June 13, 2021

The Students

Acts 17:10-15

Note: vs. 3

• Explaining and proving
  • Jesus had to suffer and rise from the dead
  • The resurrection is the truth that all of Christianity is based upon
    • No resurrection, no Christianity
  • Jesus is the Christ
    • Paul taught all of this from the O.T.

Note: vs. 4

The gospel is offensive to the human heart.

• Sin hates righteousness
• The human nature hates the spiritual nature
• Evil hates holiness
• Without Christ, we are enemies of God
  • Romans 5:10 NLT

Note: vs. 10 (also note: 1 Thess. 2:17-3:13)

Note: vs. 11

1. Bereans were of more noble character

• To be open-minded
• Inclination to learn
• A readiness of the mind

An opened mind can lead to an opened heart.

1. They searched the scriptures eagerly

• They didn’t just believe everything Paul and Silas told them
  • They scrutinized
  • To investigate
  • To asked questions
  • They discerned the truth
  • They judged right teaching from wrong
  • They search for the truth

A true student of the scriptures never takes the word of another.

• They search, examine, ask questions, and discern the truth

James 3:1 NIV

Don’t ever turn over your mind and heart to some human being.

• Don’t make them your source of truth
• Make God’s word that source

Knowing God is one reason that we exist.

• It is our honor, privilege, and yes, our duty and responsibility to study the Bible
  • Within its pages are the answers to lives questions
  • It is our source of strength
  • It is the power whereby we can live

Mankind is lost without God’s word.

Note: Psa. 119:105 NIV

1. Daily they were studying the teachings of Paul and Silas

So much can be said for being influenced by God and his word on a daily basis.

• Reading (individual or a reading plan)
• Listening (podcast, etc.)
• Watching (Biblically based teachers)

Either way, make it a daily habit to have your mind and heart challenged by God and his word.

• Don’t be afraid of not know the Bible

Search it for truth.

• Examine it with a clear heart and mind
• Ask the Holy Spirit to give you insights and wisdom
  • John 14:26-27 NIV
• Don’t let fear drive your mind
• Don’t let the unknown steal your hope

The Holy Spirit was given to us so that we might know the teachings of Christ.

• He taught truth
• He showed us the Father
• He gave us a life of understanding

Three take a ways:

1. Have your heart and mind opened to the truth of God and his word
2. Study the Bible!!

• Search its truths
• Find the treasures within the scriptures

1. Make it a daily habit of letting God’s word affect your life