Our church in Naperville recently met together to think through “how to listen to a sermon.” It was a fruitful and very edifying time!
Here’s the notes we gave out.
There is nothing revolutionary or Earth-shattering in these points, some are drawn from personal experience and others from the resources listed at the bottom. While that is the case, I think a fresh reminder and consideration of these basic principles will go far in helping us to faithfully listen to and engage sermons.
SOME HELP FOR LISTENING TO SERMONS
1. BEFORE THE SERMON:
-Pray! Pray for your heart, for the preacher, for the congregation
-Read the passage
-Get a good night’s sleep (Ryken)
-Discard Prejudice (Whitefield)
-Discard Pride
-Come Expectant. You get to hear God’s Word
2. DURING THE SERMON:
-Pray! Ask God to help you listen, to open your eyes to the truth, to renew your
mind, revive your heart, reorder your life.
-Pay Attention. Turn off your phone
-Consult with Scripture: Is it Biblical?
-Take notes, if helpful
-Make application to your OWN Heart (Whitefield)
3. AFTER THE SERMON:
-Pray! Ask God to help you live this out
-Live it out. Put into practice what you heard. “Obedience of faith” (Rom 1:5)
-Discuss with others the sermon (spouse, children, friends, others in church)
-Give Thanks that you were able to hear God’s Word preached.
QUESTIONS AND THOUGHTS?
PRAY TOGETHER.
Resources Consulted:
Ryken: https://www.reformation21.org/articles/how-to-listen-to-a-sermon.php
Ash: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/7-ways-to-become-a-better-sermon-listener/
Whitfield: https://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/howtolisten.html
