1. APPROVED OF GOD
2 Timothy 2:15

2. Rule of humanity: We need somebody
Some go to great lengths to get approval
Approval can be a good thing (cf. Rom. 14:18)
We need to be approved of God

3. God’s Approval is NOT: Sinless perfection Rom. 3:9, 23 1 John 1:8-10
We can be forgiven. If we repent!

4. One who commends himself
God’s Approval is NOT:
One who commends himself
2 Cor. 10:18
Our society filled with those who are arrogant and haughty
We cannot set our own standards

5. One simply approved of others
God’s Approval is NOT:
One simply approved of others
Our world spends much time seeking approval of others – looks, activities, false front, psychologists, etc. 2 Tim. 3:1-4

6. One simply approved of others
God’s Approval is NOT:
One simply approved of others
1 Sam. 16:17, King Saul sought one who could “play well”
John 12:42-43
Matt. 23:5-7

7. One simply approved of others
God’s Approval is NOT:
One simply approved of others
God’s approval on different terms
1 Sam. 16:7
Matt. 23:27-28
Luke 16:15

8. One Approved of God Is: Diligent
One who hastens to do a thing. Sincere effort. Urgency.
Abraham – (Jas. 2:23, Heb. 11:17-19), Gen. 22:3

9. One Approved of God Is: Diligent
2 Tim. 2:15, KJV, “study” involves diligence!
Eph. 4:3
Heb. 4:11
2 Pet. 1:10, 3:14-15

10. One Approved of God Is: A Worker
He is not idle. He is busy and doing work!
We HAVE TO work!
Phil. 2:12, 2 Cor. 5:9
1 Cor. 15:58

11. One Approved of God Is: Not Ashamed Matt. 10:32, 33, Mark. 8:38
Rom. 1:16
2 Tim. 1:8, 12
Do we truly let our light shine? Will we defend our Lord?

12. Rightly divides the word of truth
One Approved of God Is:
Rightly divides the word of truth
We must treat His word accurately “accurately handling the word of truth” (NASU)

13. Rightly divides the word of truth
One Approved of God Is:
Rightly divides the word of truth
We must take His word seriously! Heb. 4:12, 1 Pet. 4:11, 2 Tim. 3:16,17; 2 Pet. 1:3

14. Rightly divides the word of truth
One Approved of God Is:
Rightly divides the word of truth
We must accept ALL of it! 2 Tim. 4:2, 1 Tim. 5:21 Phil. 1:10

15. Rightly divides the word of truth
One Approved of God Is:
Rightly divides the word of truth
His word is not always “rightly divided” 2 Pet. 3:16 – twisted Gal. 1:6-9 – perverted
Taken out of context, wrong motives, etc.

16. Rightly divides the word of truth
One Approved of God Is:
Rightly divides the word of truth
Means applying what we learn to our lives James 1:21, 25 Luke 6:46

17. Does God approve of you?