Robert M. West

“False teachers often redefine biblical words, so we must check to make sure we understand how they are using them or God’s intended meaning of verses becomes lost. Peter described how some people misuse God’s Word with horrifying results. He said, “Untaught and unstable people twist [Paul’s words] to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:16).”
― Robert M. West, How to Study the Bible--Expanded Edition

“One group of early Christians, the Bereans, stood out from the rest. “They received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). They checked in scripture to confirm what Paul taught them was true. They were so committed to this that they did it daily. It’s a mistake for us to accept the message of Christian teachers just because they’re humorous, dynamic, on television or radio, or have written books. The content of their message must be true, and it’s good for us to validate it from our own study. Bible teachers should never be offended that people do this; they should encourage it.”
― Robert M. West, How to Study the Bible--Expanded Edition