“They received the Word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." (v.11)
Today's text tells us that the Bereans were students of the WORD who studied scriptures to verify the truth. "They received the Word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." In other words, the Bereans didn't simply believe what someone else was telling them. They also verified it on their own-on a daily basis.
That's important for us to consider as well. Whether we receive our Bible teaching through church, Sunday school, radio, or TV-we need to test what we hear against God's inspired Word (2 Tim.3:16-17). We are to "be diligent to present [ourselves] approved to God, rightly dividing the Word of truth" (2:15). If we do this, we won't become prey to those who teach "a different gospel," and those who "want to pervert the gospel of Christ" (Gal. 1:6-7), false teachers who come as wolves in sheep's clothing (Matt. 7:15).
This simple principle can be used in any situation in life. Remember, knowing what's true, is the first step in knowing what's false. Search and investigate the truth. Do not be fooled by sound bites or words that sound correct. Search and verify for truth, in both scripture and life.
The Truth: "Examine everything carefully, hold fast to that which is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
