2 Timothy 2:15 English Standard Version (ESV) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,^[a] a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Footnote a; That is, one approved after being tested

When taking a test, are we allowed to grade our own exams? No, and so it is within this kingdom life. How well we are doing in rightly handling the word of truth is scored in two ways. The first is in how we treat others and the second is in exposing our doctrine to others. Of the two, the first is the more important. It is always best to love first and ask questions later.

When the term “our doctrine” is used it might not be immediately apparent that we have a doctrine but that is merely our belief system that is developed over years of study. Studying the Word alone will not expose our understanding to our instructors, pastors, and teachers. Being confident in our understanding does not mean we have it right. We need to expose our beliefs to others.

Not so long ago it was mentioned that wise counselors are given these works for review and correction where needed. The selection of wise counselors is never performed in a vacuum. They can only prove themselves to be trustworthy by being involved in our lives. If they cannot make time to get involved with us, trust cannot be established.

Proverbs 15:22-23 English Standard Version

²² Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
²³ To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!

Do not seek counsel only with those who agree with you at every turn. Do not rely upon only one adviser. This is about getting it right, not being right.

Psalm 32:9 English Standard Version (ESV) Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.

A term used yesterday was dilemma of doubt. When we read verses like the one above we tend to believe that a lack of understanding can lead to unfaithfulness. Doubt is not the same thing as lack of understanding nor is it unbelief.

Returning to the answer to doubt from yesterday, doubt is removed by God’s Word. We are speaking to kingdom living and discovering the differences between living in the world and kingdom living. It is only natural to doubt ourselves in these unfamiliar areas in this kingdom.

Believe that the bible contains all the answers required for the abundant life in kingdom living. It does not contain all the secular wisdoms we hear more often than godly wisdom. His Word will not lead you astray. Does the bible answer all of our questions? No and it should not be asked to do so. It was given to us for this life in Christ. Consider secular questions to be out of bounds.

Romans 8:5 English Standard Version (ESV) For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

Doubt could be considered an issue of the flesh, insecurity. It is obvious from Romans 8:5 that there is a distinct difference in the concerns of the flesh and the concerns of the spirit. The concerns of the flesh tends to ask how it can get what it wants. The concerns of the spirit lean towards hearing God rightly.

2 Timothy 2:15 English Standard Version (ESV) 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.