Plain Talk Vol.19, No.6, Pg.5 - Cedar Park Church of Christ

Vol. 19, No. 6	August, 1982
*USE YOUR BIBLE*

THE MAN APPROVED OF GOD (2 Tim. 2:15)

I. IS NOT:

A. The sinlessly perfect man

1. If so, none could be approved (Rom. 3:23; 1 Jn. 1:8,10) 2. Perfection is our goal; forgiveness our hope & consolation

B. The man who commends himself (2 Cor. 10:18)

1. As the self-righteous Pharisees (Lk. 18:9-14) 2. Subjectivism encourages self-commendation

C. The man approved by others

1. They can only look on outward appearance (1 Sam. 16:7) 2. Becomes the basis of people-oriented religion (Lk. 16:15)

II. IS THE MAN WHO WORKS AT IT ("a workman")

A. "Give diligence..."

1. Diligence involves hastening and exertion (see Vine's) a. Hastening suggests urgency; not to be put off b. Exertion means working at it

2. Proves that man can and must DO something to be approved

B. Paul's aim must be ours (2 Cor. 5:9)

1. Such an aim motivates to giving diligence 2. Pleasing God will not be accidental 3. Promotes steadfastness, abounding in Lord's work (1 Cor. 15:58)

C. This is the great need for God's people today!

1. All covet God's approval but few willing to work

III. IS THE MAN WHO HANDLES ARIGHT THE WORD OF TRUTH

A. Suggests carefulness in handling God's word

1. Not to be twisted (2 Pet. 3:16), misapplied, taken out of context, used of wrong motive, etc.

B. Handling aright includes:

1. Speaking it "in season and out", reproving, rebuking, etc. 2. Applying it to all circumstances & all men including self 3. Ever remembering its source, power and purpose

IV. IS THE MAN WHO APPROVES OF GOD'S WAYS

A. See the inconsistency of seeking God's approval while: 1. Not approving God's terms of pardon 2. Not approving His church as revealed in NT 3. Not approving His ways concerning work & worship of church

B. The man approved of God approves "things that are excellent" 1. Holds fast to things that are "good" (1 Thss. 5:21) 2. Rejects all that God does not authorize 3. No religion is worth practicing that does not seek God's approval in every respect.

Dan Shipley

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