“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).
Are you sure that’s right? Here’s a warning to my fellow Christian readers. If you are not already doing this, I strongly encourage and recommend you search the scriptures daily to see if the things you hear are so.
In my Christian life, I’ve erroneously repeated and taught the “opinions” of others as absolute and nonnegotiable Bible truth without searching the Holy Scriptures to see if it be so. No good will come from it.
Study the scriptures and expand your understanding. Put it in context. Avoid “Proof-texting” which is taking one verse or a part of a verse from the Bible and forming a teaching that is not accurate but supports your opinion. Here is an example often used against using proof-texting in order to form a particular doctrine.
A man dissatisfied with his life decided to consult the Bible for guidance. Closing his eyes, he flipped the book open and pointed to a spot on the page. Opening his eyes, he read the verse under his finger. It read, “Then Judas went away and hanged himself” (Matthew 27:5b) Closing his eyes again, the man randomly selected another verse. This one read, “Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.'” (Luke 10:37b)
Believe things that are “clear” in the Bible. And be very careful about developing your personal likes and dislikes into Biblical dogma. Always check out what you’ve heard against scripture without the predetermined attitude or bias of another teacher’s opinion. Avoid the mind-set it must be true because so-in-so said it. Learn “how” to think by going to the Holy Scriptures and stop being controlled by those who dare to tell you “what” to think. You’ve got a Bible and the indwelling Holy Spirit; go to it.
A minister after God’s on heart will encourage it and will allow you to be an individual who reads, thinks, and also hears from God. Let people be different. Our bond and our unity is Jesus Christ and His death for our sins, burial, and resurrection. A Christ-directed minister will not feel threatened or undermined simply because your understanding is different than theirs. None of us get it right all the time so you owe it to yourself and your family to receive the word with all readiness of mind, and search the scriptures daily, whether those things are so.