The word for this week is "study". It's found in two places in the New Testament:
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. KJV
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. KJV
15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. AMP
15-18 Bend your every effort to present yourself to God, approved, a workman unashamed, expounding soundly the word of the truth. The New Testament: An Expanded Translation by Kenneth S. Wuest
In 1 Thessalonians, the Greek word is "philotimeomai". Strong's Concordance says: to be fond of honor; emulous (eager or earnest to do something). Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: from a love of honor to strive to bring something to pass. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to be ambitious; make it one's aim. This word seems to pertain to the reason and purpose for studying the Word AND for anything else that we do. There's a quote on our SWC website that appears in the "Nuggets of Wisdom" section that says this: 'He who has a "why" to live can bear almost any "how".' Here is this verse from the Amplified Bible and from the Wuest Translation:
11 To make it your ambition and definitely endeavor to live quietly and peacefully, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you, 12 So that you may bear yourselves becomingly and be correct and honorable and command the respect of the outside world, being dependent on nobody [self-supporting] and having need of nothing. AMP
. Now, as for you, I beg of you, please, brethren, that you see to it that you continually are increasing more and more [in this love], that you make it your ambition to be living a quiet life, that you are cultivating the habit of attending to your own private affairs, and that you are working with your hands, even as I gave you a charge, in order that you may be conducting yourselves in a manner becoming to you [as children of God] toward those who are on the outside, in order that you may not be having need of anything. The New Testament: An Expanded Translation by Kenneth S. Wuest
It has been very exciting to see you reap the rewards of your diligence, focus and goal setting, in your career, in the Word of God, and in raising your family! Now, just for fun, I want to share the Message Bible version of these verses! This does NOT pertain to you at all, but they made me laugh!
11 Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job. You've heard all this from us before, but a reminder never hurts. 12 We want you living in a way that will command the respect of outsiders, not lying around sponging off your friends. THE MESSAGE
Whoever said that Bible study wasn't fun has never really studied! :D Here is Hillsong United with another new song from their album "Empires" called "Here Now (Madness)":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
