Diligence in the Word; a call to rightly divide truth by Rev Robert Ampiah-Kwofi

2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV)

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

In his sermon on 2 Timothy 2:15, Rev. Robert Ampiah-Kwofi emphasizes the importance of diligence in studying God’s Word. He explains that believers are called to be workmen in the Kingdom—workers who handle the Word of God with accuracy, understanding, and integrity. This requires effort, discipline, and commitment to learning the Scriptures.

The Call to Diligence in Study

The Apostle Paul instructs Timothy to “be diligent”—a phrase that implies earnest effort, persistence, and devotion. Rev. Ampiah-Kwofi highlights that just as professionals undergo rigorous training to excel in their fields, Christians must commit themselves to deep and intentional study of God’s Word.

"Christianity is not a lazy man's religion. The strength of your faith is determined by how much of God's Word is inside you. If you are careless with the Bible, you will be careless in life." — Rev. Ampiah-Kwofi

Presenting Ourselves Approved to God

To be approved means to be tested and found worthy. Rev. Ampiah-Kwofi likens this to gold being refined in fire. True believers are those who pass through the tests of life with their faith anchored in sound doctrine, not in hearsay or popular opinions.

"The Bible is not a book of suggestions; it is the manual for life. If we live by it, we will be approved by God and victorious in life."

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

The phrase “rightly dividing” means to cut straight or handle correctly. Rev. Ampiah-Kwofi explains that mishandling Scripture leads to confusion, false doctrines, and weak Christianity. He warns against taking verses out of context, interpreting them based on human reasoning rather than divine revelation.

"A misinterpreted Bible leads to a misdirected life. If you don't study the Word, you will believe anything that sounds spiritual but is not biblical."

The Danger of Biblical Ignorance

Rev. Ampiah-Kwofi stresses that ignorance of Scripture makes believers vulnerable to deception. Many Christians fall for false teachings because they do not take the time to study the Word for themselves. He urges believers to be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who examined the Scriptures daily to confirm the truth.

Hosea 4:6 (NKJV): "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."

"The enemy’s greatest weapon is deception, and deception thrives where there is ignorance. If you don’t know the Word, you will believe a lie."

Practical Steps to Studying the Word Effectively

Rev. Ampiah-Kwofi provides practical steps for believers to grow in their study of the Word:

Set a Dedicated Study Time – Just as we prioritize meals, we must prioritize feeding on God's Word daily.

Read in Context – Understanding the historical and spiritual background of Scripture prevents misinterpretation.

Meditate on the Word – Meditation allows the Holy Spirit to reveal deeper truths.

Compare Scripture with Scripture – The Bible explains itself when studied holistically.

Apply the Word to Life – Knowledge without application is useless; we must be doers of the Word.

Conclusion:

A Call to Spiritual Excellence

Rev. Ampiah-Kwofi concludes by urging believers to rise to a higher level of spiritual discipline. Studying God’s Word diligently is not optional—it is essential for approval before God, for effective ministry, and for victorious Christian living.

"May you be a workman approved by God, rightly dividing His Word, and standing firm in truth. In Jesus' name!"