2 Timothy 2:1-26

The Workman's Instructions

Chapter two of 2 Timothy is required reading for anyone who seriously wants to serve 

as a minister of the Lord. You may wonder if there are those who don't "seriously" want 

to serve as a minister of the Lord. The answer to that would be, "Yes"! Of course not 

everyone is called into vocational ministry. (Thought every disciple of Christ is called to 

ministry.) But there are those who are in ministry for money or influence. Such 

"ministers" bring shame to the cause of Christ and will be punished most severely. 

"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." This is one of the key 

verses for those who want to go into vocational ministry. The word of truth is the Bible 

and it is absolutely essential to everything a minister does. While I do not believe that 

years of seminary are necessary we live in an age and culture when many "ministers" 

know very little of the Bible. This isn't because they have had limited opportunities but 

rather because their "ministry" is built on personality or on some other books they have 

read. This is very bad indeed. If you are such a minister you are in danger and fooling 

yourself. If you are following such a minister you are in danger and being fooled. 

"And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to 

teach, not resentful." This is a verse that is often overlooked (or intentionally ignored) by 

many in our culture. Especially in the United States people like "tough talking preachers 

who step on people's toes." There is occasionally a time for that but that is not the MO 

of a true man or woman of God. Often it is an excuse for an absence of the fruit of the 

Spirit. (How is that for stepping on toes?) 

There is more but these two are enough for right now. If you want to be a vocational 

minister, or just minister in your present calling, or know what a true minister should do, 

then 2 Timothy 2 is required reading.