This Sunday we will be finishing up our study in 1 & 2 Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians is understood to be the Apostle Paul’s first recorded letter to a church or individual. Within both epistles is the encouragement to wait in eager expectation of the Lord’s Second Coming.
Starting next Sunday, January 4, we will begin a study in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. 2 Timothy is understood to be the last letter that the Apostle Paul wrote. Knowing this prompted me to wonder what a faithful believer’s last words might be to someone they helped to nurture in Christ. In 2 Timothy 2:15 Paul writes to encourage Timothy to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
The last thing that Paul encouraged Timothy to do was to study the Word of God! In 2 Timothy 1:13-14 he was to keep or guard it; he was to internalize it. In 2 Timothy 2:1 he was to pass it on. In 2 Timothy 2:8 he was to remember it and in verse 14 to remind others of it. In the verse we cited, he was to handle it correctly. In the well-known 2 Timothy 3:15-17 he is encouraged to know, teach, rebuke, correct, train, and equip others with the Word. Finally, in 2 Timothy 4 he is to preach or proclaim it!
Paul not only shared with Timothy what he needed to do, but also why he needed to do it. Timothy was to study the Word of God so that he would be approved to God and not ashamed. There were false teachers swaying those at the church in Ephesus where Timothy served. Rather than seek the approval of men, he is reminded that he needs no approval other than from God. Timothy would accomplish that by remaining true to God’s Word and by helping others to do the same.
In addition to the what and the why Paul wrote to Timothy, he told him how. In 2 Timothy 2:15, the Greek word that is translated diligent or study, in some translations, is best translated as “do your best.” Spoudazo can also mean to exert oneself, to endeavor, and to give diligence. The meaning behind Paul’s inspired word choice is for Timothy to work really hard at studying the Word. In other words, he is not to take it lightly. Timothy is to “do his best.”
As we ponder this text, we should personally reflect upon it and ask ourselves: did “I” do my best in 2025? Did I do my best to study the Word? Did I do my best to share the Word? Did I do my best to invite others to church? Did I do my best to lead others to the Lord? Did I do my best? If so, then keep on doing your best in 2026! If not, then why not? Perhaps it is something for you to pray about and to commit to doing in 2026.
