Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. When someone is especially important to us and has a significant impact on our spiritual lives, we take what they say to us seriously. But when this person is quickly nearing the end of his life, his words take on even more meaning to us. The above verse, 2 Timothy 2:15, was among Paul’s last personal words to this young pastor and son in the Faith, Timothy. A little later on in this same Epistle of 2 Timothy, Paul triumphantly declares that he knows that he has finished his course, completed the Christian race & kept the Faith. Because of this, he knew he would be receiving the crown of righteousness from his beloved Lord Jesus at His Judgment Seat. Not only would he receive this reward from the Lord, but also all believers that live each day so as to be rewarded by Christ will receive it! (2 Ti.4:6-8) These 2 passages along with many others that are precious in our daily walk with Christ are to be found in this last of Paul’s letters written before his martyrdom, 2 Timothy. How rich this little 4 chapter Epistle is to us! Paul could face certain death because the truths contained in this wonderful Epistle were alive in his heart! For example, he could submit to the earthly authorities, wicked as they were, because he knew that his ultimate authority was far above all principality and power! Paul could triumphantly go to his death saying, For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (2 Ti.1:12) These and many other rich truths give us the motivation to move forward in our Christian lives, with the certain knowledge that they give us of God’s presence with us.

Dr. Wendell Kempton, the President Emeritus of the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism, instructs us in these truths with feeling and enthusiasm. Life is uncertain at best, but the truths contained in this powerful Epistle will spur us on to love and good deeds in the Name of our blessed Lord Jesus! We trust you will be encouraged and blessed by this and the other studies we offer in the BBN Bible Institute.