Approval.

"... Study... to shew yourself APPROVED unto God... a workman that does not need to be ashamed... rightly dividing the Word of Truth..." 2 Timothy 2:15

Approved unto God.

   This can be a strange way to say this according to our modern English speaking mindset but if we get past the uncomfortableness, we can seek to understand what is being said. Incidentally, the Scripture teaches us to "meditate" on the Word day and night (Psalm 1) The word in the Hebrew for "meditate" is the one that gives a picture of a cow chewing it's cud. It is said that cow's have many stomachs and when they bite off a clump of grass, they chew on it for quite a bit of time, then they swallow it and it resides in one of those stomachs... a little bit later, they regurgitate it and again commence to chewing on it. THIS is the word picture in Hebrew that is used in calling us to "meditate." For us to take The Word of God in is to read it carefully, chew on it for a while and really consider all of it's implications and instructions... then simply allow it to sink into ourselves. Then, a little while later, quote it again, read it again, bring it back up and again "chew" on it. That is why taking Scripture "At Face Value" is so intensely important. God is God and if He caused human writers full of His Spirit so to write that the very words from them were His words, you would expect His Word to be sufficient and to be perfect. I am amazed at so many of us in the Body of Christ needing to add intense amounts of commentary to The Word (I even hesitate as I write) when His Word simply needs to be read, understood, and obeyed- into the fullest life. In this same vein, I would find myself HELPING to facilitate meditation on the simply words of The Lord through His men... the one specific word is Approval... or in the sentence: "Approved unto God."

   For understanding, the word "Approved" is "dokimos." This word "dokimos" means

1) accepted, particularly of coins and money.

2) accepted, pleasing, acceptable

an interesting insert is this:

"In the ancient world there was no banking system as we know it today, and no paper money. All money was made from metal, heated until liquid, poured into moulds and allowed to cool. When the coins were cooled, it was necessary to smooth off the uneven edges. The coins were comparatively soft, and of course many people shaved them closely. In one century, more than eighty laws were passed in Athens to stop the practice of whittling down the coins then in circulation. But some money-changers were men of integrity, who would accept no counterfeit money; they were men of honour who put only genuine, full-weight money into circulation. Such men were called dokimos, and this word is used here for the Christian as he is to be seen by the world." (Donald Grey Barnhouse, Romans: God's Glory, p. 18.)

   For understanding, I would be drawn to the second definition in the Bible dictionary... that of ACCEPTED, PLEASING, or ACCEPTABLE. I do like how this insert brings out the point that only genuine or full weighted money was brought into circulation. In the matter of approval, it would seem best to put forth our recommendation upon men who teach The Word in totality... not just specific parts that they favor or like best, but simply teaching The Word of God simply in it's entirety and carefully- as to not add too much of our own commentary. Allowing His Word to come forth in it's fullness... only genuine and fully weighted.

  In a conversation just last night with family and considering what heaven would be like- if it would be boring or not... we considered the verse: "when we see Him, we shall see Him as He really is, for we shall be like Him." Growing in maturity and the sinews of a fuller life is what real intelligent worship is about. Whereas some of us might see heaven as a big singing concert continually before God the Father (and we quietly say in our hearts: "uh, that might get kind of boring")... could it be that really- we will be so fully conformed into the image of Christ that we will be like Him in understanding, in knowledge, in power, in purpose, and we will so fully enjoy being that close to Him and seeing all of everything so clearly (not to mention not having stupid limitations of hunger, pain, sin, and sorrow to hold us back) that we are the most satisfied beings ever... and yet moving on into greater exploits and purposes? Sometimes I wonder how skewed our perspectives get? Oh how we need to come to The Word of God and submit ourselves to learn. We come with so many preconceived ideas of how it should fit into our point of reference- when we are the ones called to submit to His Ways.

Jesus said: "come to Me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28

  It's all about surrendering to Him and learning His way of doing things. In doing so, following the manufacturer's manual, we fulfill our original creation design format... and it just fits. Finding ease of movement and fluidity of motion through peace with God because we are doing what we were intended to do. Ceasing to struggle in our own strength and peacefully surrendering to His greater ways... we find rest. He is meek (patient- without anger) and lowly (just humble and accurate) in heart... and if we seek to act and respond as He directs, we find our disposition like His and finding this rest He speaks of....

