2 Timothy2:14-16

Constantly Seek

Approval

Frien

ds

Parents

God

The One Approved

of God

The One Approved of God is Not:•A Sinlessly Perfect Person–Romans 3:23 “all have sinned”–1 John 1:8 “deceive ourselves”–1 John 1:10 “His word is not in us”

•One Who Commends Himself–2 Corinthians 10:12–Luke 18:9-14 “not like other men”–Romans 10:1-3 “own righteousness”

The One Approved of God is Not:•One Approved of Others–1 Samuel 16:1-7 Eliab ‘looked’ better, but David chosen

–Matthew 23:27-28 “appear beautiful outwardly, inside full of dead men’s bones” “Outwardly righteous… but inside full of hypocrisy & lawlessness.”

The One Approved of God IS:•One Who Works at Being Approved–2 Timothy 2:15 “a worker”–“Be Diligent” “hasten to do a thing, exert oneself, endeavor…”

–James 2:23 “friend if God”–Genesis 22:3–Philippians 2:12 “work out your own salvation”

The One Approved of God IS:•One Who is “Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth”–ASV “Handles aright”–NASV “Handling accurately”–ASV ft. nt. “Holding a straight course in the word of truth.”

–Suggests carefulness in handling God’s Word

The One Approved of God IS:•One Who is “Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth”

–Not to be:–Twisted – 2 Peter 3:16–Perverted – Galatians 1:6-9–Misapplied, taken out of context, used for the wrong motive

The One Approved of God IS:•One Who is “Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth”–Includes:–Speaking “in” & “out” of Season 2 Timothy 4:1,2

–Applying to all circumstances & all people – includes self James 1:21; 1 Timothy 5:17-21

–Remembering Source, Power & Purpose

One Who Approves of God’s Ways:•Sees Inconsistency of Seeking

God’s Approval & not Approving:–His terms of Pardon–His church revealed in N.T.–His ways concerning Work & Worship of the church

–“things that are excellent” Philippians 1:10

–“what is good” 1 Thessalonians 5:21

One Who Approves of God’s Ways:•Rejects ALL that God Does Not Authorize!

•No religion is worth practicing that does not seek God’s approval in every respect!

•Why Not Seek God’s Approval in All Things in YOUR LIFE?