As a Diligent Workman

We are continuing our series on refreshing and stirring up the gift of God in our lives. Last week we focused on a familiar verse—I know whom I have believed and convinced that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed. Assurance in God’s calling and work in us, gives us fresh confidence to live for Him.  Today we focus on 2:15, Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.  The second gift God has given us to kindle afresh our spiritual energy is work.  Work?!  It is easy to see how a firm assurance can boost our spiritual vigor, but how can work actually sharpen and stimulate us spiritually?  The truth is,  Effort is invigorating.  Yes, work can be tiresome toil, but it can also be delight—delight in being what we were created to do.  God created us for work.  There is joy in serving, in fulfilling God’s purposes for our lives.  Paul is writing Timothy to remind him, not only of the confident assurance in Christ that upholds him, but also of the God-honoring and empowering work God has given him.  Now he exhorts, “be diligent to present yourself to God as a workman.”  As we examine our own lives, attempting to kindle afresh the gift of God in us, how can we express our diligence in serving God?  In today's sermon Pastor Paul talks about five characteristics of the diligent workman.