At Face Value

"...Study, to show yourself approved by God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth..." 2 Timothy 2:15


   There it is, typed out. Just one sentence from the whole text of Scripture. Just one phrase among thousands. Just one tidbit of instruction. Each word potent in content- and the whole making for a rich and deeply valuable instruction. Let's take a look at each word:


STUDY... In our English language,  some definitions are as follows:


as a noun:

a : application of the mental faculties to the acquisition of knowledge <years of study> 

b : such application in a particular field or to a specific subject <the study of Latin>  

c : careful or extended consideration <the proposal is under study> 

d (1) : a careful examination or analysis of a phenomenon, development, or question (2) : the published report of such a study 

as a verb:

intransitive verb

a : to engage in study 

b : to undertake formal study of a subject

dialect : meditate, reflect

: endeavor, try

transitive verb

: to read in detail especially with the intention of learning

: to engage in the study of <study biology>

: plot, design

: to consider attentively or in detail <studying his face for a reaction>

  You see, I am using tools to define what I am reading. Using sense, I conclude that the word I am reading is in English, so I can go and research what the word means- and even through Etymology find out about how that word developed. With using a bit further sense, many have heard that the original manuscripts of the Bible were written in Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek. The language behind the English words we read in the New Testament actually have Greek counter parts originally. A scholar or group of scholars took it upon themselves to translate those Greek words either word for word (in the King James Version,  New American Standard Version) or thought for thought (like we see in the NIV version and some newer ones) into our common language. Scholars had that plaguing and perplexing decision whether to use word for word or (in concluding that the Greeks thought differently than the early Americans) try to transfer the Greek thinking mind over into the American way of thinking. This "thought for thought" translation is called "Dynamic Equivalence." Though my words here describe the process, it comes to bearing upon each human soul to make their own decision upon preferences of which translations to read... and therefore trust. Is it dangerous for men to suppose that they could properly translate original Scripture writings into thoughts that we could understand- or is it safer to simple translate the word in Greek into the word in English? Safer.... safer... more accurate... these are important questions and thoughts to have! That has been a long debate between bible scholars and true sincere believers all through many modern years... who is equal to such a task of translating holy writings into a modern language??? A very daunting task indeed. 

     

I myself "cut my teeth" in studying the Scripture with the NIV. I grew up in the Foursquare Church and that was the main text they would teach from. For around 6 years I used it in devotions and for study. It does have a very modern sound and easy speech in it. Around the 6th year into studying I began to hear a man (I now deeply respect) teaching solely from the Old King James Version of the Bible. It was so rich and poetic and beautiful... I purchased one and began to listen in as he taught. So many things I had heard taught on were not able to be found in the NIV. Missing pieces, fragmented quotations, even disclaimers that certain section wre not actually in the original manuscripts... these were hard things to swallow. Also at that time I had met some new friends and all of their families were very faithful to the Old King James Version and because I had been spending time listening to and reading from it... it was not hard for me to be able to use it and I immediately had great joy that other 20-somethings had the same heart and devotion for the "word for word" translation. Getting back to the word "study"... 

    It seems so logical if we are dealing with the subject of our eternal destination... to be eager to give our all and truly seek and dig to define what kind of proverbial "water" we are drinking. Our spiritual healthiness depends upon the food we feed on... I came to the conclusion PERSONALLY that the NIV is likened to a skim milk- great for introduction and easier on the stomach of a new born believer... but as one grows and hungers to get into some steak, or the heavy realities of truth... I would liken the Old King James to that of whole milk. It is very majestic and poetic in nature and really forces a man to slow down and have to pay attention. We have made ourselves a society of "right now" and convenience. Not so with the speed of God, He is God and we are not. We can get online and research and find knowledge about life and salvation... but truly godly people are those who have walked out- for many years- obedience (intelligently) to the instruction of The God of Heaven through His Holy Word. Godliness isn't easy, it ain't cheap, and it does not come over night. It requires study.

"...STUDY to show yourself approved unto God..."

The Greek word behind the English word "study" we see- is the word "spoudazo" spoo-da-zospoude" which means to make haste and earnestly desire. One Greek study tool defines this word (spoudazo) as:

1) to hasten, make haste

2) to exert one's self, endeavour, give diligence

This Greek word is the word behind these English words peppered all through Scripture:

-forward to do

-endeavoring

-do diligence

-labour

It gives the real sense of a pressing in and a continual digging to find. 

