A Workman
II Timothy 2:15
Today, we will be going into the importance of diligent workmanship and practical ways we can be diligent workmen with our growth in the faith.
II Timothy 2:15
King James Version
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
This was one of Paul’s instructions to his mentee, Timothy- to study to show himself approved. The first thing to note here is the word ‘study’. The Greek word from which ‘study’ was translated is ‘spoudazo’ which implies studying and more. It is not enough to just read scriptures but we must be careful to study it diligently and apply it to our lives as believers.
The second thing to note in that text is that there is an approval in God. In the secular world, there are governing bodies in various fields of study that approve individuals having attained a level of professionalism.
For instance, with the study of Accounting in Nigeria, we have the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) that is, the professional body for the field, and for the study of Medicine & Dentistry, there is the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). In the same way, there is an approval in God. You cannot be a subpar believer. You must be diligent enough in your growth in God that you meet his standard of approval. So that, like scripture said, you may be able to rightly divide the word.
2 Corinthians 5:17-19
King James Version
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
This is another reason why it is important to be diligent workmen! As believers in Christ, the ministry of reconciliation has been committed to us. The great commission to make disciples of nations and reconcile men to God has been handed to us. How can you be effective in this assignment if you are not a diligent workman? The need to be diligent with your spiritual growth and all that it requires is not for your benefit alone. It is also for those you are sent to.
I Timothy 4:16
New King James Version
16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in will save both yourself and those who hear you.
Paul tells Timothy to take heed. An instruction of caution. If one does not take heed to the doctrine and wrongly divides it, those who are taught by such a person are predisposed to the falsehood of wrong doctrine. This defeats the purpose of right discipleship. Diligent workmanship cannot be overemphasized.
Now that we know the importance of diligent workmanship, what are some practical ways we can demonstrate this and how do we stay consistent?
The Author of the prolific book ‘Atomic Habits’, taught that your habits are just as important as the structures that uphold them. If you want to be consistent with spiritual growth, you must diligently apply yourself to structures that allow for such growth.
Hebrews 10:24-25
King James Version
24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
It is an instruction in scripture to not forsake the gathering of believers. Among the many benefits of assembling with God’s people, accountability is one of them. On days when you may not feel like praying or studying the word, the structures set up by your local assembly would come in handy. You must be willing to diligently apply yourself to these structures because they are for your profiting. Also, in the company of growing believers, you are stirred up to do the same.
You could also get a friend or a group of friends in your local assembly who you can be accountable to and for a more hands-on experience. Have set times during the week where you meet to study the word, pray, and evangelize. Accountability is a sure way to stir you up to more growth in God.
Set spiritual goals for yourself the same way you have goals in other aspects your lives. By the end of a quarter of the year, how many topics should you have studied in scripture? How many people do you want to have evangelized to and discipled by the end of the year? Setting these goals would help you stay focused and consistent. In fact, every other thing you thrive at outside your spiritual growth is a testament against it that if you can only be diligent, you can experience exponential progress in your faith as well.
Have times of prayer during the day and set alarms to remind you. Schedule regular evangelism drives and take discipleship seriously. There’s a call on your life to answer to the great commission and you can only be effective in it if you are a diligent workman. Thankfully, we have God’s spirit in us causing us to will and to do his good pleasure. Hallelujah!
Prayer Point:
Lord God, help me see the need for diligent workmanship and apply myself to the structures that allow for that. Let my profiting be evident to all as I become more effective in the ministry of reconciliation handed to me.