We want to take people at their word, but when it comes to God’s Word, it’s best to look it up. Lots of folks have lots to say about Jesus. Some are right. Some are wrong. Some misguide by ignorance; some malign on purpose—and the only way to know who’s speaking truth is to see for yourself.
In the Greek city of Thessalonica, some residents accepted what the Apostle Paul said at face value while others rejected it on the spot, but up the road in Berea, those who listened looked it up. “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true”(Acts 17:11). What Paul said sounded good, but the Bereans wanted to make sure it was God. They received Paul’s message with enthusiasm and then checked the Bible each day to confirm his teaching with God’s truth.
When a preacher, priest, or pal talks who God is and what the Bible says, verify their words with God’s. Modern technology puts Bible dictionaries and concordances at your fingertips—literally. You can quickly search keywords, phrases, and topics for exact references. When someone quotes a verse, look it up and consider its interpretation in the context of the situation and the whole of Scripture. If a person is offended or upset because you are seeking to validate what they said God said, he or she is someone you shouldn’t listen to when it comes to such things. An honest teacher of God’s truth is thrilled when those who hear go straight to the Source and look it up. In Scripture, God has revealed Who He is, what He desires, and what is to come. Of all people, His people should be people of the Book.
Don’t take my word for it.
Take His.
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