Interesting Green: Reflection - Approval of a good workman

Source (book): "Faithful to the end", Question 1, Page 95.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012

PHOTO: Joseph Hall, a 17th century English bishop, aptly said, "It is not the bee's touching on the flower that gathers honey, but her abiding for a time upon them, and drawing out the sweet. It is not he that reads most, but he that meditates most on divine truth, that will prove the choicest, stronger Christian."
Posted by addtoyourfaith on 30 June 2015
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http://addtoyourfaith.tumblr.com/post/132991782/revelations-1-3-blessed-who-reads

Reflect on the three suggestions that can help to discern whether God has approved someone as a good workman of the Word. How would you apply this to yourself and in church? What further pointers can you suggest?

Reflect on the three suggestions that can help to discern whether God has approved someone as a good workman of the Word.
Firstly, accountability to God [1]
God's approved workman has a deep sense of accountability to God. He knows that he has been called by God to study and preach the Word and that ultimately he has to give an account of his ministry to God. Before he presents himself to his congregation at the pulpit, he first presents himself to God. He offers himself to God to search his heart, thoughts, motives, habits, and use of time so that his conscience would be clear, and he has no reason to be ashamed before God for giving less than he is capable of. Cutting corners in his work would result in shame before his congregation as a lack of diligence and integrity would show at the pulpit.

PHOTO: Accountability to God
God's approved workman offers himself to God to search his heart, thoughts, motives, habits, and use of time so that his conscience would be clear, and he has no reason to be ashamed before God for giving less than he is capable of.
Painting by Howard David Johnson, Ezekiel's Vision (Mixed media)
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http://www.howarddavidjohnson.com/_Ezekiel's%20Vision%20MMX.jpg
http://www.howarddavidjohnson.com/portfolio.htm

The preacher who is accountable to God knows that "his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work" (1 Corinthians 3:13). Whether he used costly material (gold, silver, and costly stones) or whether he cut corners by using cheap material (wood, hay, and straw) would be revealed at the judgement seat of Christ. In other words, the quality of his spiritual craftsmanship will be exposed. Whether he will be vindicated or ashamed will depend on how he served in the fear of God, always presenting himself to God (2 Timothy 2:15).

PHOTO: A Workman Approved
The preacher who is accountable to God knows that "his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work" (1 Corinthians 3:13). Whether he will be vindicated or ashamed will depend on the quality of his spiritual craftsmanship.
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In God's presence, the workman of God's Word must learn to always pray: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14). It is this sense of accountability to God that will result in a preacher who truly teaches the Word of God and brings health and wholeness to God's people.

PHOTO: It is this sense of accountability to God that will result in a preacher who truly teaches the Word of God and brings health and wholeness to God's people. Dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Bible incorrectly is where a lot of the off course or harmful interpretations come from.
Painting by Howard David Johnson ©1983-2015
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http://www.howarddavidjohnson.com/A_Moment_of_Revelation.jpg
http://www.howarddavidjohnson.com/mystic.htm

Secondly, correct handling of God's Word [1]
The divinely approved craftsman of the Word will exhibit faithfulness and care in his handling of Scripture (2 Timothy 2:15). The Greek word translated as "correctly handles" is orthotomēo. It literally means "to cut straight"; we may think of a farmer cutting a straight line with the plough, or workers cutting a straight road to the destination, or a carpenter cutting straight edges to produce a plank. A careless or sleepy workman will not cut straight; he will instead produce crooked edged. A tailor who cuts the cloth carelessly would have ruined the cloth as well as jeopardise the shirt.

