So, we must decide. Who will we follow? How does the Christian live in this world?

The meaning of the verb in the opening sentence of verse 15 means to have zealous persistence in accomplishing a task. It is used in the sense of having or showing keen interest, expressing intense desire, or impatient expectancy. In this case, as a presenter of the Word, Timothy was to exercise maximum effort in his work of examination, interpretation, teaching, and application. To help people come to a better understanding of truth he would need to deliver his teaching in the most effective, clear, and complete way possible.

This was all for the purpose of pleasing God. This should be the motive of every diligent and selfless teacher in the church. It is not about pleasing yourself or pleasing others. It is about moving with the understanding that one day you will stand before God and give an account. Your teaching will be brought to view.  We certainly want to come before the Lord and find Him pleased with our work. Pleasing other men is not the objective.

Those who ignore, resent, reject, or fight the truth will find themselves ashamed on the last, great day. Their conduct will be exposed. So now, little children, remain in him so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming, 1 John 2.28.

In an time of shifting values and relativity, our calling remains unyielding in its devotion to truth and duty. This commitment is not born from a desire to gain worldly acclaim or appease societal standards but from a profound allegiance to a divine purpose. Just as Timothy exemplified zealous dedication to teaching the word with clarity and vigor, so we too must strive to embody and share the Gospel's unwavering truths. For it is in this devout adherence to God's Word that we find their true north, a compass guiding them toward eternal approval. In the end, the reward for such faithfulness is not just the fleeting praises of man, but the eternal commendation from Christ Himself, beckoning the faithful home with the words, Well done, good and faithful servant, Matthew 25.21.