We’ve been looking at qualities describing an effective Bible teacher using 2 Timothy 2:15. Now we come to the words “a workman.” A worker can be defined as someone who is industrious.
Truths About Being a Workman or Worker
Since the Greek word ergates is usually used of someone who works for hire, we must remind ourselves of two key truths.
1) We serve at the bidding and to the standard of another, our Lord God. We aren’t the boss. The mandate to present ourselves to God backs up this truth. We answer to Him.
2) We have a part to do under His leadership. As teachers we can’t biblically justify not putting time and effort into our teaching because of our belief that God is the real teacher, that He’s the One who changes people’s lives. While it’s true that He makes the seed of His Word grow, we have a responsibility to work in cooperation with Him, planting and watering that seed (1 Cor. 3:7-9). And as we read on in 2 Timothy 2:15, our work must be done correctly.
What is the work an industrious Bible teacher has to do?
According to 2 Timothy 2:15, the worker is one “who correctly handles the word of truth.” We’ll look more closely at what this means in a future post. For now, let’s simplify it to two tasks:
- adequate preparation in studying God’s Word
- accurate presentation of God’s Word
What qualities describe an industrious Bible teacher?
The same verse describes the kind of workman God looks for:
diligent (“do your best”)
accountable (“to present yourself to God”)
faithful (“as one approved”)
irreproachable (“who does not need to be ashamed”)
conscientious (“and who correctly handles the word of truth”)
What qualities cannot be used to describe an industrious Bible teacher?
To be the kind of worker described in 2 Timothy 2:15, Bible teachers . . .
cannot be lazy. – They will do the work.
cannot be negligent. – They will do it right.
cannot be haphazard. – They will do it right all of the time, not just when it’s convenient
whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God – 1 Cor. 10:31