Each of us as God’s workmen will be either approved or ashamed. The word approved means “one who has been tested and found acceptable.” The word was once used to describe metals which had passed tests for quality. Each trial we go through forces us to study the Word to find God’s will. As we rightly use the Word, we succeed in overcoming our trials, and we are approved by God. Martin Luther once said that prayer, study, and
suffering make a pastor. We cannot be approved unless we are tested.

What does it mean to be ashamed? Certainly it means that such a workman’s work is below standard and cannot be accepted. It means loss of reward. In fact, in Paul’s day, a builder was fined if he failed to follow specifications. When the Lord judges our works, it will be revealed whether we as workmen have handled the Word of God honestly and carefully. Some who are now first will end up last! Will you be an approved workman
in that day, or will you be embarrassed?

Resolve now: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV).

Read: all of 2 Timothy 2.

Action assignment: Notice in 2 Timothy 2 the many things Paul tells Timothy he should do. List them on a piece of paper. Do all apply to you?