This is the second post in a series of four.
In my last post, I stated that I’ve found at least five ways we can faithfully listen to a sermon in a way that seeks Christ, honors the word of God and blesses the sanctified believer. Today, I’ll discuss the first two:
1. Listen for the big idea
Not every sermon has a clear and concise theme statement that is repeated throughout, nor does every sermon need one. The basic concept is this: everyone who attempts to preach a sermon is talking about something—or rather some theme. Have you ever noticed that good preaching usually has some kind of unity to its message? Thus, it is helpful for us, when listening, to look for this united theme. A helpful way to get at the main theme of a sermon is to ask, What is my pastor saying? or What is the text talking about? then, What is he saying about what he is talking about?
For example: Is he talking about prayer? What is he saying about prayer, other than that we should do it?
Also, when listening for the big idea, it is of foremost importance to mindfully ask ourselves: What does this say about sin? What does this say about sin in my own life? These things considered, what does this say about my wonderful Savior?
After all, Christ and him crucified is always integral to Christian preaching (1 Corinthians 2:2).
2. Pray for the preacher
The act of preaching is very complex. A lot of things happen in sermon delivery both in the minds of the audience and the preachers. We listeners can often be naïve in considering how difficult the preachers task actually is. When listening to a sermon—or even preaching one—becomes routine, it is so easy to ignore how the sermon was prepared, and even how it is delivered.
Your pastors are concentrating on explicating a biblical passage and bringing it to bear on peoples lives in the midst of much unseen opposition. Things like stress, illness, discouragement, hostility from congregants, a sense of personal inadequacy while at the same time guarding against pride, or any fun conglomeration of psychological states that might be impinging upon your pastor as he strives to faithfully deliver a message from the Word of God, to build up the people of God.
Thus, the least we could do is pray for our brother-in-Christ, the preacher, who has been gifted by God with an enormous responsibility. Just as the apostle Paul asked that the Church would pray for him in his own efforts for the Gospel (Col. 4:3, 1 Thess. 5:25), we can pray that the pastor would have clarity of thought and word, personal conviction, and a right understanding of his role and task. We pray also for the implementation of the message, the pastor’s growth in love for God and the congregation, and even boldness as he inevitably will come across truths that will not be received well.
In considering today’s two points: listening for the big idea and praying for the preacher, let us pray in humility and ask ourselves: Am I mindful of the big idea being preached? Am I allowing the gospel message to confront my sin and exalt my Savior? Do I pray for my preacher in a way that I would want someone to pray for me, if I were in his shoes? Do I love and encourage him as a brother?
(…to be continued…)
Other posts in this series:
3 Comments on "How to Listen to a Sermon: Part 2"
This is so helpful!
Agreed.
Jon, sometimes I pray that a certain friend of mine who lives in a certain place who wants to be a preacher would move back to California. How do you feel about this? Miss you brother. Stoked on all that you are doing though. Con Dios.