“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  So reads II Timothy 2:15 in emphasizing the importance of Bible study.  The entire Bible was not yet in the form in which we have it today, but Paul lets us know through inspiration that this is a study of the “word of truth,” i.e. God’s Word.  That word study is interesting.  The Greek word, spoudazo, is used twelve times in ten New Testament verses.  Only once, here, is it translated “study.”  Twice it is translated “do,” once “labour,” once “forward” (which in context is a synonym for diligent), three times a form of “endeavor,” and four times a form of “diligent.”  Apparently there is a great deal more than simply reading involved in study.  It requires activity to really grasp what is being said.
    The importance is seen in the above verse:  “to show thyself approved . . . not to be ashamed.”  So many today put too little emphasis on study.  Furthermore they forget, or ignore, that only in the Bible are found the answers to life’s greatest questions.  As Paul wrote, only when we truly study, only when we “rightly” divide God’s Word, and follow it are we going to be acceptable to Him.
    This means that we must, as previous articles have mentioned, put aside our own biases and those of other men and accept only what the Bible says on all matters religious.