Examine, Study, and Search

they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11

… They examined the scriptures...

As I think about this verse,

I am challenged.

Challenged to do more than passively listen to a chapter of the Bible on audio,

or quickly skim a section.

Don’t misunderstand me,

I often do these things as well,

but if I really want to know what God says about a subject

it requires more than just a few minutes in the morning or at night.

It requires study, searching, and examining the scriptures regularly.

It requires time.

It is active.

But when we genuinely want our father’s heart on a matter,

it will be worth it to us.

We will want to spend that time studying God’s word.

Can we honestly expect God to speak, if we never search the scriptures?

Do we miss what God wants to tell us because we aren’t studying the word of God?

When we are given counsel, do we compare it with God’s word?

When a pastor or teacher speaks,

do we check to see if they are accurate,

or do we blindly follow any teaching?

If we read something "spiritual" on social media,

do we compare it with scriptures or other scriptures?

If we have an area in which we want Gods’ mind

then search the scriptures, do a topical study,

compare all the verses, look for context.

You may find that God has already spoken

and you need only to apply what he had said.

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