by Jeremy Paschall
When one is exposed to the truth that is God’s word (John 17:17), what does it demand? Is there a divine expectation? Does the New Testament record any response to the proclamation of truth that clearly meets with God’s pleasure?
Having been largely rejected in Thessalonica for their preaching of the Gospel, Paul and Silas fled that city for their own safety and came to Berea proclaiming the same message of salvation in Jesus Christ (Acts 17:1-10). On that occasion, what response was elicited by the presentation of God’s truth? “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. Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men.” (Acts 17:11-12)
The inspired word records for us the commendable character of those in Berea who heard the Gospel. Clearly their reaction to the preaching of Paul and Silas met with God’s approval. What warranted such praise? What can we learn about the appropriate response to truth?
Truth demands our Attention. The Bereans “received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). This audience seized upon the opportunity to hear God’s word, having the inclination and zeal to pursue its depths. Their interest was to know truth, and their hunger manifested itself in their focus and study (2 Timothy 2:15). Truth demands the same of us, for it is the well-spring of spiritual liberty (John 8:32 -- and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."; Romans 1:16).
Truth demands our Acceptance. Having examined God’s word seeking confirmation of the message presented before them, and having found the Gospel proclaimed by Paul and Silas to be truth, “Therefore many of them believed” (Acts 17:12). Such is the only natural response of any honest heart. The salvation of one’s soul demands that he “in humility receive the word implanted” (James 1:21). In other words, truth demands a place within the very fiber of our being, grafted into our hearts that they might be shaped by God’s will.
Truth demands our Action. Having exhorted his audience to meekly receive the truth, James continued by saying, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves… An effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:22,25). To fully believe the truth (Acts 17:12) is to implement what it demands for our lives (Acts 16:30-34; James 2:14-26). Attention to and acceptance of truth without its application is much akin to receiving a physician’s diagnosis without taking the prescribed treatment. One simply cannot be of noble character while refusing submission to the truth of God (Matthew 7:21). Jesus asked, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46)
Wisdom declares, “Buy the truth, and do not sell it” (Proverbs 23:23). The value of truth demands our attention, acceptance, and action. Any less is to choose the bondage of ignorance, to embrace the travesty of falsehood, and to live under the condemnation of error. Noble-mindedness is our answer.