How to Listen to God's Word

Read Matthew 13:3-23
The first thing one must do is evaluate what kind of hearer you are.

Apathetic hearer

- one who hears the word but is not prepared to receive and understand it, “When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.” (V.19)

Superficial hearer

-one who receives the word temporarily but does not let it take root in the heart, “The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.” (Vv.20-21)

Preoccupied hearer

-one who receives the word but lets the worries of this world and the desires for things choke it, “The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.” (V.22)

Reproducing hearer

-one who receives the word, understands it, bears fruit, and brings forth results, “But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”(V.23)

Second, be alert for a word from God – “…Everyone should be quick to listen…” (James 1:19)

Third, clear away all sin and pride so that the word can be planted in your heart – “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” (James 1:21)

Fourth, pay attention to what the Bible says about you, just as you would to your reflection in a mirror – “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror” (James 1:23)
When listening to the Word being delivered in a sermon – list the date, place, speaker, text, and title of the message if given. Write the points of the message as the speaker presents them. Under each point write explanation, illustrations, and applications. If all these elements not mentioned, then write those that are. Also write down any specific statement that the Holy Spirit impresses upon you. Finally, summarize as soon as possible the main point the speaker wants you to do, be, and feel as a result of his sermon. Do the Word, and you will be blessed in what you do.