Tag: workman not ashamed
The unashamed workman!
Scripture reading for October 23rd: 2nd Timothy 2:1-21
The world has ways of intimidating the Christian. Christians have been made fun of, ridiculed, marginalized, and even physically threatened and tortured, even martyred! Paul, himself, knew the dangers, had the tee shirt, and was in jail as he wrote to Timothy about the calling to preach the Gospel.
“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2nd Timothy 2:1-3) Timothy was to set his heart to the task at hand. After winning people to Christ, the task of discipleship meant finding those who would reliably follow Christ and equipping them to take the Gospel to others. Through multiplication the world would be reached. This work would require enduring hardship because of the spiritual opposition.
The central message was the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Jesus was the Son of God, died for our sins, was raised from the dead and is coming again. If we chose to live for Him here, we will reign with Him when He comes. If we disown Him, He will disown us. Timothy was to entrust this message to the reliable workers.
“Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as on approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2nd Timothy 2:14-15) Timothy would need to stick with God’s word and faithfully preach it. Wrangling about words and petty doctrines instead of the Gospel message and godly living was useless. False teachers always tried to get the people off the proper track. Timothy must correctly handle the word of truth in order to be approved of God.
“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” (2nd Timothy 2:19) The unashamed workman will confess Jesus Christ as Lord and back it up with a holy life. God is faithful to keep His own!