JUNE 10

How to Handle the Word

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 2:15

Our verse is the one from which the AWANA kid’s program derives its name: Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed.”  In its context, it is a part of the Apostle Paul’s message to Timothy regarding how he might prove himself to be “useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21).  At the heart of that calling is the need to exercise great care in the study of the Scriptures.

You’ve likely sat through the instructions given by a flight attendant on an airplane concerning what to do in case of an emergency.  Perhaps you’ve listened attentively, most don’t.  You’ll see passengers chatting, or reading, or doing just about anything except listening!  Imagine instead if those same instructions were being given following the pilot’s announcement of an engine failure, pending depressurization of the cabin and emergency landing.  No doubt people would hang onto every word of the instructions, even anxiously digging through the seat pouch to find the printed version, so they could double check everything.  What changed?  In the second case, they were listening to the same instructions, but with a sense of urgency, which motivated them to pay careful attention.  How motivated am I in my reading and study of the Bible?  Am I more akin to the first case, or the second?

This verse is a call to the believer to exercise great awareness in the handling of the Scriptures.  And while we may not be called to teach in the same way Timothy was, we all “teach” in some manner, whether it be in relationship to our children, our spouse, or to others God has put into our lives.  If we are to prove useful to the master, it is necessary for us to exercise great care in the way we interact with our Bibles, approaching the Scriptures with an attitude of awe, respect and prayerful dependence on the Spirit.

A Bible study methods book, or course, will typically speak of these four steps to studying the Bible: preparation, observation, interpretation and application.  I’ve taught such courses, even to my dear Ugandan friends.  I would heartily encourage anyone to find and read a good book on Bible study methods if you haven’t been through such a study before. It’s of utmost importance that we exercise great care in our study of the Bible!

Ray Pritchard has commented on this: “Those who serve the Lord must take care in the way they handle the Word of God.  We must not use the Word of God to support a pet theory or our own ideas, but must follow the true teaching of the Word of God, making it the straight pattern for life. This involves knowing the Word and being able to explain it accurately to others.  First, I must know the Word. Second, I must apply it to my own life. Third, I must diligently study it in order to teach it. Fourth, I must teach it correctly so that others will understand it…So how are you doing in your knowledge of the Word? Do you read the Bible on a daily basis? What steps have you taken to grow deeper in the Word? If you want to be an “approved worker” whom God can use, you must be grounded in the Word. And remember, it doesn’t happen by accident. Make it your aim to know God’s Word deeply so God can use you greatly.”

“We must approach God’s Word as if our lives depended on it–because they do.”

Anonymous

ANCIENT WORDS

Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world,
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh, let the Ancient words impart.

Words of Life, words of Hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e’er we roam
Ancient words will guide us Home.

Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.

Holy words of our Faith
Handed down to this age.
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.

Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.

Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.

Songwriters: Lynn Deshazo
Ancient Words lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing, Integrity Music

Unknown's avatar

Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

Leave a comment