"The Danger of False Teaching: A Call for Discernment" (Acts 17:10-11)

For every Christ follower, this passage sets a precedent! This passage establishes an action that's regarded as an example to be followed in subsequent similar circumstances! In other words, it's something that every Christ follower should do. What is the precedent? Let's examine the passage for our answer. It reads, "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). The word "these" is speaking about the Jewish Christ followers of Berea (verse 10). Luke informs us that the Christ followers of Berea were "more noble-minded." The phrase "noble-minded" is defined as "honorable, admirable, and sincere." What was it that made these Christ followers noble-minded? These were Jews who loved God's Word! These were Jews who sought to live according to God's Word! How do we know this? Luke tells us "for they received the word with great eagerness." When apostle Paul visited with them, teaching them from the Scriptures, they received it with great eagerness! However, they did not look to Paul to do their thinking for them. They understood themselves to be personally accountable to examine and make a search of Paul's teaching from the Scriptures! They did this to see if Paul's teaching was consistent with biblical revelation! This action is found in the phrase "examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." The word "examine" means "To investigate thoroughly!" This passage shows that Christ followers are to be discerning about what we're hearing. This passage shows that Christ followers are capable of discerning what God says in His Word, apart from someone doing their thinking for them! Ask questions about what you're being taught! These Christ followers were people of God's Word, who eagerly received only that which was consistent with God's Word, once they made careful search and confirmed it from God's Word for themselves! False doctrine contradicts what God says in His Word. Paul connects it to "deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons" (1 Timothy 4:1). The phrase "doctrines of demons" is not teaching about demons, but false teaching that originates from them! The effects of false teaching are devastating and destructive! Let's be like the Berean Christ followers! Your move. Be encouraged!