Approved

Approved

The Apostle Paul gives instructions to Timothy that applies to all Christians who desire to take on the important charge, "Preach the Word" (2 Timothy 4:2). "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15) First, Christians are to study in such a way that would bring them approval to God. Second, they are to be such a quality laborer for the Lord, when their teaching of Scripture are examined, they need not be ashamed. Third, Christians are to be accurate in their delivery of the message of truth so as not to pervert or even distort the Word of God. (The New American Commentary - Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, pp. 214–215). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers)

The word "approved" (δόκιμος dókimos) means to be such a workman in the teaching of the Word of God, you would receive a commendation from the Lord. (2 Corinthians 10:18) It is to do your work for God in a way that is honorable. "Correctly handle" (ὀρθοτομέω orthotoméō) is to skillfully interpret, correctly teach and give accurate instructions of the Word of God. (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament; Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 414; Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament); Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc; A Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament). Christians who are called to preach are diligent, literally exerting themselves in the hard work of study and are not afraid to have their work examined by others who God is using.

In 1994 the Billy Graham Evangelistic team oversaw the North America Conference for Itinerant Evangelist (NACIE 94). The team held every Bible teacher to the standard the Apostle Paul held Timothy to in 2 Timothy 2:15. Every teacher at NACIE 94 had to present themselves as students approved by God. Every teacher had to present in writing every Biblical truth they were going to teach. Before they could teach at NACIE 94, Bible teachers had to show they were workman who skillfully interpret and accurately instruct the Word of God. Every message to be preached was examined by proven men and women whom God was using to teach His Word all over the world. After five years of prayerful preparation, thousands of Itinerant Evangelist attended a conference that was Holy Spirit anointed. To this day those who attended this conference remember what they learned from the Bible teachers. Because of the team's insistence, every teacher be held to the Biblical test of 2 Timothy 2:15. Students who could not attend NACIE 94 or were not be able to participate in every class can glean truths from every teacher, because every Biblical teaching was placed in a book, Equipping for Evangelism. Students attending NACIE 94 were given outlines of every teaching in each class so they can takes notes, writing down revelations the Lord gave them as they prayerfully participated in this Christ centered event.

Every Holy Spirit illuminated Christian wanting to enjoy God's best in their service to Him in obeying their charge, "Preach the Word" will humbly present themselves to those whom they desire to teach as one who is approved by God to correctly handle the Word of God.