PHOTO: Correct handling of God's Word
This means, using the Greek word, orthotomēo, translated as "correctly handles" which literally means "to cut straight". We must not become careless and, astocheō, translated "wandered away" from God's Word.
Painting by Howard David Johnson, "Faerie Guardians"
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In fact, the opposite of orthotomēo is astocheō (used in 2 Timothy 2:18) which is translated "wandered away". The careless workman of Scripture will stray from the text and lead himself and the congregation astray. Some years ago, a Singaporean pastor attended a service in a church in Wales and heard a sermon that was actually a slide presentation of the preacher's summer holiday! The pastor was deeply troubled and felt led to spend some years in that region to help the churches find their way back to biblical preaching. Or consider sermons that pay lip service to a text in the Bible, but then abandon the text after the customary introduction, ignoring the Word. Preachers who abuse the pulpit and show unfaithfulness to God's Word and the Lord must beware. It is important to remember what Charles Spurgeon, the prince of preachers, said: "The Word of God is not committed to God's ministers to amuse men with its glitter, nor to charm them with the jewels in its hilt, but to conquer their souls for Jesus." [2]

PHOTO: The Word of God is not committed to God's ministers to amuse men with its glitter, nor to charm them with the jewels in its hilt, but to conquer their souls for Jesus. Preachers who abuse the pulpit and show unfaithfulness to God's Word and the Lord must beware.
Posted by Daily Bible Verses on Friday, 6 July 2012
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http://thedailyverses.blogspot.sg/2012/07/jesus-picture.html

Alas, a bad workman of the Word does much damage. When he teaches, it will be the case of the blind leading the blind (Luke 6:39-40). In that context, Jesus was telling a parable. "Will they not both fall into the pit?" Jesus asked rhetorically (emphasizing style). Jesus then concluded by remarking "A student is not above his teacher." A good workman of Scripture will learn from the Master himself and will seek to be fully trained. Timothy is urged by Paul to be exemplify (be a typical example of) in this and to seek to preach and teach by "driving a straight furrow in your proclamation of the truth" (2 Timothy 2:15 NEB, New English Bible).

PHOTO: The point of the proverb, the blind leading the blind, is purely figurative. A blind person guiding another blind person across unknown territory is pretty useless. If two or more people are equally ignorant about a topic they are not helping each other.
There is no intentional malice or disrespect aimed at people whose sight is impaired, it's just a metaphor from the Bible that people still use today because everyone understands it.
The original line from Luke 6:39-40 is "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher."
Posted by Mari-Lou A on 28 September 2015 at 5:36 - (Texts)
http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/275397/alternative-to-the-blind-leading-the-blind - (Texts)
Picture posted by Pete Gorski, Blind Leading the Blind
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A careful and diligent workman will proclaim the Word with accuracy and clarity. What he preaches will be faithful to the text. He will have the wisdom and skill to know the difference between what is more important and what is less, what is central and what is peripheral, what is stated in the Scripture in no uncertain terms and what is left somewhat as mystery, between the secret things belonging to God and the revealed things made known clearly to us (Deuteronomy 29:29). With such care and meticulousness, the craftsman of Scripture will present the Word to his congregation accurately.

PHOTO: A careful and diligent workman will proclaim the Word with accuracy and clarity
Then why did Jesus teach in parables?
There are those who have neither interest nor regard in the deep things of God. So why, then, did He speak in parables? To those with a genuine hunger for God, the parable is both an effective and memorable vehicle for the conveyance of divine truths. Our Lord’s parables contain great volumes of truth in very few words - and His parables, rich in imagery, are not easily forgotten. So, then, the parable is a blessing to those with willing ears. But to those with dull hearts and ears that are slow to hear, the parable is also an instrument of both judgment and mercy.
http://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-parables.html - (Texts)
Painting by Vicente Lopez y Portana (WikiGallery) on 08 November 2015, Adoration of the Trinity
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Like a musician who interprets and play a musical composition with great care, conveying the spirit of the music accurately, the careful craftsman of the Word will convey the message of Scripture faithfully and precisely. Where it shouts, he would shout; where it whispers, he would whispers; where it sings, he would do likewise; where it cries, he follows suit. In this way, he leads his listeners on the straight highway of Scripture, without misleading or getting them lost in byways and blind alleys. The false teachers, on the other hand, may use distracting sideshows which lead people astray, against whom Paul warned the churches, as we shall soon see.

