Author : Keith Sharp
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few (Acts 17:10-12).
A few years ago, when I asked a preacher to study our differences, he roared, “No I won’t study with you!” Just recently, a man with a reputation as a good person with excellent Bible knowledge, after studying with me twice, informed me he would not study with me any more. If I had been hateful or belligerent or refused to consider what the other person said, this would be understandable. But those who have studied with me have not made any such accusations. Why should they – and you – study with me?
Importance of Bible Study
The only way to be saved is by learning the Word of God. Hearing and learning the truth is the means by which God draws us to Christ that we might be saved (John 6:44-45). The Gospel is the power of God to save (Romans 1:16). The Word is the means God employs to save Christians as well as sinners of the world (James 1:21). The knowledge of God gives us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:2-4).
The inspired Scriptures equip us to be everything God wants us to be and enable us to do all He requires us to do (2 Timothy 3:16-17). They make us perfect, complete in Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16).
Thus, you should, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2).
Are You Sure You’re Right?
You can be sure that you know all the truth necessary to salvation.
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God (1 John 5:13).
This assurance of our salvation is based on the confidence we know and are doing His will (1 John 2:3-6). It is not based on an inward feeling of peace. Saul of Tarsus had a good conscience throughout his life (Acts 23:1). Nonetheless, he was the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15).
What a Willingness to Study Demonstrates
Willingness to hear what others have to say about the Scriptures while comparing it with the Scriptures demonstrates nobility (Acts 17:11), in other words, “an honest and good heart,” (Luke 8:15). That being so, what does unwillingness to study with others show?
Furthermore, it shows we love those with whom we disagree. If I believe I am right about the divine requirements for salvation, and every honest person who has studied the Scriptures does, then I believe those who disagree are in danger of being lost. If I love them, I will seek to study with them (Matthew 9:36-38). No one will have to pressure me to do so.
Furthermore, it demonstrates that I honestly believe I have the truth. The Jewish leaders refused to continue studying with Jesus because they could not answer Him but were dishonest and would not give up their error (Matthew 22:46; John 8:44-45). They appeared to men to be righteous but were in reality dishonest hypocrites (Matthew 23:28).
Approved Examples
I find it remarkable that people who claim to be disciples of Christ refuse to study the Bible with me. Jesus not only taught everyone who would listen to Him (Matthew 4:23), He willingly engaged in exchanges with dishonest, religious leaders who taught damnable error and exposed their errors (Matthew 22:15-45). The Master is our perfect example (Luke 6:40). If you think I am a false teacher, then expose my error to my face. If you are not up to the task, get a religious leader you think can do the job to help. I’ll be happy to study with both of you.
The approved examples of the apostles of Christ are also our standard (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 4:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7,9). They went about seeking opportunities to teach the Word of God to common people (Acts 5:42; 17:16-17), and to study with deceived religious leaders (Acts 5:26-32; 17:17), including false teachers within the church (Acts 15:1-2, 5-21).
Excuses Not to Study
In fairness to them, some who have refused to study with me have given a reason. The preacher who bellowed, “No I won’t study with you!” accused me of having a bad attitude. I don’t know how he could have known this, since we had barely met and had never studied together. Who gave him the right to judge my heart? (Matthew 7:1) And if he was right, why didn’t he expose my false teaching to the people before my face, as Jesus and the apostles would have done?
One just said, “Keith’s a false teacher.” If so, show me where I’m wrong, so both those who listen to me and I can be saved (Matthew 15:14). Do you have no love for our souls?
Another said, “Keith thinks he knows everything.” I’ve never stated or implied any such thing. I know I can be mistaken. I neither claim to be inspired nor inspiring. Is this not more sinful judging of the heart?
Still another asserted, “Keith won’t change.” How do you know? Can you read my heart? I’ve changed on many things through the years and will again if someone will show me my error.
Conclusion
If you study with me, we’ll just look at the Scriptures and mutually discuss them. I’ll be happy to consider subjects and passages you want to study. I’ll listen to you, but I ask that you listen to me as well. I’m willing to make any changes in my faith, teaching, and practice that you can demonstrate from the Bible I need to make. I’ll ask the same of you. I won’t get mad or yell. I’ll ask the same of you.
I want to study the Bible with everyone who has “an honest and good heart.” I don’t have the gift of discerning of spirits, so I can’t read your mind. You prove what your heart is like by how you react to the Word of God. The only way I can know what your heart is like is by your reaction to the Word. If you adamantly refuse to study, you have revealed what your heart is like. I can only pray that you will repent. Will you study the Bible with me?
