2 Timothy 2:15

Paul tells Timothy to do his best to present himself to God as one approved. My question is this: what does it mean to be approved? The footnotes in my bible say, "that is, one approved after being tested". This isn't a study bible, but merely an ESV that typically has short notes on the translation of a word or a limited number of scripture references. In my confusion and quest to find the answer, I forgot to simply continue reading. Paul describes what it means to be approved. Timothy is to be a worker who has no need to be ashamed. Near the beginning of this letter, Paul talks about being ashamed. Paul says to not be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord, nor of Paul, who was a prisoner. I am reminded of a John Piper sermon on Romans talking about being ashamed. He presented a number of different ways in which people may be ashamed of something. One example was that of a boy who brags about how fast he can run. Then, he sets up a race against a new boy in the neighbourhood for all to see and he loses. However, one approved has no need to be ashamed. Paul is not ashamed and refers to him who he has believed. We serve and boast in a Lord who will not let us down. There is nothing in him that we need to be ashamed about. The world may try to shame you because of the Lord, but there is no need. He will not let us down.