PHOTO: Convey the message of Scripture faithfully and precisely
Joel stressed the only sure way of salvation: “Everyone who calls on the name of Lord will get away safe.” (Joel 2:28, 32).
The careful craftsman of the Word will convey the message of Scripture faithfully and precisely. Where it shouts, he would shout; where it whispers, he would whispers; where it sings, he would do likewise; where it cries, he follows suit. In this way, he leads his listeners on the straight highway of Scripture, without misleading or getting them lost in byways and blind alleys. [7]
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A good workman of the Word, according to William Barclay, "rightly divides the word of truth, drives a straight road through the truth and refuses to be lured down pleasant but irrelevant bypaths; he ploughs a straight furrow across the field of truth; he takes each section of the truth, and fits it into its correct position, as a mason does a stone, allowing no part to usurp an undue place and so knock the whole structure out of balance." [3] Good craftsman of the Word includes avoiding distorted interpretations of Scripture or providing a grotesque (distorted) or out-of-synch idea of what the Bible actually teaches, for example, that the Bible endorses polygamy because many of the biblical patriarchs had many wives. The good teacher of the Word will not be like the concave and convex mirrors in fun fairs that produce laughter at the distorted images but no change in the people looking at them.

PHOTO: A girl is startled by violent pounding on the door. She fears that it is the corrupt merchant who is demanding the money her family owes him. He has exploited many by using false weights and charging illegal interest. To get away with that, he bribes town leaders, who ignore the victims’ outcries. The girl feels defenseless; her father has abandoned her family for a younger woman. She and her mother may be sold as slaves.
A good workman of the Word, rightly divides the word of truth, drives a straight road through the truth and refuses to be lured down pleasant but irrelevant bypaths; he ploughs a straight furrow across the field of truth; he takes each section of the truth, and fits it into its correct position, as a mason does a stone, allowing no part to usurp an undue place and so knock the whole structure out of balance.
Posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
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Not only will the faithful and competent minister of God's Word show accuracy in his handling of Scripture, his message will also reflect clarity. He will use plain language to bring the message of the Word straight to the hearts and minds of his listeners. As John Wesley used to say, he would use plain speech for plain people so that they understood what the Bible says and are helped to apply it in their lives. [4] The message of such a minister would not "fly above the heads" of the people and be lost in obscure ideas and languages but go directly into their hearts. Accuracy and clarity are characteristics of the messages of faithful student of God's Word.

PHOTO: Heaven or Hell?

The good workman of Scripture will not spare any effort in his study and application of God's Word but "making every effort with haste, eagerness and zeal".
Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
Posted by ICTRUTH

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Thirdly, the craftsman of Scripture approved by God will do his best [1]
The Greek word spoudazō means "making every effort with haste, eagerness and zeal". The good workman of Scripture will not spare any effort in his study and application of God's Word. Laziness and good workmanship never go together. Diligent study and appropriate application of Scripture may be strenuous, but the craftsman of Scripture remembers that he is accountable to God and gives it his best shot. He is energised by his desire to know the Word and to make it known. He is filed with holy zeal as he commits himself to the Holy Spirit to illuminate his mind and hearts as he digs deeply into Scripture. Such faithfulness, zeal, and conscientiousness will be rewarded with a God-blessed ministry that will bear much fruit.

PHOTO: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Every Christian must reflect the same qualities of a good workman of God's Word - being accountable to God, handling God's Word correctly, and sparing no effort in plumbing (spreading) God's Word.
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The call to be a workman who need not be ashamed in the way he handles the Word of God does not apply to teachers and preachers; the necessity and principles apply to all Christians, because all are called to let the Word of God dwell richly within us (Colossians 3:16). Every Christian must reflect the same qualities of a good workman of God's Word - being accountable to God, handling God's Word correctly, and sparing no effort in plumbing (spreading) God's Word. The fact that the majority of Christians do not read their Bible daily shows that there are many workman of Scripture in the church who ought to be ashamed of the way they have been handling God's Word. This surely calls for personal reflection and urgent action.

PHOTO: Every Christian must reflect the same qualities of a good workman of God's Word
God did not create only one plant, with one flower, with one fragrance. There are many different plants with unique flowers, each with its own colourings, characteristics and distinct fragrances. Some flowers attract bees, while others attract birds, butterflies, beetles, ants and even mice. A flower’s fragrance is designed to attract certain creatures to begin the process of pollination. Plants also flower in their own season. How well they flourish depends on whether they are firmly rooted in rich, watered soil and how much light they receive.

