OUTLINE:
Ac 17:11 ASV
Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so.
Ac 17:11 AMP
Now these [Jews] were better disposed and more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they were entirely ready and accepted and welcomed the message [concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God] with inclination of mind and eagerness, searching and examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
Eager To Learn?
We must choose how we receive God’s grace provisions, even if things are “hard to understand” at first! 2Pe 3:16
A Test of the Heart
Our part in our own sanctification is to SEEK DILIGENTLY. God will test us along the way to see where our heart lies, and we should DESIRE that He test us, as David did. Ps 26:2, 139:23-24
“equipping the saints”
It’s not a pastor’s job to spoon feed his sheep. It’s his job to push them to “work out their own salvation with fear and trembling” (Php 2:12b), often challenging them with “difficult” messages. The true test lies with the disciple, not the teacher. <— Learn this!
Regarding Php 2:14
Instead of “grumbling” in your heart, be determined to be “above reproach”, always having faith there’s a reason for everything in God’s plan for you.
People Are Lazy
Man’s laziness likes to “move the needle” in the shepherd/sheep relationship so that the shepherd is demanded more of while the sheep increases in laziness. ’Tis why so many sheep prefer distilled secular proverbs over Biblical ones that force them to think or even research for answers (seek diligently – ala Mt 7:7).
2Co 12:15b
If I love you more, am I to be loved less?
2Ti 4:2
“preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.”
Relying On God Alone
We are each on a journey and each of us have the opportunity to pass our own tests (no one, not even our good fathers, can do it for us).
Ro 12:2 [Amplified]
And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
Being a Good Disciple
It’s OUR responsibility to seek God diligently, receiving the Word with great eagerness and examining to see for ourselves whether these things are true.