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RESOLVED
12/29/24
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV
Do Your Best σπουδάζω (spoudazó) To be diligent, to make every effort, to hasten, to be eager.
Approved δόκιμος (dokimos) Approved, tested, tried, genuine
Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb δέχομαι (dechomai), meaning "to receive" or "to accept."
Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "dokimos," the concept of being tested and approved can be related to Hebrew words like בָּחַן (bachan, Strong's H974), meaning "to test" or "to examine."
Usage: The term "dokimos" is used in the New Testament to describe something or someone that has been tested and found to be genuine, reliable, or approved. It often carries the connotation of having passed a test or trial, thus proving its worth or authenticity. In a spiritual context, it refers to the quality of being approved by God after being tested.
Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, "dokimos" was often used in the context of metallurgy, where metals were tested for purity and quality. Coins, for example, were tested to ensure they were not counterfeit. This concept of testing and approval was familiar to the early Christian audience, who understood the importance of proving one's faith and character through trials.
Not Ashamed ἀνεπαίσχυντος (anepaischuntos) a state of being unashamed or without shame. It conveys a sense of confidence and integrity, particularly in one's actions or beliefs. In the New Testament, it is often associated with the idea of standing firm in one's faith and convictions without fear of disgrace or embarrassment.
Truth ἀλήθεια (alétheia) truth, but not merely truth as spoken; truth of idea, reality, sincerity, truth in the moral sphere, divine truth revealed to man, straightforwardness.
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:12-21
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