Plants are rather like teachers of God’s Word. They have different appearances, colourings and personalities. Teachers who grow in God’s Word, feed off Christ’s light and speak the Truth without hypocrisy in their own personal style, will bloom in their own season. Their fragrance will resonate with a certain type of person who is attracted to the Truth presented in a way they understand. Just like the bee, these people will be pollinated (with the Gospel) and will spread it around when they go out into the world.
God did not create one flower to appeal to all creatures – nor did He create one teacher to appeal to all people. God has illustrated this in the Twelve Apostles. Each had their own distinct personality, characteristics, styles and uniquely different fragrances. (Jeremiah 3:15)
Posted and designed by Ian & Sue Coate (© Ian Coate)

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Bible study is for everyone and it is hard work. There is no short cut or easy steps to good Bible study. It is tragic that many Christians merely skim through the Bible, if they do read the Bible. They fail to show the zeal and eagerness to study God's Word. Why do people not bring their own Bible to church? (Some churches spoil members by providing pew Bibles, and some Bible readers spoil them further by mentioning the page number in the Bible before reading that Sunday's Bible passage!). Why are many church members not like the believers in Berea, who after listening to Paul, studied their Bibles to check what Paul preached, even though he was an apostle. "Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with greater eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true" (Acts 17:11).

PHOTO: Bible study is for everyone and it is hard work. There is no short cut or easy steps to good Bible study. It is tragic that many Christians merely skim through the Bible, if they do read the Bible. They fail to show the zeal and eagerness to study God's Word.

A sinking cruise ship only had time to send a S.O.S. before it went down. Thousands of passengers floated in the water and clung to the hope of being rescued. Then, when all seemed lost, a charter boat sailed into view. Soon its skipper and crew were throwing down lifelines and hoisting people safely onto the deck. However, time was running out and there were still so many who needed to be saved.
The skipper turned around and called out to those who had been rescued to lend a hand, but few bothered. Most were too busy getting themselves comfortable on the deckchairs – now that they were saved they only wanted to continue their cruise.

When we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and are rescued from eternal damnation, it’s natural to have a tremendous sense of relief. However, once saved, we have the option of making ourselves comfortable and continuing our cruise through life - or we can get off our deckchairs and lend a hand with the rescue mission of those still in deadly peril of eternal damnation.
These days, with mounting criticism against Christianity, it’s so much easier to hide our beliefs and cruise through life. But now we are saved, if our main concern is comfort and avoiding conflict, on reaching our Heavenly destination we won’t be punished for inaction, but we should keep in mind that we won’t be rewarded, either.
God has given us an amazing opportunity to be part of the biggest rescue mission in eternity. Maybe it’s time to get off our deckchairs and lend a hand, or more importantly ‘bend a knee’ in prayer for our missionaries, evangelists and teachers of the Word.
Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38)
Posted and designed by Ian & Sue Coate (© Ian Coate)

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http://www.freechristianillustrations.com/evangelism.html

We note how eagerly the Bereans heard, welcomed, and internalised (received) Paul's message. They also ensured that what Paul preached was true by examining the Scriptures. And they did this daily. In such a church, it would be clear who the divinely approved workman of God's Word are. The church that does not have this spirit and practice would welcome all kinds of preachers, even the bad and dangerous kind. Good Pulpit preaching and teaching are connected with the sound study of God's Word both in the preacher's study and the individual members' homes. Christians are challenged to study God's Word with all seriousness.

PHOTO: Christians are challenged to study God's Word with all seriousness
The Bereans eagerly heard, welcomed, and internalised (received) Paul's message. They also ensured that what Paul preached was true by examining the Scriptures (Acts 17:11 NIV). And they did this daily. In such a church, it would be clear who the divinely approved workman of God's Word are.
Posted by Sue in NC on 8 January 2015

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https://lambsservant.wordpress.com/2015/01/08/torah-in-the-book-of-the-acts-of-the-apostles-chapter-13-part-1/

Joseph Hall, a 17th century English bishop, aptly said, "It is not the bee's touching on the flower that gathers honey, but her abiding for a time upon them, and drawing out the sweet. It is not he that reads most, but he that meditates most on divine truth, that will prove the choicest, stronger Christian."

