THE NOBLE CHARACTER

STUDYING GOD'S WORD 

"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 

The above is a description of the people of Berea in the book of Acts. In my mind's eye, I can see the Bereans seriously taking notes of whatever Paul and Silas taught them, most probably oblivious of their surroundings, save the teachings they were keenly listening to. I imagine that upon reaching home, the people of Berea went right away to their desks, presumably piled with books and scrolls on the Law. They eagerly perused its pages to ascertain the truth in the teachings they had received from Paul and Silas. They made references as they read, cross checked every little detail if it were in line with God's Word. What a meticulous way to seek God! The Bereans wanted to know God for themselves, and basically were a perfect description of what the Psalmist described in Psalm 119: 15-16 -" I will meditate on your precepts, and contemplate your ways. I will delight myself in your statutes. I will not forget your word." 

The Bereans , I believe were careful about the things of God, and took practical steps to build a relationship with Him. They did not totally depend on a man's words, but instead searched for God's. This earned them the title of being noble. In contrast to the character of the Bereans is that of a Prophet in the Book Of 1Kings 13, verses 1 to 29. This Prophet actually heard clearly from God an instruction not to eat anything whilst on a Godly errand, and also to use a different route when returning from his errand. However, an old Prophet managed to dissuade this true Prophet of God from obeying God to the letter. Unfortunately, the true Prophet fell for the lies offered him by the Old Prophet, and died as a result. Even though he was a true sheep following the Shepherd, he was unable to identify a wolf in sheep's clothing who beckoned him to a path only used by wolves, and alas, he was devoured!

As Christians, we must ensure to study to show ourselves approved of God, good servants rightly dividing the Word of truth. We have an obligation to listen for the Shepherd's voice, as He has cautioned us that 'His sheep hear His voice and follow.' We cannot throw caution to the wind and follow every line of doctrine, or be gullible to swallow every teaching that we hear. Behold there are many false teachings and preachings going on. Many wolves in sheep clothing have woven their way into the flock of God. We must henceforth stay alert by studying God's Word, praying and by deliberately building a relationship with the Holy Spirit. For Jesus said the Holy Spirit will be our teacher, and guide us into all truth.(John 14:26 and John 16:13) Like Paul, we must be able to confidently say -'I know whom I have believed in.' 2timothy 1:12. And like Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego in the Book of Daniel, we must know what God requires from us, and stick to doing just that. 

When Satan tempted Jesus Christ, the devil cunningly and wrongly used scriptures, attempting to sway Jesus from God His Father. However, Jesus knew the scriptures and identified the flaws in the devil's declarations. He therefore did not fall prey to the devil's temptation. Likewise, we must open our eyes and ears to God's Word, and glow in noble clothings.