How to Listen Well to Preaching

We may not think much of how we listen to the Word of God. However, there's much that goes into learning and getting blessed by a sharing. Our hearts' posture is one such thing.

It is said of the Bereans, that they received the Word of God with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were true.

Our listening needs to be more intentional. We should listen with the expectation that the Word of God will bless us, and that God will speak into the circumstances of our lives. We should let the Word teach us, reprove us, correct us, and train us in righteousness, that we may be complete, and equipped for every good work.

When the Word of God comes, it addresses areas of struggle in our lives. When we were afflicted because of our sins, God sent his Word and delivered us.

Psalm 107:17-20 ESV

[17] Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; [18] they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. [19] Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. [20] He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.

And now, ought we not to thank Him for his steadfast love, and His wondrous works to the children of man? (Verse 21)

We also need to listen to our Pastors with patience, and with some grace. They may not be exactly good at delivery, or their style may not be to our liking, yet we should listen with love, not despising, but testing everything, and holding fast to what is good.

There's also a need for consecration, that is holy living, if we are to properly hear the Word of God. It is easy to listen and learn from a sharing if we are disciplined in studying the Scriptures ourselves. That way we can at least not be like the seeds that fell by the pathway.

What of prayer? Paul asked that he be helped in prayer, so that the Word of God will have free course. We need to pray for insight and understanding. We need to pray that we get transformed as we listen to God's Word. And we need to pray for our Pastors so that God guides them, that they share from inspiration and as the Holy Spirit guides and instructs them.

And when all is said and done, the Word of God is not just to be fancied, but obeyed. We know that we love the Lord, when we obey His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome. Be doers of the Word, not only hearers, deceiving yourselves. Blessed is he who hears these things and does them.

The Word is also to be believed. Good news comes to us all, but it is of benefit only as it is united by faith with those who listen (Hebrews 4:2)

God's word is to be loved, but is is also to be believed and obeyed.

A beautiful article from Crossway.

Listening well is a spiritual discipline. We should go to church with an expectation that we will meet with God in the preaching of his word. All of us on occasion arrive tired and distracted, and when we are in that frame of mind, there is every chance the sermon will bounce off us. But if we are hungry, expectant, and ready to engage with God, then our experience will be much more positive. So we need to listen actively, not passively. It is easy to listen to a sermon without really hearing it. But it is better for us, and more encouraging for our pastor, if we engage carefully with the Scripture passage being taught and go away reflecting on both the passage and the sermon.

I hope the sharing at Church today will be a blessing to you.

DESTINY

Jeremiah 10:23 GNT

[23] Lord, I know that none of us are in charge of our own destiny; none of us have control over our own life.

https://bible.com/bible/68/jer.10.23.GNT

1 Peter 4:1–11

[1] Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, [2] so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. [3] For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. [4] With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; [5] but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. [6] For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

[7] The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. [8] Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. [9] Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: [11] whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)