PHOTO: It is not the bee's touching on the flower that gathers honey, but her abiding for a time upon them, and drawing out the sweet. It is not he that reads most, but he that meditates most on divine truth, that will prove the choicest, stronger Christian.
Thomas Brooks “Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Remedies”, 1608-1680
Posted by Rod Culbertson on 25 January 2012

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcSl_uootEjqefXDuz41-BylQReAEJqQAvIUXh7K9_TY1eOlyg5s21ERRwXq9Jgg0Li1YezvE6pd7vkb4r_PWnZ3Emch7dzvjFJvOfNvckItVqbQOk2mfCyeiqXZjWvVU3K3mAaT_mqg/s1600/Bee-on-flower.jpg
http://areuserious.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Bee-on-flower.jpg
http://areuserious.org/?p=292

How would you apply this (suggestions for approved workman of God) to yourself and in church?

Be accountable to God. Present ourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed. Pray that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to God (Psalm 19:14). [5]

PHOTO: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).
Posted by Daily Bible Verses on Saturday, 10 August 2013

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrB8aIC4vm3WuV0XXPpKGkcwTUSh7nc7iStkVUbhMN1LtbGjh7_CX-cpDGqgGmGBwd_nbeCcGWGGi9rz-vHccD6KcKTRI_dfoGFZihusJEAib4TWsVC1vflr_TyDlZGGuFjMUsrxz1Epc/s1600/Psalm+19.14.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6ac_ui2SGRQQ0TqnRS0nWkclHiP6rqlTraumnqJW-BupnguH8EagUGbHQhCIFi_KychfAY67ZejINLghfMUuRpSzEjdYHbf6O_nV4ZfLySphxdSEhyvrLL-uXFqsa3LhcsAiDjVb3W0/s640/Psalm+19.14.jpg
http://thedailyverses.blogspot.sg/2013/08/psalm-1914.html

Present ourself accurately and clearly the word of truth. Correct handling of God's Word. Implied in the correct handling is the proper understanding of the divisions between the Old and the New Covenants, understanding that the New Testament is the rule of faith and practice for Christians today. [5]

PHOTO: The correct handling is the proper understanding of the divisions between the Old and the New Covenants, understanding that the New Testament is the rule of faith and practice for Christians today. [5]
Posted by Juhupainting, Digital Art / Drawings & Paintings / Landscapes & Scenery, ©2013-2015 Juhupainting, Summoned
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_76xflg5uIImf9wvLR5do6pYn9Uuh6LHfl6SnxIzZOpIWwZxbkiScg19qIXeK8ZQPoAFXICVPlnHXWac5NztlvdVrrlDENG5KtAtf6NLoyXf2oh2Fv5s9Co4wiI-ZvjmhChiintfvQQ/s1600/summoned_by_venividipinxi-d65oa5a-1.jpg
http://orig00.deviantart.net/6fac/f/2013/141/c/1/summoned_by_venividipinxi-d65oa5a.jpg
http://juhupainting.deviantart.com/art/Summoned-372328030

Do our best. Spare no effort in our study and application of God's Word. By earnestly applying ourself in service, and living faithfully before God, even to the point of suffering. The diligent application of all our energy to the service of God will allow us to join Timothy standing before God without shame. [5]

PHOTO: Do our best. Spare no effort in our study and application of God's Word. By earnestly applying ourself in service, and living faithfully before God, even to the point of suffering. The diligent application of all our energy to the service of God will allow us to join Timothy standing before God without shame. [5]
Posted by Juhupainting, Digital Art / Drawings & Paintings / Landscapes & Scenery, ©2013-2015 Juhupainting, Hidden Sanctuary

