Introduction: Apologetics is concerned with defending or proving the truth…

Introduction:

Apologetics is concerned with defending or proving the truth of Christian doctrine. The word “apologetics” comes from the Greek word apologia, meaning “defense.” The more we study the Bible, the better equipped we can defend or prove the Word of Truth in the Scriptures. According to Dr. Walter Martin: “The American Banking Association has a training program . . . Each year it sends hundreds of bank tellers to Washington in order to teach them to detect counterfeit money, which is a source of great loss of revenue to the Treasury Department. It is most interesting that during the entire two week training program, no teller touches counterfeit money. Only the original passes through his hands. The reason for this is that the American Banking Association is convinced that if a man is thoroughly familiar with the original he will not be deceived by the counterfeit bill, no matter how much like the original it appears.” With this in mind, we need to be familiar with the Word of God as written in the Bible not just listen to any preacher with articulate and persuasive speech who might be a cult or a counterfeit. Reading, studying, meditating on the Word of God; embracing the whole of Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, rightly dividing the word of truth and seeking the help of the Holy Spirit. If there is rightly dividing, it is also possible that there is wrongly dividing the Word of Truth.

***2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.***
1. Study—Greek, “Be earnest” or “Be diligent.” to show—Greek, “present,” as in Romans 12:1. thyself—as distinguished from those whom Timothy was to charge (2:14). approved—tested by trial, the opposite of “reprobate” or disapproved (Titus 1:16). not to be ashamed—by his work not being “approved” (Philippians 1:20). rightly dividing—lit., “cutting straight.” The word means to cut along a straight line, to cut a straight road, or to keep a straight course. “The metaphor could be that of plowing a straight furrow [cf. NEB] or of a road maker driving his road straight [see Bengel] or of a mason squaring and cutting a stone to fit in its proper place [see Moulton and Milligan]” (Reinecker). The word is found in Proverbs 3:6; 11:5 (LXX), where it is used with hodous and means “cut a road across country (that is forested or otherwise difficult to pass through) in a straight direction” so that the traveler might go directly to his destination (BAG). Thus, Paul’s statement would mean, “guide the word of truth along a straight path (like a road that goes straight to its goal), without being turned aside by words, debates, or impious talks” (ibid.).

2. The antithesis of the false teachers are ministers who work hard for God. A good worker who correctly explains the word of truth would be the most effective silencer of the false teachers. The Christians would need unity, strength, and the truth of the gospel to survive the persecutions ahead, to impart the truth to future generations. This incredible responsibility means individual teachers, ministers, and leaders must seek not the approval of people, but the approval of God. An unashamed worker can present his or her life and ministry to God, knowing that God will approve the quality of work. Approval of one’s ministry before God will depend on how well one has proclaimed, explained, and applied the word of truth. We must help the gospel cut a straight path and do nothing to hinder it.

3. Because God will examine what kind of workers we have been for him, we should build our life on his Word and build his Word into our life. It alone tells us how to live for him and serve him. Believers who ignore the Bible will certainly be ashamed at the judgment. Consistent and diligent study of God’s Word is vital; otherwise we will be lulled into neglecting God and our true purpose for living.