We live in a fast-paced world that values speed, convenience, and instant results. We want fast food, fast answers, and quick solutions. That same mindset can quietly shape how we approach the Bible. Instead of careful study, we settle for a verse of the day. Instead of doctrine, we look for something quick that works in the moment. But God never designed His Word to be consumed like fast food. He gave us an inspired, preserved book and calls us to handle it carefully, patiently, and reverently.
In 2 Timothy 2, Paul writes to a young pastor who is learning how to walk faithfully with God and lead others to do the same. While the immediate audience was Timothy, the instruction clearly extends beyond him. We already lean on verses from this same letter when we face fear, discouragement, or the temptation to quit. It would be inconsistent to claim those promises while ignoring the call found here. God’s Word applies to all believers, and this passage confronts not just how we study the Bible, but why we do it.
At the heart of this chapter is a simple but searching command: “Study to show thyself approved unto God.” That phrase forces us to examine our motivation. God is not merely interested in our actions. He is deeply concerned with the reason behind them. When it comes to Bible study, motivation matters more than we often realize.
1. We Do Not Study to Impress People
Paul does not say, “Study to show thyself approved unto men.” Our goal in studying Scripture is not to sound intelligent, win arguments, or build a reputation as someone who knows the Bible well. Those motivations may look spiritual on the surface, but they miss the mark entirely. It is possible to know Scripture and still be driven by pride.
Jesus addressed this issue directly in Matthew 6. He spoke of people who gave, prayed, and fasted, not to honor God, but to be seen by others. In each case, He said the same sobering words: they have their reward. The problem was not the activity. The problem was the motive. In the same way, Bible study done for human approval may earn admiration, but it does not earn God’s approval.
If our desire to study increases only when others are watching, then our motivation is already misplaced. God is not impressed by performance. He looks beyond what others see and examines the heart behind the effort.
2. We Do Not Study for Knowledge Alone
The Bible never discourages knowledge, but it strongly warns against pride. Scripture tells us that “knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth” (1 Corinthians 8:1). Knowledge by itself can inflate the ego without ever transforming the heart. It sharpens arguments, fills the mind, and wins debates, yet leaves the inner man untouched.
When knowledge becomes the goal, several dangers follow. Pride replaces humility, and God resists the proud while giving grace to the humble. Critical spirits replace compassion, and we begin measuring ourselves against others instead of examining our own walk with Christ. Worst of all, we may start thinking we are impressive while becoming less Christlike.
It is possible to be biblically informed and spiritually immature at the same time. God’s purpose in salvation is not merely to make us knowledgeable, but to conform us to the image of His Son. Bible study that does not lead to Christlikeness has missed its true purpose.
3. We Study to Please God
This brings us to the right motivation. We study to please God. The phrase “approved unto God” reminds us that the standard is not horizontal, but vertical. The crowd is not the measure. God Himself is. He sees what no one else sees. He knows the private disciplines, the hidden effort, and the heart behind the work.
The word “approved” carries the idea of inspection. Just as a meal is examined before it is accepted, God examines how we handle His truth. The question is not whether others are impressed with our Bible knowledge. The question is whether our study would pass God’s inspection.
Jesus set the example when He said, “For I do always those things that please him” (John 8:29). That same aim should guide us. Studying Scripture is not about looking spiritual or sounding impressive. It is an act of worship. It is a desire to know God so that we can obey Him, reflect Him, and bring Him glory.
This motivation will look different for each believer. God does not call everyone to study in the same way or to the same depth. But He does call all of us to approach His Word with a heart that longs to please Him. When that motivation is settled, faithfulness follows.
Reflection Question
When you open the Bible, who are you trying to please? Is your motivation shaped by the approval of others, or by a sincere desire to be approved unto God?
