Present Yourself Before God

In a section of his second letter to Timothy, Paul writes to Timothy about dealing with false teachers. Within this section Paul instructs Timothy to be a believer and leader of believers that not only witnesses before others of God's grace but one that presents himself/herself before God.

2 Timothy 2:15 says,

"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 Audience of One - God - is who Timothy and all Christians are strongly encouraged to present ourselves to for everything but here especially -

1. approval

2. unashamed-ness in working for God

3. one who correctly handles God's Word

Believers are approved by God through the salvation of Christ Jesus. But after accepting Jesus as personal Lord and Savior, the deeds or works of the believer are continually approved as he/she lives out a faith-filled lifestyle that pleases the Lord.

Our work for the Lord in the secular market place and any work in the realm of Christendom should all be done as unto the Lord. Paul writes in Colossians 3:23 -

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,"

Then anytime we have the awesome opportunity to share God's Word with anyone, let us be careful with it. Just like a regular relationship, the more a Christian is reading and studying The Bible, the more he/she will be likely in correctly discerning the truths of Scripture. Reading it in context, praying to God for insight and considering other trusted Godly sources of knowledge on a passage are great starts to handling The Word correctly.

The point of this verse is to encourage you and me to do those things listed not only because you want others to be drawn into the Kingdom due to your life being a good witness, but a desire to show your love and appreciation to The Lord for Him securing our salvation and continuing to love on us in all His marvelous ways - seen and unseen.  This is why the instruction is to Present Yourself Before God.