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbAQdRz_KOJM340BIciqFGnb5CI6Hfu66bsVsSSQkajqtY_xqVR7vLxrGFMLuRLsSiofoPRAkV8UAuq1PlC1hGHl3kqv6UqpP8LthGXPlDPbblDeMdYn_lNM93ZXLSka128vIHauSyvA/s1600/hidden_sanctuary_by_venividipinxi-d6849jo.jpg
http://orig02.deviantart.net/2888/f/2013/158/c/b/hidden_sanctuary_by_venividipinxi-d6849jo.jpg
http://juhupainting.deviantart.com/art/Hidden-Sanctuary-376432980

What further pointers (suggestions for approved workman of God) can you suggest?
Make our message (God's Word) as interesting as possible, but keep it simple. Bible study aids, such as atlases and history books, may help stimulate interest and promote additional curiosity. Many avoid studying the Bible because they feel overwhelmed. Keeping Bible study simple makes it easier to tackle these subjects. [6]

PHOTO: Make our message (God's Word) as interesting as possible, but keep it simple to stimulate interest and promote additional curiosity.
Posted by Wilson f. on Saturday, 10 May 2014 at 5:55

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDxlqxilU0wDXOoI_jXvnHe_w2NlOhQu8mSH9jPmynuW-UmTSdO5iojIwlw-Zwy4byng4dNZvYnA0AwSHxAIzCVfy1ifJOGeXsiB_rTqwOPz8kPebZ-hFXE17qYfwcx0j53lsJldoLac/s1600/ESPIRITU+SANTO.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWm5ajsn1Gr4G9R5pjhC08eunBLEmHx2TZPcNAP9dF8IYV4i9tBG_62BEBmK0OyBu1RbPvrelQ5NpN9XcXe7ZbhiHM8mof0Qv1tUJhgRMM21UQKWR6MnSc1KSwhK442bJOJFTnJAuppbe/s1600/ESPIRITU+SANTO.jpg
http://iterindeo.blogspot.sg/2014/05/quiero-ser-profeta-de-dios.html

The Word of God is a living Book and “a discerner of thoughts.” It applies to all situations and should be looked to for daily guidance (Hebrews 4:12, KJV). [6]

PHOTO: Use God's Word for daily guidance, for the word of God is quick, and powerful (Hebrews 4:12, KJV)

Posted by Abigail Holm, Haiku Deck by Giant Thinkwell, Inc.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekapBqsmcfLbpvM3p6lIUuUZiiNKI4KFYYEAzz46MIviikMZyMMk6252i-ueXwFaL6kF0_rI49DnMOMHX-E4kiTeXvdnZYNshBoioXGwBUmedyV1Xu2kUeiIWFe4a0kzbHSkJ9dcW5tw/s1600/F22281D7-C900-463A-8F26-361F09D3804B.jpg
http://acb26d91ffd70289a984-9fe58673bddbc058b8f0b77e0094f82c.r48.cf2.rackcdn.com/F22281D7-C900-463A-8F26-361F09D3804B.jpg
https://www.haikudeck.com/sanctification--travel-and-lifestyle-presentation-Mgn0x7GmuG

Be part of the cleansing process - God expects us to do our part. This process takes place as one internalises (receives) God’s Word. This leads to the desire to repent and grow in godly character. God’s Spirit is instrumental in this cleansing process. Diligent Bible study is the way we wash and cleanse ourself. [6]

PHOTO: Be part of the cleansing process - God expects us to do our part. This process takes place as one internalises (receives) God’s Word. This leads to the desire to repent and grow in godly character.
Posted by Leide Miculic (JORGE H. MICULIC originally) on 16 January 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmJyVNC3PFsTRcebHf5MdUQR3Q90Vt9BuIZx3MHo5g6FNJwNME-7NE_SZncCxl01xQ2YS2f48jf3IDYqrKtw4UjYb4gcq2me8JGRdS8SoLkqAIGc1WpkFvJBO3e23DYl6NXSKRfYcBxo/s1600/54f13e9f14e7b5dd14e6b72cea73496f.jpg
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https://plus.google.com/108279883778960764679/posts/SLgSPAqbRAu?pid=6104893072346868418&oid=113386269945182334650

