Details

Written by Dick Mills

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God...rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15).

In the original Greek of this verse, the word translated "study" is spoudazo (spoo-da-zo) and has to do with quickness or promptness in one's efforts. One writer defines spoudazo as "to speed, make haste, and manifest oneself in diligence, earnestness, and zeal."

Originally, "spoude" (spoo-day') (speed, dispatch, eagerness) and "spoudazo" were external words denoting quick movement in the interests of a person or cause. They implied carrying out a matter with speed and enthusiasm.

Christianity applied these two words to an inner sphere of action, using them to relate to zealousness or eagerness, desire or concern. The adjective form of these words could be defined as "busy, active, industrious." As a noun, they might be translated as "zeal, industry, effort, diligence, or care (in contrast to laziness or sloth)."

For the person who is called to a career ministering the Word of God, this verse could be an incentive for an all-out, conscientious effort to please the Lord by prompt and eager obedience. Paul was saying: "The sooner you begin, the better. Don't delay. There's no time to lose. Get started, get on with it, get busy!"

Rightly dividing the word of truth is translated in The Amplified Bible as:
1) Correctly analyzing
2) Accurately dividing
3) Rightly handling
4) skillfully teaching - the Word of truth.

As Christian witnesses, we need to go "all out" in our eager, earnest efforts to learn to correctly handle the sword of the Spirit!

Source: The Spirit-Filled Believer's Daily Devotional by Dick Mills
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers