I remember reading a quote from an unknown author that said, “The same sun that bakes clay melts ice.” For some people the Holy Spirit melts them and their heart are open, and they are teachable for all that God has for them. They are good soil for God’s work and His word. Others have hearts as hard as baked clay and resist the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives at every step.
How about you? Is your heart open to the work of the Holy Spirit?
Paul had been run out of Thessalonica because many of the jealous Jewish people who did not accept the message of Jesus. They were jealous because others received the good news of Jesus in great numbers and they did not believe Jesus was the Messiah.
Acts 17:11 And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. [1]
What were some of the characteristics of the people from Berea? They were open minded, which meant their hearts were open to Paul’s teaching about Jesus. They tested what Paul said to make sure it lined up with God’s word to make sure they were not led astray.
Discerning the Holy Spirit
What can we learn from the people of Berea today? We need Godly wisdom when confronted by unfamiliar Biblical teaching. James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.[2]
Also, we read from 1 John 4:1, “Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.” [3]
As we follow the advice of the two verses it is all part of being led by the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.[4] We have hope for discernment in this confusing world through the power of the Holy Spirit. To hear more about Paul and Berea, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/hope-in-persecution
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.