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
transitive verb
: to read in detail especially with the intention of learning
: to engage in the study of <study biology>
: 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.
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."
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