So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. – 1 Thessalonians 2:8
God has provided all we need to grow toward maturity in Christ. Christ Church is committed to the “Ordinary Means of Grace” to this end. Nothing fancy, flashy or gimmicky; we depend simply on the Word of God, Sacraments and Prayer “all of which are made effectual to the elect for salvation” (Westminster Larger Catechism, Q.88)
How can we best “hear” the preached Word? In the last issue, we considered the importance of being spiritually prepared for the Word. In this issue we’ll consider how to sit and receive the preached word during the actual sermon.
Engage with mind and heart. Paul gives thanks to the Lord for how the Thessalonians “received the word of God . . . [and] accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God which is at work in you believers” (1 Thess. 2:13). With a “humble” heart and “teachable” mind, we listen intently to what God is commanding us to believe and obey, and we commit our ways to Him. Some people find it helpful to take notes to the take-a-ways that encourage and challenge them. Find what works for you.
What to avoid when listening to a sermon?
Distractions. There can be many (mind-drift, mobile-browsing, “hoping someone else is listening,” etc.). For young parents who have wiggly, small ones beside them, distractions are hard to avoid. You do the best you can as parents to “manage” these distractions, often with frustration and tears. Remember, no matter how small your children, God’s word is for them as well. Edith Schaefer, wife of Francis Schaefer, would draw pictures of the sermon for her small ones to keep them focused on the preaching of the Word . . . and it helped her as well.
Criticism. Listening with fault-finding ears is sure to keep you from truly taking in what God has for you. Listening with a critical spirit shifts your focus off from what you need to what the preacher needs. There will be a place and time for “examining the Scriptures” to what the preacher said, but not during the sermon (Acts 17:11).
In the next issue, we’ll explore how to practice the sermon after worship.
