Exams Never End!Sample

APPROVAL

The basic text for this plan is 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV): "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."

The Greek word translated "approved" is δόκιμος (dokimos), a term used primarily for metals and coins. Metals were tested to determine their fineness, while coins were weighed. Coins were produced in ancient times using molten metal that was poured into molds. After the metal cooled, the edges had to be smoothed. The coins were quite soft, and many filed them excessively. But some money changers were men of integrity who only put into circulation full-weight coins. Such a man was called 'dokimos' or 'approved'.

We too want to handle the word of God correctly in our testimony so that we can say, like Paul, "I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know." (Acts 20:27 NLT).

From the outset, we must choose to seek God's approval first, not that of other people. Paul reminds the church in Thessalonica he had made this choice himself: "For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts." (1 Thessalonians 2:3,4 NIV).

In the next few days, we will see some exams, or tests, which will help us obtain God’s approval for our testimony. Since these tests will continue throughout our lives, we must remember that "exams never end"! To avoid being taken by surprise, we need to prepare properly for them.