Post by Zac Loh on May 28, 2010 2:29:59 GMT -5
Fair-Minded
Acts 17:10-12
Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These 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. Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. (Acts 17:10-12; underline mine)
The Bereans here were known for being fair-minded. An essential ingredient in studying the Bible is the quality of being fair-minded. We habitually profess to follow the Holy Spirit. We ought to catch ourselves. God knows the degree we are influenced by human nature. Quite frequently, the factor of human nature shaded the perception. Its influence is hidden and subtle.
One can freely assume that the Holy Spirit is in total control of our Bible reading. But what is the real percentage? How much of it is colored by the Holy Spirit? And how much of it is shaded by our own background, experiences, education and inclination? Faith is not all the time dogmatic.
Therefore, it is a good advice to emulate the Bereans who received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures. The outcome was, many of them believed.
One can hardly discuss scriptures with an overly dogmatic person. We are ignorant when we think we know everything by the attitude we carry. Can’t we improve our understanding? Are we perfect yet? Are we there already?
The whole world is moving forward with better understanding of science and technology. What we know yesterday should not keep us from learning more, today. I am quite definite that our understanding of truths will improve, our thinking and theology will improve - as we get nearer and nearer to the return of the Bridegroom who is coming for a fully matured bride adorned with truths. We are not there; we have to keep-on moving forward improving all the way.
Being fair-minded will overrule prejudice and bias. We all have the same reference; we all agree it is the Bible. Being fair-minded will open-up discussion. We will not be hampered by fear and insecurity. We are strong, our faith cannot be shaken. Let’s open-up and talk about “truths” which divide us.
Yes, we can overcome.
Acts 17:10-12
Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These 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. Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. (Acts 17:10-12; underline mine)
The Bereans here were known for being fair-minded. An essential ingredient in studying the Bible is the quality of being fair-minded. We habitually profess to follow the Holy Spirit. We ought to catch ourselves. God knows the degree we are influenced by human nature. Quite frequently, the factor of human nature shaded the perception. Its influence is hidden and subtle.
One can freely assume that the Holy Spirit is in total control of our Bible reading. But what is the real percentage? How much of it is colored by the Holy Spirit? And how much of it is shaded by our own background, experiences, education and inclination? Faith is not all the time dogmatic.
Therefore, it is a good advice to emulate the Bereans who received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures. The outcome was, many of them believed.
One can hardly discuss scriptures with an overly dogmatic person. We are ignorant when we think we know everything by the attitude we carry. Can’t we improve our understanding? Are we perfect yet? Are we there already?
The whole world is moving forward with better understanding of science and technology. What we know yesterday should not keep us from learning more, today. I am quite definite that our understanding of truths will improve, our thinking and theology will improve - as we get nearer and nearer to the return of the Bridegroom who is coming for a fully matured bride adorned with truths. We are not there; we have to keep-on moving forward improving all the way.
Being fair-minded will overrule prejudice and bias. We all have the same reference; we all agree it is the Bible. Being fair-minded will open-up discussion. We will not be hampered by fear and insecurity. We are strong, our faith cannot be shaken. Let’s open-up and talk about “truths” which divide us.
Yes, we can overcome.