2 Timothy 2:15 –
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
Another great chapter filled with a ton of information that is difficult to talk about in a few paragraphs. As much information and analogies Paul uses in this chapter, it boils down to this one verse. One cannot just idly sit by and just praise God for salvation. No Paul is calling us to work and focus our energies on knowing God. This is the value of my quest and desire for anyone who reads my ramblings that they make a commitment to read the Bible every day.
Sure it may seem like work going through the chapters that have genealogies, but think of the Prayer of Jabez. That is a little nugget buried in 1st Chronicles chapter 4 that has had books written about it. Commit to reading it all, you will be amazed at the insights you will receive from almost every chapter you read. So “work” at reading, “work” at praying and “work” at knowing God so you too can be proud and explain the truth if necessary. The key with being a soldier, an athlete or a hardworking farmer is the devotion they put to their goal.
The end of this chapter warns us not to get too wrapped up in lust or “foolish” arguments. We can easily get consumed in these distractions, today more than ever before. Think of how technology has made it so easy to communicate ideas it also has made it easy to lose our way. Internet porn is so easy for anyone to find, even with massive filters people find a way around them. Chat rooms open up a world of socializing that many times turns into pointless discussions, debates and “flame” fests. The key Paul wants us to learn is focus on God, work hard for Him and avoid destructive distractions.