Chicken Coops

A workman approved, that's what Paul said in 2 Timothy 2:15. We are to be a workman approved who does not need to be ashamed. One who can correctly handle the word of God. Just what does that mean?

Ever ask a group "how did people get saved during the Old Testament period?" Its interesting to hear the common responses. "Well, they were saved by keeping the law." You remind them that no one has ever perfectly kept the law, except for Jesus. Guess that means everyone went to hell, right? "No" they say, "the system of sacrifices paid for their sins so they could be saved." Nope, that's not it. No where in the Old Testament does it say that it was through this system of works that they were saved.

What then? You remind them about the great faith chapter. Hebrews 11 tells us that those people from Old Testament times were saved by faith, just like you and me. The writer of Hebrews tells us that those who were truly men and women of faith were the ones saved. Jesus died for you and for me, and for all of them who repented of their sins and were saved by grace through faith. Then your group says "oh yes, I knew that, how could I have forgotten?"

When I think of a workman approved, I think of a carpenter. Some carpenters would be lucky to know how to build a decent looking chicken coop. They can grab a board here and there and pound some nails and when they get done it might even look like a chicken coop or possibly something else. Others can build a beautiful mansion. They can take that same wood and craft it into a wonderfully made home.

What kind of Christian are you? Do you pickup a stray verse here or there, a thought from this person or that, or something from last week's sermon (you do remember last weeks sermon, right?) Then when its time to defend the faith or make choices in your life you struggle to understand what God's will and direction are for you. Like the chicken coop builder, you're not quite sure how to put it all together.

Or are you the Christian who diligently studies the word. One who pulls together the teaching of the Bible. One who finds those timeless principles the Bible teaches so that we will know how to live and choose. This is the one who is a workman approved and whose faith is like a beautiful home built by a skilled carpenter.

If you struggle with being a workman approved, choose to change. Ask God to help you. Seek help from another Christian who is a workman approved. Seek help from your minister or Bible teacher. Don't let another day go by building chicken coops when you can build mansions. Study the word of God with a purpose. Your purpose is to be a workman approved knowing how to correctly handle the truth and applying it to every part of your life!