Study to Show Yourself Approved

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

In a story published by the Daily Mail yesterday, it was reported that a marathon runner in China missed out on first place after he was accidentally sent in the wrong direction by race volunteers. The incident took place during the 2024 Hangzhou Marathon held on the morning of November 3. In the footage, Ethiopian runner Tesfaye Deriba Ketema can be seen in the lead with his Kenyan rival Moses Kibet trailing close behind. However, as they approach the finish line, both runners appear to misinterpret the race staff's hand signals and they take a wrong turn. Both men hastily realise their mistake and sprint to the finish line. Unfortunately for Mr Ketema, however, the mistake meant that his trailing rival Mr Kibet was able to assume the lead in the race - without even overtaking him. This is due to the fact they were forced to double-back to follow the correct route, putting Mr Kibet into the lead. Mr Ketema was unable to reclaim his leading position, and Mr Kibet crossed the finish line in first place - claiming top prize with a time of 2:07:47. Mr Ketema was just six seconds behind but his mistake was a costly one as it meant he missed out on the £41,800 cash prize for first place.

And, you know, while it’s one thing to accidentally misinterpret someone’s hand signals, it’s a whole nother thing to purposely misinterpret the Bible. Which is the very thing people do when they fail to thoroughly “study” the Word as they should and choose to “cherry-pick” individual verses or passages so as to take them out of context instead. You see, there is a right way and a wrong way to divide “the word of truth.” And the right way takes the WHOLE Bible into account as though it is one large story, because it is! Scripture ALWAYS supports scripture. You will NEVER read something in God’s Word that contradicts itself. This correct handling of the word is crucial then because it keeps people from translating scripture in a way that supports an ungodly narrative or gives approval for actions, thoughts, and lifestyles that the Bible clearly condemns.

So in the words of Paul, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God” and not unto man my friend. Make it a priority to devote your time and attention to knowing what the word says, and knowing what the word means so that you will be known as “a workmen that needeth not to be ashamed” and as a person who correctly explains “the word of truth.”  In this way you won’t be responsible for sending someone in the wrong direction. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the Bible must be studied and analyzed as a whole so it can be taken into context and explained correctly. Help us to refute errors in the way the world translates the Bible by picking single verses and using them to fit their narrative, thereby wrongly dividing it Lord. And please cause us to be bold in pointing out the truth in love, knowing that by doing so we are keeping people from going in the wrong direction and missing out on eternal life. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus amen.

Happy Running!