This is the third post in a series of four.
In my first 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. In my last post, I discussed the first two of these points. Today, let’s go over the next two:
3. Think about what is being said
How often do we sift through the words that are preached to weigh the biblical truths that are being taught?
Not everything that is said from a pulpit or stage in church should be taken ipso-facto. In the New Testament church, even the prophecies spoken in the church at Corinth were to be weighed (1 Cor. 14:29). We can actively engage the content of the message by asking questions such as: “Is this true?” “Do I concur? And if not, do I need to repent?” “How is this shown from the scriptural passage?” “Is there something I don’t understand about this?” “Is this argument coherent and sensible?” “Does this message exalt Christ or man?”
Part of the problem, I think, is that TV,music and other media has sadly conditioned us to listen passively, expecting to be entertained. We are hoping to be served well–all along getting our proverbial fix–by what we are hearing. Hearing a sermon takes a measure of concentration combined with faith, so that the information doesn’t just come to a standstill in our minds, but rather, it sinks into our hearts and changes us.
4. Pray for yourself
Sound self-centered? It’s not meant to be. Praying for yourself acknowledges that you humbly recognize your place: that through his word, it is God who speaks and it is we who listen.
Preaching is a mysterious and spiritual event, not just a physical one. From beginning to end, the building up of the church that takes place during a sermon can only take place by the work of the Holy Spirit. The preacher does not just deliver information to those listening; he is speaking words that (in so far as they are faithful to the Biblical text he is speaking) are impingent upon people as God’s word.
Preaching is really an act of worshipful submission for the Church. Think about it. This is why Paul can remind Timothy of his role as pastor by saying, “Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Tim. 4:11-12) What we need in order to submit is humility, a right consideration of ourselves and our place. I don’t think I’m alone in saying that my heart is not always in submission mode when I come to hear my pastor preach Sunday mornings. Though, it needs to be.
It helps if we pray before–or even during–the sermon, submitting our hearts to God and his Word and asking that His Spirit would open our hearts and illumine the truths of Scripture being set before us.
(…to be continued…)
Other posts in this series:
One Comment on "How to Listen to a Sermon: Part 3"
Stating that many churchgoers listen to sermons in hopes for “a proverbial fix” is a humbling reminder and realization. Thanks for the accountability. :)