   How many of us have made a study of finances, or the stock market, or of taking care of our families? There is a continual attentiveness to our subject, a pliability in ourselves, and a willingness to be wrong and to learn. How many of us see the good results of discipline and labor and often are found saying: "telling me what to do and I will try it!" There are great rewards for persistence and adhesion to the task at hand. We know this and we deeply respect those who have mastered whatever study they have applied themselves to. It is a marvelous thing to behold someone in the mastery of their discipline. Bruce Lee, Arnold Schwarzenneger (in body building) Michael Jordan, Steve Jobs, ... it is amazing to see the results of human intensity and maintaining focus on one objective unto success. So many of these elite's made it happen either for person goals.. or combined with desiring the public eye, fame, and leaving a legacy for those onlookers to admire. In Biblical teaching here (2 Timothy 2:15) Paul is challenging Timothy to a much higher aspiration and audience. The God of all time and space.

"STUDY to show yourself approved unto God (approved by God- He points you out to people and says- listen to this one- he knows me and understands me... listen to him.")... a workman that does not need to be ashamed- rightly dividing the Word of truth."

2 Timothy 2:15

Do you know how important this Scripture is?

   Consider an epic battle filled with two armies. Generals, soldiers, orders and the like. Older soldiers fully equipped, and seeking to share the discipline with new recruits. This is exactly what we see in 2 Timothy chapter 2. Apostle Paul is an older soldier in the battle of standing for The Lord Jesus in a way approved by Him. Paul is sending his young accomplice in leading out by sharing with him the life likened to being a soldier. The entire Book is a letter from Paul- inspired by The Holy Spirit- and written to Timothy about what it takes as a soldier in standing for The Lord. In the midst of the instruction, this little gem of a nugget is delivered as instruction to young Timothy...

Here's the thing. The Word of God (Scripture) is most powerful in and of itself. It does not need man's commentary except for just a little relate-ability to people's common situation. In fact THAT is one of the main problems we find... spending a ton of money and going here and there to find out what Scripture really means. There are books and books and books on subjects from The Word and the sad fact is SO many will not just take a Scripture... stew over it carefully and use many tools provided and simply OBEY it. We want to allow others to do the work and feed us- which IS important but NOT the totality of the full satisfaction. Just looking at the Scripture above, there are specific words in it... set in order... and it has meaning. Like the "Discipline" of Science... a taking of elements and studying them, Biblical truth is a "discipline" of language. The God who claims to have created all that we see and are and the purpose of our life... has chosen most specifically to define Himself in words... in words in a book. The Bible is a book. In that it was written by God Himself (through human authors), it stands above the rest. In other words- "The BOOK of books." In speaking of authority, kings are respected in antiquity and so are "lords" -or those that had rule. God Himself is the ultimate KING and ultimate LORD- in that He is perfect. So, the Bible could then be considered the BOOK of books that leads us to The KING of kings and LORD of lords. It is very unique, each word deeply intentional, therefore- we should just take it at face value and simply meditate on it unto assimilation and application. It really is enough.

Orth-o-to-meo

What does that word mean?




   Common sense calls us to simply take what we know and apply it to what we see. "Ortho" may sound like a familiar word. "Ortho"-dontist, "Ortho"-pedic surgeon, "Ortho"-practice. All these words we may have heard or perhaps we have seen in the public day to day life. These words are clearly understood through consideration. A person going to an "Ortho"-dontist may be getting some work done on their teeth... braces, fillings, moldings, etc. All of this is aimed at "straightening" the teeth or "setting them- in their proper alignment." So likewise with an "Ortho"-pedic surgeon, the aim of all of the activity is in reference to bones and bone structure and facilitating the growth and development (and sometimes resetting) of bones to be "straight", "proper," or "well-fitted" for their intention. It has something to do with straightening or making to be properly fit. Interestingly enough, this word "ortho" we use also has a great point in the Greek language we find used to write the New Testament.


  Ortho-to-me-o. There is a Greek word "Orthotomeo" that is strikingly important for truth, clarity of reasoning, and for fullness of life. Orthotomeo is one word in Greek but it comes from two base words: "Orthos" (meaning straight, erect, upright, or not crooked) and "Tomos" (meaning to cut, sharper). These words could be defined and joined in our English language to read "straight cut." (orthos-tomos). As language does and Greek is following suit in, Orthotomeo is a developing or enlarging of the words "straight cut." Orthotomeo literally means to "cut straightly." One Concordance defines the word as follows:


   "...to make a straight cut, figuratively: to dissect (expound) correctly (the divine message):- rightly divide."


   Having considered it's definition, when speaking of Biblical things, we can then place the word in it's context. According to my study, this word is found in this form in only one place: 2 Timothy 2:15. This Scripture reads as follows:


  "... study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth..."
                       


There is so much here to look at and we will upon the second entry.