A Berean Mentality

​Main Idea: The pursuit of truth not only happens as a group, but also as an individual.
Acts 17.11b (CSB): ...and [they] examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

Devotional: ​I read through Acts a few summers ago in my quiet time. Each morning, I was on the edge of my seat as I read my Bible. At one point, I got so carried away with excitement that I began to yell aloud: “You tell ‘em, Paul! That’s what I’m talking about! Go get ‘em!” It was as though I was watching an LSU v. Alabama football game (Geaux Tigers!). I was caught up in the story of how God was working through Paul and others. I was thrilled to see how the Gospel continuously overcame all barriers. If you’ve not read through Acts, I encourage you to do so.
 
Today’s passage is interesting and reveals a great deal about our responsibility when we hear the Word of God preached and taught. Paul is on his second  missionary journey. Just on this trip, he planted a church, drove out a demonic spirit, was imprisoned (and released), traveled to Thessalonica, and did much more. He also met a group of people called the Bereans (from Berea). Both Paul and his friend Silas taught the people the truth of God’s Word. In fact, the Bereans “received the word with eagerness” (Acts 17.11a). Not only did the Bereans receive the word, they also went and found the answers for themselves (Acts 17.11b).
 
As we follow Jesus, we cannot let another person’s understanding, knowledge, and faith be our own. We must seek out the truth for ourselves. Anytime you hear a sermon preached, are you double checking what the Preacher said? When you hear the Bible taught on a Wednesday night, are you making sure that the Bible actually says what the Teacher is claiming?
 
Dear friend, be like the Bereans. Go, and search for the truth yourself. You’ll always be thankful you did.
 

For Reflection...
 
-Have you made it a point to search the truth out for yourself? Or, have you just taken it at face value?
 
-In the second paragraph of today’s devotion, I made some claims about Paul’s second missionary journey, but did not give you verse references. I encourage you to go find the verses for yourself. Here’s a hint: You can find them between Acts 15.36—Acts 18.22.
 

A Berean Mentality PDF