Since we know that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is insight (Proverbs 10:9), how are we as God's men to proceed in building on that knowledge? How can we discern godly truth from worldly lies? How can we be sure that the things we've heard presented as Biblical truth are really part of God's revealed will?
Acts 17:11 provides us with a practical and time-honored method. Upon arriving in the Jewish synagogue in Berea, Paul and Silas found a body of believers who eagerly received the preaching of the Word, but it didn't stop there. This passage tells us that they searched the Scriptures to see if what was being preached was actually true in accordance with God's Word. As a result of their effort to study and examine, Luke records that the Bereans were more noble than their counterparts in Thessalonica, who likely weren't as diligent in reading Scripture.
Many sayings that have been incorrectly linked to the Bible, (i.e. "God helps those who help themselves") can be refuted by following the Berean example. Luke encourages searching the Scriptures as a pattern for all believers to follow; knowing that God's Word can be rightly understood as doctrine. By claiming the promises of James 1:5, Proverbs 2:6 and Romans 11:33, we can enjoy the richness of wisdom in understanding God's Word. Eager and diligent searching of the Scriptures with dependence on God for help is all that is required.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment