How to Listen to the Word of God

by Charles F. Stanley

A. Introduction: Why is it that some people can come to church and get comforted and overjoyed, and others go the same service, but leave empty and burdened? How can you make the most of listening to the Word of God?

B. Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-7, 12-17

1. The Israelites were in captivity in Babylon, and Jerusalem’s wall was in ruins. Nehemiah asked the Babylonian king for supplies and time off so he could help rebuild the wall. With God’s help, he and other exiles rebuild the wall in 52 days, despite opposition from their enemies. The people then asked to hear the word of God.

2. If you go to a church where the pastor doesn’t preach from the Bible, you are in the wrong place.

C. How can you listen to a message from the Word of God and have it impact your life? You must listen:

1. Eagerly (Neh. 8:1-2).

* When you come to a worship service, ask God to speak to your heart.

2. Attentively (Neh. 8:3).

* God says, “My Word will not return void” (Is. 55:11).
* Example: Students who didn’t want to go to a missions conference for fear they would hear God calling them to the mission field
* Your attention span is determined by your desire to know God and His will for your life.

3. Trustingly (Neh. 8:4-5).

* Our world is uncertain. We need something we can place our faith in that will give us assurance.

4. Expectantly (Neh. 8:5).

* Even though the people couldn’t understand the original languages of the scrolls, they stood in anticipation of hearing the Word of God.
* Example: Dr. Stanley visited a church in Korea, and his spirit was blessed by the message although he didn’t understand the words.
* Example: God speaks through Dr. Stanley—sometimes saying things to people that he knows he didn’t say!

5. Prayerfully.

* The people bowed low and worshipped the Lord (Neh. 8:6).
* Those who accumulate worldly treasures—money, possessions, position, fame––will leave them all behind the day they die.
* Obedient believers who love the Word and apply it are rich with a wealth that no one can ever take away.

6. Patiently (Neh. 8:7).

* The people listened for hours to the reading of the scrolls.
* If you can watch a movie for an hour and a half, you can listen to the Word of God for 45 or 50 minutes.

7. Humbly (Neh. 8:6).

* They fell on their faces, thanking God and humbling themselves because their ancestor’s sins had caused them to miss God’s blessings.
* How much value do you place on your Bible?
* Example: Dr. Stanley’s grandfather had a worn Bible he treasured.

8. Purposefully (Neh. 8:12-17).

* They wanted to gain insight into the law.
* Each time you come to church, ask God for insight into who He is.
* The people discovered they should celebrate with booths (temporary huts), and they did. Are you as committed to obeying the Word?

9. Happily.

* There was great joy when the people listened to the reading of the law.
* You are responsible for your own attitude towards church.

10. Repentantly (Neh. 9:1-3).

* The people listened with a repentant heart.
* If God brings something to your attention, don’t blame the preacher. Be honest with God about it.
* If your pastor is true to the Bible, thank God and support and love that pastor.

D. Closing: When you get home, write those 10 words in the flyleaf of your Bible. Read them before next week’s sermon. Then ask God to help you be attentive, and He will begin to speak to you in ways you can’t imagine.