FINISH LINE: FINISH WELL

Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 
—2 Timothy 2:14-15

Woven into everything the apostle Paul told Timothy in his second letter are stirring words of long-term, finish-line thinking. Paul wanted Timothy to live with the end in mind. It’s not those who have a great start, but those who finish well who get the reward. Here is one of those summary challenges toward pursuing a well-lived life:"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

The verse begins with a helpful standard of performance, "Do your best." This can also be translated be diligent, in the sense of make it your intention or give attention. Be diligent means make every effort or extend yourself. 

Paul follows that standard with specific actions. As always, the wise foundation for living requires that we stand firmly and passionately—but not arrogantly nor obnoxiously—on the word of truth. Consider it this way: you begin by rightly handling the word of truth, leading to choices for which you have no need to be ashamed, culminating in being able to present yourself to God as one approved.

What does it mean to be approved to God? 

It means to be acceptable after examination and trial.  A person who is approved to God is a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.  

God is watching the way we handle His book! 

Someday we are going to have to account to Him for what we did with His Word. Paul was telling Timothy, and us, to make sure we don’t end up being workers who are ashamed. God wants to say to each of us, “Well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

When you read the phrase “rightly handling," realize it doesn’t mean jamming God’s Word down people’s throats or soft-peddling the Word of Truth. It means using the Scriptures to mortify the flesh, to kill sin, to make war on your sin by the Spirit. (Romans 8:13) Afterall, the context of this passage is about presenting yourself to God. 

You rightly handle the Word of Truth when you don’t compromise or complicate God’s Word. You rightly handle the Word of Truth, when you believe His promises and judgments and do what He says. 

Every time we do our best to handle God’s Word rightly we can be sure of His approval. And we will be living with the end in mind. 

Holiness. Seeing Him. Forever. 

FINSH LINE AHEAD: FINISH WELL! 

Tall Drip and a Cheese Danish ('cause there are rewards at the end!)

Robbs