Being able to handle the Word correctly

https://odb.org/2026/05/12/getting-equipped

2 Timothy 2:14–19 (NIV): 14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

As soon as I jumped into the pool, my goggles filled with water, and I could barely see. Despite having no formal swimming instruction, I slowly persevered for the two laps of a race I had entered on a whim. Years later, after taking lessons and learning the proper breathing and swimming techniques, I enjoyed learning all four competitive swim strokes.

What a difference it makes when we have the proper training. The same applies to reading the Bible. In his final letter, the apostle urged Timothy to study the Scriptures: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). (Nancy Gavilanes, Our Daily Bread, Condensed, 12th May 2026)

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we find both the source and the purpose of the Scriptures: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The words of the Bible have been breathed out by God, revealing Himself to us so that we might be completely equipped for serving Him. As we come to know who He is, we’re encouraged to love and serve Him with our whole hearts. (Bill Crowder, Insight, Our Daily Bread, 12th May 2026)

I have always been keen to serve God since I came to the faith at 14 and have actually been serving God one way or another, for the past 40 years plus. I had never been a full-time worker or pastor. My service had always been in a lay capacity. Been very much part of the world via my working career but always aware that I’m not of this world.

Despite my involvement in ministry, there were two things that sort of defined me in those years, especiallythe initial ones. One was that I prefer to be in the background and not as a leader. Rather than in the core group, I was more used to be in the peripheral group yet committed. So I was not a Sunday-only worshipper but not so keen on leadership roles. Secondly, I was not very good at the Word in terms of my bible knowledge or church history. Didn’t spend that much time reading the Bible in my formative growing up years. So I always felt inferior to those who came from mainline church backgrounds. I had never joined a Sunday school when I was young and did not grow up singing hymns.

In 2 Timothy 2:15, we find this exaltation from Paul to Timothy for the latter to present himself as one approved, who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul emphasised that all Scripture is inspired by God and will thoroughly equip a servant of God to do good works. In other words, being able to handle the Word of God correctly is actually a very good tool in our service to God in ministry, in whatever capacity God calls us to.

I just like to say this morning that as much as we would like to remain in the peripheral but committed, we must equip ourselves with the knowledge of the Word of God. We have to be able to handle the Word correctly so that we are seen to be approved by the Lord and are not ashamed by our own lack of knowledge. It will take time and it’s a life-long process but one we can never avoid.

I’ll say that ever since I started writing these devotionals for the past 10 years or so, I have gained much in my knowledge of the Word although Our Daily Bread as material is actually basic Christian knowledge geared more towards new believers. Nevertheless, this response to God’s calling for my life has enriched me tremendously and I’ll encourage every one of us to read and follow the articles in ODB by their distinguished writers on a daily basis. Doing this regularly will certainly increase our knowledge of Scriptures and equip us to correctly handle the Word!