Thought to consider...

“Study to shew yourself approved to God a worker who does not need to be ashamed (abashed or confused by guilt or a conviction of some criminal action or indecorous conduct, or by the exposure of some gross errors or misconduct, which the person is conscious must be wrong, and which tends to impair his honor or reputation), rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Paul instructed Timothy to study (be diligent to present yourself) to shew (stand beside, substantiate) himself approved a workman (laborer, toiler, teacher) that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing (dissect, expound, correctly the divine message) the word of truth.

Keep in mind that Paul was in prison when he wrote this exhortation to Timothy. There wasn't a bible for Timothy to study. However Timothy could follow the example of Paul’s life and the lives of his faithful mother and grandmother. He had received the divine message, the gospel of Jesus Christ and was born again. Timothy was told to expound (defend with argument) correctly (to change something so it is right, true, and proper) the divine message.

Therefore, I have these questions for you. What is the divine message that you received? Has the divine message remained the same or do you need to rightly divide the word of truth?

Remember that all the working out is within ourselves. Therefore studying that we would not be ashamed, where our honor and reputation is tarnished by our gross error and misconduct NOT that we must prove ourselves to God. For God knows all.