God’s Aristocracy of Faith! ( Acts 17:10-15)                                                              2009.06.28        Dr. George Fox

It is common to have a cavalier attitude toward Scripture.  Even Christians may only consult the Bible during times of distress to find a comforting catchphrase – and basically, to disregard Scripture as daily power.  In a survey that asked, “What is the most influential book in history?” the overwhelming result (79.8% of those surveyed) indicated it is the Bible.  Despite its importance, too many households open it once (or less) a week.  We are raising a generation of “Bible illiterates.”  Devout, evangelical Christians are unable to name all ten commandments or all twelve disciples.  If given an exam about biblical truth, would you flunk?

There are seven fundamental principles of sound Bible Study in Acts 17:11 “(The Bereans) were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” 

The Greek word used to describe the Bereans means, “of very high caliber,” “good and fair-minded.”  They had a very high view of Scripture.  What is your attitude toward the Bible?  If you are “poked,” do you “bleed Bible”?  (In a situation where you are agitated, such as when someone cuts you off on the freeway, how do you respond?  Do you honk and mutter an obscenity?  Or do you respond with love and grace?)

1. Search the Scripture Daily:  We eat daily, sleep daily, go to school daily.  Some even twitter daily.  The point is… whatever you deem important, you do daily.  Manna was provided daily and there was the strict prohibition from gathering and saving manna for the next day.  Nourishment happens daily.

2. Search the Scripture Directly: The Bereans studied the Scriptures themselves – they did not rely on what their “favorite preacher” says.  Scripture provides clear answers.

3. Search the Scripture Diligently: The Greek word translated as “searched” is a very strong word meaning examine, scrutinize, investigate, a minutely careful examination.

4. Search the Scripture Deeply: The Bereans set an example of looking through the Scripture by comparing one thing to another.  We are to work down to the meaning of a word, to read parallel passages, to dig to find something valuable.  The Bible is simple, but so deep that you cannot plumb its depths.

5. Search the Scripture Devotedly: The phrase translated as “received the word” is a Greek word that means to take hold, embrace, welcome, to receive favorably, eagerly, enthusiastically.  They reveled in Scripture; they LOVED it.  Do you love the Word?

6. Search the Scripture Dispassionately: We read that the Bereans examined the Scriptures to find out “whether these things were true.”  Remember, it was Paul himself who presented the truth to the Bereans, and they checked even him!  We must examine against the source, because all are fallible.

7. Search the Scripture Decisively: Studying Scripture is not just a means to increase knowledge.  There has to be an effect, acceptance, and action based on the truth.  For the Bereans, Acts 17:12 verse says that “Therefore, many believed.”

Here is an anonymous tribute to Scripture by someone who certainly had a high view of the Word:

This Book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers.  Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true and its decisions are immutable.  Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe and practice it to be holy.  It contains light to direct you, food to sustain you and comfort to cheer you.  It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier’s sword and the Christian's charter.  Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened and the gates of Hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good is its design and the glory of God is its end.  It should fill the memory, rule the heart and guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully.  It is a mine of wealth, paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.  It is given you in life, will be opened in judgment and will be remembered forever.  It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor and condemns all who trifle with its holy content.

Will you be noble-minded?  Search the Scriptures daily whether these things are so. Treasure the Word.