One little word ignited a passion within me to read and consider
what the Bible had to say. It has been some forty years and that word continues
as a comforting fireplace that warms my heart. Long, long ago the word that
opened my mind was “study.” I do
confess, in times that I poured water on the fire, nonetheless, it smoldered within
my soul until I threw the water bucket away. He is like that.
That word study first touched me when I read 2 Timothy 2:15.
In the KJV translation we read, “Study to
shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.” The word study jumped out at me. That word took me to a place to help me better
understand our Lord Creator and Savior.
Today, new translations are more literal, in example, “Do your best to present yourself to God as
one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word
of truth” (ESV). The ESV, NIV, and other newer versions do not include study. This is not wrong, but accurate.
“Study” isn’t in the original Greek text, the 1611 KJV translation added
“study” as an inferred understanding of “dividing the word of truth.” That was
a tidbit of what one learns when they study.
We must “rightly handle,”
or study the Bible if we are to
understand the meaning of a word, a verse, or short passage. If we don’t, then
we can misunderstand or confuse the true meaning being given us. God has given
people His truth, read it, study it – as you read be ready for the Spirit’s whisper,
stop reading and listen.
I pray that I have encouraged you to study the Bible, you
will discover that Christ is there in humility and love from beginning to end.
Studying his Word,
Owen
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