Make Bible study a major priority. It is a matter of life and death. God commands His servants, “Study to show yourself approved before God.” (2 Timothy 2:15, Treasury of Scripture) Nothing will help us more to please God than to handle carefully, correctly and earnestly God's written word. [5] When we have done what God expects us to do, the outcome will be fulfilling and satisfying. It leads to the ultimate goal of eternal life. [6]

PHOTO: Even God’s servants at times may not grasp the scope of his mercy
Jonah’s experiences are particularly valuable to us. Jonah lived in the ninth century B.C.E. We likely know that God assigned Jonah to go to Nineveh, the capital of the ascending Assyrian Empire. Jonah was to denounce the wickedness of the Ninevites. However, instead of going to his assignment - about 550 miles (900 km) northeast of Jerusalem -Jonah boarded a ship bound for a port that was probably in Spain. Yes, he was headed 2,200 miles (3,500 km) in the opposite direction! . . . . .
God held back from destroying the Ninevites because they heeded Jonah’s message and repented. God again lovingly corrected the prophet, who had displayed self-centeredness. And though some might focus on Jonah’s lapses, God counted him worthy as an obedient and faithful servant.(Luke 11:29).

Adapted from Rev. Ray Pritchard:
Lord, help us to be approved workers and not ashamed believers. Approved by building our lives on Your Word. We pray that we live out our life as an obedient and faithful servant, that is pleasing to You. We are willing to be Your approved workman. We cannot do it ourselves but by your grace. Amen, Lord.
Posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4P1eh1W9_oJWnTfvx97f0y22t4V90nbWalgkyuVlOaTR_OGlwkJfpSUMH4TV3BpVQaiB1sFnAXYJWFNMYPMMBPemgUM37oxkLuXY0IUt17DzWxkOuNZCzAgM6_r2BtTsPHgUfaR-PuU/s1600/155.jpg
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/mp/r1/lp-e/jd/2006/155
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200276894/1/0

Reflection - Approval of a good workman
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012

Reference
[1] From "Faithful to the end" A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, Copyright © 2014 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-241-0, PART TWO: USEFUL TO CHRIST, Chapter 6 "Meditation and Application of Scripture" (2 Timothy 2:14-19), Page 83 - 87.

[2] Charles Spurgeon, The Treasury of the New Testament, (London and Edinburgh: Marshall, Morgan & Scott, n.d.), 3:863.

[3] Barclay, The Letters to Timothy, Titus and Philemom, 173.

[4] John Wesley wrote in the Preface to his Sermon on Several Occasions, "I design plain truth for plain people." See Albert Outler, ed., The Works of John Wesley (Nashvile: Abingdon, 1984), 1:104.

[5] What does it mean to study to show thyself approved unto God?, Bob richard, http://www.housetohouse.com/BibleQuestions.aspx?Letter=all&Question=4082

[6] Study to Show Yourself Approved, The Restored Church of God, http://rcg.org/articles/stsya.html

[7] God Can Help You Prepare for His Great Day, Posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200276894/1/0

1 Corinthians 3:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+3%3A13&version=NIV

2 Timothy 2:14-19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+2%3A14-19&version=NIV

2 Timothy 2:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+2%3A15&version=NIV

2 Timothy 2:15 NEB (New English Bible) - http://www.katapi.org.uk/katapiNSBunix/NEB/NEBTextByBC.php?B=316&C=2

2 Timothy 2:15, Treasury of Scripture - http://biblehub.com/2_timothy/2-15.htm

2 Timothy 2:18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+2%3A18&version=NIV

Acts 17:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A11&version=NIV

Colossians 3:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3%3A16&version=NIV

Deuteronomy 29:29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+29%3A29&version=NIV

Hebrews 4:12, KJV - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb.+4%3A12&version=KJV

Jeremiah 3:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+3%3A15&version=NIV

Joel 2:28, 32 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joel+2%3A28%2C+32&version=NIV

Luke 6:39-40 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6%3A39-40&version=NIV

Luke 11:29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+11%3A29&version=NIV

Matthew 9:37-38 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+9%3A37-38&version=NIV

Psalm 19:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+19%3A14&version=NIV

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Reflection - Approval of a good workman