How to Be Noble Minded

"[The Bereans] were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11).

On his second missionary journey, Paul, accompanied by Silas, preached the gospel of Jesus Christ in the city of Thessalonica. They weren't there long before the gospel took root and many turned from their idolatry to serve the true and living God (1 Thess. 1:9). In 1 Thessalonians 2:13 Paul says, "We also constantly thank God that when you received from us the word of God's message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God." Their open response to God's Word made them an example to all the believers in that area (1 Thess. 1:7).

But as exemplary as the Thessalonians were, their fellow believers in Berea were even more so. God called them "noble- minded" (Acts 17:11). They were eager to hear what Paul and Silas had to say, but tested it against God's prior revelation in the Old Testament before receiving it as a message from God. They had learned to examine everything carefully and hold fast to the truth (1 Thess. 5:21).

The church today, however, has an appalling lack of that kind of discernment. Many believers are duped by novel teachings and outright heresies. They're "tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine" (Eph. 4:14). We desperately need a new breed of Bereans who will raise high the banner of sound doctrine and never compromise it.

With that goal in mind, our studies this month will focus on the character and benefits of God's Word. You'll learn that it's the source of spiritual growth, spiritual service, blessing, victory, truth, and knowledge. You'll see its infallibility, inerrancy, authority, inspiration, and sufficiency.

I pray that by this month's end, your commitment to learning and applying biblical truth will be stronger than ever, and you will indeed be a modern-day, noble-minded Berean.

Why did Paul and his companions leave Thessalonica and Berea? What do Paul's experiences tell you about what you might expect as you share Christ with others?

As usual, a very good WORD.

Early in my ministry training one of the best things I was ever taught that has remained with me all my life is do not accept anything any servant of God says - EVEN IF IT IS PAUL (or John MacArthur) - without verifying it yourself in scripture.

98% of what most Christians believe came from a preacher, teacher, book, video - and is thus 2nd hand. Now while truth is truth regardless of its source, only milk and meat directly from scripture, through the Holy Spirit, to your spirit (through your mind) actually feed you, build your walk and relationship with the Lord.

Most Christians eat baby food - food digested by others first - when we all need to feed on the meat of the word daily.

And I might add one other pertinent truth: all truth, in scripture, only comes to you by REVELATION given by the Holy Spirit. Your mind cannot grasp spiritual truth. Paul knew scripture intimately before he was saved, but as he repeatedly tells us, it was only by REVELATION that he saw Christ in all he had known all his life. Ephesians 1:15ff

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.