SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”- Acts 17:11
I want you to notice the words “those things.” In this case it refers to the things pertaining to what Paul preached concerning Christ. There could not be a more serious subject than this. Nor could there be a better place to look for answers than the scriptures. They did not depend on their own reasoning popular opinion, or the advice of others. They went straight to the only reliable source for confirmation of what they heard. And in this we find a great example for all of us.
Life is confusing and there are many voices clamoring for our attention and drawing us in different directions. To make intelligent choices we need a reliable resource that we can consult with confidence. Our best guess isn’t good enough. Only “the scriptures” will suffice.
This means that sometimes we will have to turn a deaf ear to people we love. And quite often it demands that we be humble enough to admit that we’ve been wrong. We are each responsible for protecting ourselves from error. And that’s exactly what the Bereans did. Rather than assume what they heard was right they daily searched the scripture to confirm what they had heard.
It can be difficult admitting that our beliefs are wrong, which is why some folks never make an effort to find out whether they are right or wrong. They are content with their beliefs and don’t want to be challenged. If pressed they look for everything possible to justify their beliefs and get defensive of their position. They do this even though deep down they have to admit that they don’t really know whether they are right or wrong. They just hope all will end well, or live in despair.
There is great peace in being assured that our beliefs are true; Why would you be content with uncertainty about the most important issues of life? God has given us the answers to the most important questions in life. Be a Berean and search the scriptures.–HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
