Have you ever heard someone say something “Biblical” that you were unsure of and asked them where they learned that? Over the past couple of decades, the increasing answer has been akin to: ‘My pastor said it,’ ‘I heard it on the TV or radio,’ or worse, ‘I read it online.’ I always ask a follow-up question: Did they give you Bible verses to support that, and did you research them?
This is where I increasingly have gotten the deer-in-the-headlights look.
For me, at least, two main verses in the Bible require me to ask questions about the Bible, Christianity, and Theology as a whole.
Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
Here we have the command to study. This is not something to do when you get a moment or just for clergy. It is a command for all Born-Again believers. I always question the motives of those who claim to want to do great things for the Kingdom but refuse to study the guide Christ left for us.
Now these people were more noble and open-minded than those in Thessalonica, so they received the message [of salvation through faith in the Christ] with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. – Acts 17-11 (AMP)
The secondary reason for studying daily is to discern truth from misinformation. I hesitate to say lies only because many pulpits today pour out a version of God’s word that is full of errors, and those in the pulpit lack the training and tools to be Approved Workers. I am not sure why people feel that whatever their Pastor or Bible Study teacher says is 100% accurate. I hate to disappoint you, but they are human and therefore make mistakes. Questioning them is beneficial to both of you.
With today’s online resources, even those beginning their studies of the Bible can get the help they need to work through scripture studies. Here are a few of my favorites:
Got Questions Ministry / GotQuestions.org
Logos – Note this is the only site on the list with a fee.
THEOLOGY FOR THE PEOPLE, Biblical Doctrine, Plainly Stated, William S Plumer
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So true. We’re called to study the Word ourselves, not just take someone’s word for it.
Test everything by Scripture. Even pastors can be wrong. 🙏📖
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Thank you for the reply. With the thousands of online books available another thing I did not expound upon was that many can get VERY WEAK theology even when trying to do due diligence. It is sad that we have to Vett (do background checks) on sources to verify their doctrine prior to studying.
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So true. Discernment is vital. We must test all teaching by God’s Word.
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