This is the fourth, and last, 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 second post, I discussed the first two of these points. In my last post, I discussed the third and fourth point. Today, I’ll conclude this series by going over the fourth and final point:
4. Think about how the message is binding on your life
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
This may sound obvious, but it still deserves attention. The way most of us talk about application in preaching is whether, or how, the preacher applied the ideas of the text to the lives of his listeners. For example: as one listening to a sermon, I might consider if the preacher did a good job of explaining how the biblical text specifically applies to my life.
This is a dire necessity, of course, but it might be helpful–to the listener–to think of sermon application as more the act of the one hearing the message. Sure, the preacher can and must show the relevance and significance of a text for our lives, but only we, by the power of the Spirit of God, can actually apply the truth to our lives. Again, this takes an active engaging in the biblical truth being proclaimed. There can be a truly beautiful and organic dialogue taking place during the sermon event between God, preacher, and congregation all at the same time!
Truth be told, a lot of the time our complaints of a pastor’s sermons not being relevant enough actually indicate our laziness, not the preacher’s incompetence. In a time like ours when all kinds of authority are being called into question (perhaps rightly in some instances), we have to consciously work against all self-induced cynicism. It jades our reception of God’s word.
God is our authority, and he lovingly exercises that authority by his Word in the Church.
So, when we sit under the teaching of our pastors, we consider the words of the apostle Paul, remembering that all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. We can ask ourselves, “What sin is this addressing in my life that I need to repent of?” “What kind of encouragement can I receive from this?” “What do I believe about God that needs to be corrected or reenforced by this text?” The possibilities for application multiply numerously as we think about it in this way.
Conclusion
Don’t waist your Sundays! It is rare enough that God’s people are gathered together corporately for the unified purpose of hearing God speak and so being built up and worshiping him. Why just go through the motions when we can anticipate God speaking to us through his Word and actively receive it with faith? I hope this series has been helpful! Feel free to offer critique or offer any additional thoughts you might have on the subject.
God bless.
Other posts in this series:
One Comment on "How to Listen to a Sermon: Part 4"
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