“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15).
The very same man who introduced this book to me years ago is the very same leader who teaches on rightly dividing God’s word. One of the most crippling things in this age of the church is a lack of “rightly dividing” God’s word.
The scripture says, Study to shew thyself approved UNTO GOD. We live in a time where it is predominantly most important to be politically correct than it is to be truthful or biblically sound. We live in a time where things are social media-driven, so it is of most importance to have popular opinion on one’s side for like’s sake because presentation matter most over truth—a time where men are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God (II Timothy 3:4). But, to be concerned with God’s word is to have a desire for truth. It is a desire to be approved by God and not man.
This book is dynamic. If one desires to be adequately introduced to the scriptures, this book is highly recommended. It addresses the canonization of the scriptures. This means what makes the scriptures authoritative or “the norm.” The “Apocrypha” is addressed also in the first chapter. This title informs the reader why the “Apocrypha” is not deemed as cannon, therefore, not included in the scriptures. This title’s excellence is that it goes throughout each book of the Old Testament, informing the reader in some way concerning each. The author also enlightens that the books of the Bible are not arranged sequentially but according to the subject. For this cause, the author provides a biblical bookshelf of the sequence of each book of the Old Testament according to time and history.
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament is a great accessory to have to study the Old Testament of God’s word. When I returned to God for this last time in 2012, this was the book that was introduced to me at my church’s Bible Institute. The leader who taught the course later became a Bishop. He was recognized to have an astounding understanding of God’s word, and this book is one of the books that has accommodated him in his studies.
A workman needing to be ashamed occurs in various ways. It could be a humbling that occurs in some way, but another way is at the judgment seat of Christ (II Corinthians 5:10). One’s works, which is one’s life they live or service they render unto God in Christ, may get burnt up (I Corinthians 3:10-15). This is a direct result of not allowing the Spirit of truth to “guide you into all truth “ (John 16:13)—the “studying to shew thyself approved unto God.”
If this title appeals to your desire for more from God, knowledge of God, being approved of him, or a closer and adequate look at the scriptures, support local bookstores and get yours here (much love and thanks): https://bookshop.org/a/56410/9780801036842
