Study to show yourself approved
Paul tells Timothy that there's something required in a workman, and it’s not optional. It is a requirement of God. Look what he tells Timothy in 2 Timothy,
2Tim.2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
He said study to show thyself approved! This is a personal responsibility between an individual and God. It doesn't matter if you've got an ordination paper from whatever denominational church, and it doesn't matter if you've got a seven-year degree from a theological seminary or bible institute. This verse speaks of a personal, individual responsibility, between that man and God. He is showing himself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. Rightly dividing the word of truth is not something you do as a hobby or secondary activity. It is the very skill required to approve yourself unto God. When God's looking at a workman, and He is judging whether that workman is approved unto Him or not, the very skill He is looking for is whether that man rightly divides the word of truth.