1. Being Fair-Minded like a Berean Lessons From Acts

2. Fair Minded like a Berean Ac 17:11-12 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. They received the word With all readiness Searched the Scriptures daily Whether these things were so Therefore many believed They received the word With all readiness Searched the Scriptures daily Whether these things were so Therefore many believed

3. They Received the Word God does not require blind faith Romans 10:1-3, 14, 17 – Faith Comes By Hearing Matthew 13 (The Sower); Acts 2:41; Acts 8:6, 14 They did not reject and spurn it, as unworthy of examination – 1Th 2:13 ¶ For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

4. With All Readiness (Heart) Ps 119:2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart! Ps 119:10 ¶ With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Ps 119:11 ¶ Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You! Ps 119:99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation.

5. With All Readiness (Heart) Ps 119:103 How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Ps 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. 1Pe 2:1-3 … as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

6. Searched the Scriptures (God does not require blind faith) John 5:39–40 We must study for what is there and now what we want to be there 2Ti 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. The apostles always affirmed that the doctrines were in accordance with the Jewish Scriptures. Acts 2:16; Acts 3:22 … Acts 20:27 The Bereans made diligent and earnest inquiry in seeking the truth.

7. Whether Those Things Were So Whether the doctrines stated by Paul and Silas were in accordance with the Scriptures. – This might offend many today Can I give Book/Chapter/Verse for what I do? A preacher should expect/request to be examined – Their doctrines are of no value unless they are in accord with the Bible (Romans 10:3)

8. Whether Those Things Were So Is there anything of little value that should be left out of the examination? – Big Issues vs. Little Issues Is the desire to be right with God – I don’t see the concern about being right in the sight of men Compare Acts 15

9. They Did it Daily Constant searching of the Scriptures is the best way to avoid error – Eph 4:14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, – 2Ti 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. – Read 2Ti 3:14-17

10. Therefore Many Believed They gave it a fair hearing God does not require blind faith After careful examination they believed Is this not what God desires today?