Doctrine and Discernment (Part One): The Berean Way

Doctrine and Discernment (Part One): The Berean Way

As believers, we are all stewards of God’s Word. Whether we teach it from a pulpit, share it in a Bible study, sow seeds of truth in conversation, or simply speak it in passing, we minister the Word in one form or another. This stewardship is not optional—it is a divine responsibility. We are called to use the Word wisely, accurately, and purposefully, reconciling others to God through the truth of Scripture. But to do so faithfully, we must first ensure that our own understanding is sound. That means learning the Word, studying it diligently, and proving whether our doctrine aligns with God’s revealed truth. This is not just a noble pursuit—it is a necessary one. And for that, we have a powerful example in the Bereans.

The Bereans, described in Acts 17:11 as “more noble than those in Thessalonica,” were noble not because of status or intellect, but because of their spiritual posture. They received the Word “with all readiness of mind,” showing a humble eagerness to hear and consider what was taught. Yet they did not accept blindly—they “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” This was not casual or occasional; it was careful, consistent, truth-seeking study. They tested what they heard against the authority of Scripture, not emotion, tradition, or personality. That is what made them noble—and that is what we must emulate.

To be Berean today is to adopt a default attitude of reverent study and spiritual stewardship. God’s Word is not merely information—it is Spirit and life (John 6:63). It deserves our time, our attention, and our respect. We are not dealing with ideas—we are handling divine truth. And because false doctrine abounds, and misunderstanding is easy, we must be intentional. The Berean way must become our way: to receive the Word with readiness, to search it daily, and to validate all things by Scripture. This is not optional for spiritual maturity—it is essential. It is how we honour God, protect ourselves, and minister truth to others.

Salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth

Salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth

2Thess.2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Salvation is more than just God forgiving you your sins. Don't get me wrong. Forgiveness of sins is the first step in our salvation, but it's not only that. The salvation that Paul is referring to in the verse above, is more than just forgiveness of sins. There appears to be more information here than what many believers actually know about. What does it mean that it comes through sanctification of the Spirit.

People still remain confused or very negligent about this. Paul said in Ephesians, “Be ye filled with the Spirit.” Look at that statement carefully. That is your command and your responsibility, not God’s. God has already given us His Spirit. In 1Thess.4:8, Paul writes, “Who hath also given unto us His Holy Spirit.” God has already given us His Spirit and tells us to be filled with the Spirit. This means that we need to act upon it. OK. But how? By getting into the written Word. The Word of God is Spirit and life, Jn.6:63. If we want to get the Spirit into us and be filled with it, we must partake of the Word of God. Unfortunately, this is not a priority for many. People don’t want to gather where the Bible is being taught. They don’t want to gather where doctrine is being presented. They don’t want to read their Bible at home, and then they wonder why they 'feel' so far from God, and they pray, “God, fill me with Your Spirit.” But it does not work that way! Our doctrine tells us how to be filled with the Spirit, and it's not at the church alter, nor by the laying on of hands, nor by various activities that make us feel good. The only place to find the Spirit and get filled by it is in the written Word.