ARE WE APPROVED WORKERS OF GOD?
2 Timothy 2:14-19, Emphasis V15 (800)
Introduction
A. Background
1. Timothy, a young gospel preacher, was serving in the church of Ephesus.
2. He needed to confront false teachers in the church. 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 2 Timothy
2:16-17
3. The apostle Paul emphasized to Timothy the need to preach the word. 2 Timothy
1:13-14; 2:1-2; 3:16-17; 4:1-5.
B. Although Paul’s instructions were to a minister, I think all of us can learn from 2 Tim.
2:15.
I. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God,”
A. What does it mean to be approved to God?
1. That which has been tested and passed the test. Example:
2. We must take the ‘spiritual test’ and pass.
Questions: Have I obeyed God’s plan of salvation? Do I have a personal relationship
with Jesus? Why do I study God’s word? Why am I here this morning?
B. What does it mean to present ourselves?
1. Our lives should demonstrate that God approves of us. Romans 12:1-2 (837)
C. What does it mean to be diligent?
1. Comments about the word ‘study’ in KJV.
2. Albert Barnes, a Bible scholar, has written, “If any man please God it will be of
deliberate intention and a careful life.”
II. “A worker who does not need to be ashamed,”
A. We should teach and live so that when we look back, we are thankful and free
of regret.
III. “Rightly dividing the word of truth.”
A. We must handle the word of God properly. John 17:17 (796); 2 Tim. 4:1-5
1. Let’s briefly consider the major dispensations of the Bible. (on back of outline)
IV. Paul encouraged Timothy to persevere in correcting the false teachers because they needed
to know the truth, and be freed from satan’s control. 2 Tim. 2:24-26
Closing: The Lord knows those who are His. 2 Tim. 2:19. We can’t fool God/Christ.
Matthew 7: 21-23 (708). If the Lord knows us: Matthew 25:31-34 (726)
