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15. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, 2 Timothy 2:15, KJV). In Chapter 3, Paul warns Timothy about difficult spiritual conditions in the last days. People will become increasingly self-centered and religious in appearance while lacking genuine godliness. Paul reminds Timothy of his own example of faithful endurance through persecution and urges him to continue in the truths he has learned. The chapter concludes with one of Scripture's strongest declarations about the Bible, teaching that all Scripture is inspired by God and equips believers for every good work. In today's verse, Paul teaches believers to diligently study Scripture so they can gain God's approval as faithful workers who correctly handle the word of truth. "Study" (spoudason) in Greek means to make every effort to understand the word of God. "Approved unto God" means tested and found to be genuine. "A workman who is not ashamed" means a laborer whose work stands up to inspection because it was done with skill and honesty. "Rightly dividing the word of truth,"in Greek, (orthotomeo) means to cut straight, handling the word of God honestly and without distortion. Practical application for believers: make Bible reading and study a priority, seek God's approval, and handle the word of God honestly and carefully; if you are taught something, even by me, check the Word of God to see if it is true. Lessons learned: the Bible is inspired by God, and believers should continue in God's Word because it equips us for every good work. Root yourself in God's Word, for perilous times will come. Amen.