By contrast with the Thessalonians, the Berean Jews were willing to be open minded and inquisitive. They received Paul’s message with enthusiasm, but not with foolish credulity. They “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true”. As a result, their faith wasn’t just based on Paul’s argument, but upon the testimony of God in Scripture. In this they stand as an example for us all. It is incumbent upon every Christian to build for themselves a solid understanding of their faith, based, not in what they have heard from others, but directly in Scripture. You are a Christian because you believe certain things, for example, about the person and work of Christ. But can you substantiate these beliefs from Scripture? If not, then your faith is based on secondhand sources. Every Christian must build their own faith on the foundation of Scripture. We must not do this in isolation from the Christian tradition. The Bible itself does not advocate an individualistic approach to discipleship where we decide for ourselves what is true. No, we are each accountable to the whole communion of God’s people, particularly to the great teachers of the past and present, who are given to guide and help us (Ephesians 4:11-13). There is so much convincing but erroneous teaching getting around and too many gullible Christians fall prey to it because they lack a strong theological foundation. Most importantly, however, by acquiring a solid understanding of our faith, we will thereby be equipped to disciple others.
Ask God to increase your discernment. Speak to a Christian leader about how you can deepen your theological knowledge.
Read Acts 17:10-15
