Examine The Scriptures

“The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” Acts 17:10-11 (NASB)
The Bereans did not simply read the Scriptures. They examined (examined thoroughly without prejudgment)–and they examined daily. It is one thing to read the Scriptures, it is altogether another thing to examine the Scriptures, to dig deep into the Word of God and pray for the Holy Spirit to give light and understanding. Proverbs 2:1-5 recommends: “My son, if you will receive My words and treasure My commandments within you, make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God.”
The Bereans examined the Scriptures–not for the sake of material for argument, but “to see whether these things were so.” Were Paul and Silas preaching the truth? Was their teaching in accord with Old Testament prophecies? If so, they would receive it. If not, they would reject it. This is the wise thing for believers to do today. We should compare preaching we hear from the pulpit with what God’s Word has to say. Doctrine should be examined in the light of Scripture.
John admonished in his second epistle: “For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting.” 2 John 7, 8, 10 (NASB)