Develop the Berean spirit (R) (13/7/2023)
Acts:17.11 "Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." - NIV
We live in a period of time characterized by much counterfeit and deception. It’s the time Jesus said evil will abound and the love of many will grow cold. People now call good evil, and evil good. Sin has been so trivialized, and holiness and righteousness, to many, is becoming a thing of the past.
Alternative religious beliefs which suit the interests of the time are fast taking shape, seeking to edge out God. It’s that time when many people’s ears itch to hear what they want, not what they need to hear. And many false teachers are riding on such to win followers to themselves. Amidst all these, serious seekers of God are given a way out to find truth for themselves.
The Bereans are commended in the scripture above for not only eagerly recieving the message, but taking time to examine the scriptures for themselves daily. They did this to prove whether what Paul said was true or not. Neither did Paul object to that. With the great teachings, eloquence of speech accompanied by the miracles performed, they still went back to confirm this truth. The Thessalonians took in whatever Paul said without question. The Bereans went an extra mile to confirm. And they were commended.
Friends, this is what we all ought to be doing daily to be safe from falsehoods so common in our day. Get to the word of God for yourself. Whatever we recieve from anyone, regardless of title, position or whatever credentials they hold, must be examined against the eternal truth of God’s word. Go beyond the miracles or other signs you see. Many have fallen and continue to fall victims of error because they don’t labour to examine what they hear with God’s word! Yet not everyone preaching is from God or teaching the whole truth. You must, of necessity, be a good student and rooted in the word.
2 Corinthians:11.14-15 "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve."
Shalom children of God.