TBC Notes

A Berean’s Modus Operandi

Being a Berean is a good thing, which is why Luke, in writing the Book of Acts, commended the Jews in the Greek city of Berea. He noted that they had listened to the Apostle Paul’s teachings about Jesus as their long-awaited Messiah, and then they searched the Old Testament prophecies to see what the true Messiah must fulfill.

Here at TBC, we encourage believers to do as the Bereans did with regard to what they are being taught (regardless of who’s teaching them!). “Give me chapter and verse” is the refrain that should be continually heard among believers. That is of critical importance, as these times in which we live reveal that many are turning away from sound doctrine (2 Timothy:4:3-4 [3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; [4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
See All...).

Another aspect of how we’re to go about ministering as Bereans involves our demeanor. “Bereans” can sometimes “minister,” all the while displaying characteristics that are a reproach to what they claim to stand for. We may, at times, reflect self-righteousness, hypocrisy, be mean-spirited, engage in hair splitting over doctrinal issues, and too often seem to be devoid of the love of Christ, a love that should be one of the first things that others notice.

Some verses that I believe should be memorized and practiced by every believer when they perceive that their brothers and sisters in Christ are believing or teaching false doctrines can be found in 2 Timothy:2:24-26 [24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, [25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; [26] And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
See All...: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 

I need to continually remind myself of the words “servant,” “not strive [not be strident],” “gentle,” “patient,” and “meekness.” In the cases where some of those things were not found in my ministering, I can assure you—I was not used of the Lord.

T. A. McMahon

Executive Director