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We Need Not Listen To A Sermon…..

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Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles

The following are some approaches to sermons we sometimes take that are not beneficial to us spiritually speaking:

  • We need not listen to a sermon for the purpose of critiquing the methodology and delivery of the preacher. We can so focus on the mechanics of a message, that we miserably fail to hear or apply the message being presented (Revelation 2:29 NKJV); contrast Matthew 13:15 NKJV).
  • We need not listen to a sermon for its entertainment value. Look at Peter (Acts 2-3 NKJV), Stephen (Acts 7 NKJV) and Paul’s (Acts 17:10-34 NKJV) sermons, and then count the number of jokes and heartwarming philosophical stories listed. There’s nothing wrong with humor and illustrations, but they are not the main ingredients in a gospel sermon (Acts 8:35 NKJV; cf. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 NKJV).
  • We need not listen to a sermon in order to find the preacher’s mistakes. Rather, did we take to heart the message preached? And did we allow it to find a place in our hearts, convicting us and making us a better people of God? (cf. Acts 2:37-47 NKJV).
  • We need not listen to a sermon with blind acceptance, but ask, “Is the preacher’s message according to the teaching of the Scriptures?” And then study the Scriptures as we listen to the sermon being presented (Acts 17:11 NKJV).
  • We need not listen to a sermon with too sensitive an ear. If we believe the preacher is “aiming” his sermon directly at us, there is a good chance we will develop a paranoid state of mind. A faithful and loving gospel preacher will not engage in that practice. However, the inspired message should lovingly motivate us to correct any spiritual flaws that exist in our Christian life and living (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV).
  • We need not listen to a sermon merely to validate a questionable lifestyle. Some folks will take a preacher’s statement from the Bible out of context, and then twist it in order to defend their questionable lifestyle (such as drinking, gambling, dancing, etc. – Romans 13:13-14 NKJV; Gal. 5:19-21 NKJV).

All of the above approaches in listening to sermons are fruitless and will not likely help us as hearers. Rather, let’s listen closely to God’s word, and then allow it to mold us into the kind of Christians God wants us be (Romans 9:18-33 NKJV; cf. Jeremiah 18:3-6 NKJV).

Have Thine own way, Lord!
Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter,
I am the clay.
Mold me and make me
After Thy will,
While I am waiting,
Yielded and still. —George C. Stebbins

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