Study to Show Yourself Approved
God commands His servants, “Study to show yourself approved before God.”
The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is His written Instruction Book to mankind. It answers every important question in life. It explains how to live—and reveals the road to salvation.
First, we must ask, why study the Bible? II Timothy 2:15 admonishes, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
The apostle Paul tells us that proper Bible study leads to approval from God. The same verse also speaks of other benefits. First, as workmen, we need not be ashamed—if we study God’s Word. Instead, studying becomes fulfilling and satisfying. You have done what God expects you to do—an acceptable type of self-approval.
Rightly dividing the Word of Truth—knowing the Bible, inside and out—takes a lifetime. God’s Holy Spirit opens one’s mind to this spiritual understanding (Psa. 119:18; John 16:13). True biblical knowledge and understanding come from diligent effort and God’s Spirit working in you.
God expects us to familiarize ourselves with His Word. Only by fully appreciating it will we act on it. Christ said, “…It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4, quoted from Deut. 8:3). Psalms 119:105 affirms: “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
And as Paul admonished Timothy: “And that from a child you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (II Tim. 3:15). He continues in verses 16-17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
Taking in the Word of God for spiritual nourishment surpasses the need of taking in physical food. The Bible provides light to avoid pitfalls in the path of life. The Bible gives us wisdom to understand the weighty aspects of salvation. All scripture is inspired by God to mold and teach His people so that they may become perfect and equipped “for good work of every kind” (Moffatt translation).
Bible study is a vital process that does more than teach us.
Ephesians 5:25-26 reveals the washing or cleansing effect that comes from Bible study: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.”
This is echoed in Hebrews 10:22: “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”
The analogy of water washing the body is not to be confused with the water of baptism. The water of baptism is not what washes us clean. (upon repentance, the blood of Christ cleanses one of past sins.) In this case, water symbolizes burial of the individual being baptized. The “watery grave” typifies the death of the old self and the emergence of a new person with a new life.
By contrast, Bible study washes the individual. This is our part of the cleansing process—God expects us to do our part. This process takes place as one internalizes God’s Word. This leads to the desire to repent and grow in godly character. God’s Spirit is instrumental in this cleansing process. But diligent Bible study is the way we wash and cleanse ourselves.
2007-02-19 06:30:13
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answer #1
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answered by brightstar 2
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I can tell you why I went and am currently in Bible College. I am here to further my knowledge of God's Word. As well, I am obtaining an education at a Bible College to prepare me for future ministry in serving as a pastor. Pastors however are not the only people that go to Bible Colleges. I thought that too before I started to attend. The people here at my school are pursuing majors in elementary and secondary education, music, missions, counselors, camp directors, youth pastors, pastors, and more. Some people are obtaining degrees in nursing, computer sciences, and other degrees but are here to get a more indepth study of the Bible before they pursue their career.
2007-02-19 14:30:49
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answer #2
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answered by PHILIPPIANS 4:6 1
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I can't speak for everyone, but I can tell you why I did. I went to a Christian Liberal Arts college because I was able to get a good education that was based in Christianity. Because it was a liberal arts college we were required to take a little bit of everything. We had to take math, science, history, english, writing, philosophy, the arts, etc. My degree is well recognized in the secular world.
2007-02-19 14:18:18
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answer #3
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answered by cnm 4
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That they are mostly wasting their money.
I have three cousins that went to Bob Jones. They spent three times as much on it as I did on Penn State. Now they wonder why they are stuck teaching at Christian schools for about half the going rate, and no other employer will take the degree seriously. The one was a Biology major. How the heck they are teaching Biology without evolution is just beyond comprehension.
2007-02-19 14:19:29
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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The honest answer is that many of them who do can't get into real ones.
Concrete, factual, example....
In my neck of the woods (western suburbs of Philadelphia) there was a bible college called Eastern. They wanted credibility, so they removed the bible part and called themselves a Christian University.
2007-02-19 14:19:02
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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maybe cause they like the bible.
2007-02-19 14:17:31
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answer #6
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answered by IKB 3
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To be preachers or missionaries or work in evangelistic groups.
2007-02-19 14:25:00
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answer #7
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answered by bwjordan 4
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