The Bible emphasizes the importance of hearing and listening to the word of God. Faith comes from hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). While we can imagine ourselves captivated by Jesus’ teachings in person, many of us struggle to listen attentively to modern-day sermons. Unlike other forms of media, sermons require focused, uninterrupted attention for thirty to forty minutes Afterall, the message we are hearing is the most important one in the world (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). So, how should Christians approach listening to a sermon?
Listen for yourself. It’s easy to think about how a sermon applies to others, but we should be introspective, allowing God’s word to reveal areas in our own lives that need improvement (Hebrews 4:12). When listening, we should examine our hearts and see how we can apply what we learn to our own lives before considering how it might help others.
Prepare your heart to listen. James encourages believers to be quick to hear and slow to speak (James 1:19). This involves removing sin and wickedness from our hearts to allow the word of God to take root (James 1:21). Sometimes distractions or unpreparedness prevent us from fully engaging with the sermon, but repentance and a focused heart can help us receive the message.
Follow along in your Bible during the sermon. The Bereans were commended for studying the Scriptures during Paul’s preaching (Acts 17:11-12). By reading along in your own Bible, you can engage more personally with the sermon and retain the message better. Mark key passages and take notes to help you remember and apply the lesson.
Think critically. While listening to a sermon is a passive activity, it should not be mindless. Compare what you hear with the broader teachings of Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1) and reflect on how the message can change your life. Avoid getting distracted or overly critical of the preacher’s delivery, and, instead, focus on how God’s word can transform you.
Remember that the sermon is from God’s word. Listening to a sermon is a way of hearing directly from God, and we should approach it with reverence and attentiveness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Our response to God’s word reflects how we treat God himself. As you prepare to listen to a sermon, focus on the message rather than the preacher and remember that God is speaking to you. To better listen to sermons, consider arriving early, sitting closer to the front, and praying for focus. Remember, the goal is not just to hear the word, but to act upon it.
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