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Scott Eversole
"Now these 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)
Anytime one of the inspired writers of the Bible notes a particular person or group of people as being, "more noble minded," we do well to stop and take notice. The Bereans are credited with the ability to receive the word and examine it with eagerness. What can we learn from the Bereans that can make us better hearers and ultimately better doers of God's Word?
The first thing is that they were concerned with what the Scriptures said about these things, they judged what they heard by the text. This might seem like a given, but in any society there are pressures that come to bear on a person calling them to decide in a certain way.
Jesus was acutely aware of how social factors come in conflict with God's Word. In Mark 7:13, Jesus warns the Pharisees that their traditions invalidate the Word of God. I am sure that this struck the Pharisees in an odd way since they had intended that their traditions would help them be holier and more righteous. The Pharisees had a very complex and well-documented system of
traditions. However, traditions, or societal norms, or political ideologies don't have to be well-documented to have a powerful influence in our lives.
When we listen to a sermon we must be sure we evaluate what the speaker says in light of God's Word, not in light of our predispositions. Society may tell us that homosexuality is just an "alternative lifestyle," but that doesn't make it so. The Supreme Court may tell us that abortion is about a woman's right to privacy, but that doesn't make it so. Public opinion may tell us that it is
alright for the President to commit adultery with his intern as long as the economy is doing well, but that doesn't make it so. The will of God has not changed and it will not. When you hear the word of God preached, don't ask yourself if that's what USA Today said, ask yourself is that what God said.
The second thing ts that the Bereans received it with "great eagerness." Would you describe your attitude the last time you sat down to hear the Word preached as "with great eagerness"? So what is it that made these people different?
It is difficult to tell what makes one person different from another. Perhaps, sometimes we forget who is serving whom. As you drive around town you will notice many different "churches" and everyone seems to be offering something different. One offers child care, another a softball team, another a great singles program. How does one decide? The first thing to do is to realize that the church is not in the business of being a social organization. The church is in the business of saving souls. The second thing you need to do is realize that the Christian is not in the business of being served, but rather in the business of serving God.
The night before He was crucified Jesus prayed that He would not have to endure the cross. He ended His prayer with these words, "not my will, but Thine be done." In this sacrifice we come to see God's great love for us. We also come to see that love means putting someone else before yourself. When we come to understand that sacrifice, we want to serve, to put God ahead of ourselves, and to hear His word proclaimed. Ultimately, we want the salvation that He promised us. Every time we hear His Word we see just a little more of that eternal goal.
Finally, we note about the Bereans that they didn't just hear, but they "examined the scriptures." They weren't interested in knowing what the philosopher in Athens had to say. As far that's concerned, they didn't care what any man said if it was not in accordance with the Word.
As Paul says his farewell to the elders of Ephesus he warns them to be on guard, for "savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;" (Acts 20:29). False teachers were and are a fact of life. Paul wanted them and us to be aware and careful.
"Now these were more noble minded . . ." that's not a bad epitaph, now is it? Perhaps if we can follow their example some day we will share it with them in heaven.
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