We have considered the fruit of a true hearing of the Word of God, but we still need to understand what it means to hear that Word as God intends. Today’s excerpt from The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart is found on page 22:
“What does it mean to hear the Word of God? We have examined the fruit of hearing, and we can identify a sore lack of such fruit in our day. Where such things as repentance, holiness, good works, fervent witness, and world-changing action are lacking, we are in the midst of generation weak in faith and languishing in a famine of hearing the Word of God.
“But what is it to hear the truth in such a way that it yields the fruit for which it is intended?
“The Westminster Larger Catechism concisely answers. Question 160 asks, ‘What is required of those that hear the word preached?’ The answer is a devastating indictment of our pick-and-choose approach to the Word of God:
It is required of those that hear the word preached, that they attend upon it with diligence, preparation, and prayer; examine what they hear by the Scriptures; receive the truth with faith, love, meekness, and readiness of mind, as the Word of God; meditate, and confer of it; hide it in their hearts; and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives.
“Here, truly, is guidance for every student of the Word of God: diligent and prayerful preparation for hearing the Word; careful examination of what is heard by comparison of Scripture with Scripture; trust in God’s Word, love for Him, humility before His mercy and grace; a mind ready to be shaped and to respond; deep pondering and questioning of the Word; heartfelt embrace of its teachings; and faithful obedience to its every demand.
“Such hearing of the Word of God is the very thing we lack, and the only thing that can deliver us from our famine of hearing and get us back on the path of renewal and reformation once again.”
For reflection or discussion
1. Review the criteria essential to hearing the Word: How would you rate yourself on each of them?
2. True hearing of God’s Word brings forth the fruit of action. What kind of action? When?
We remember that the Word of God is living and powerful. It makes sense that, if we truly hear that Word it’s going to have some effects on our lives. And if all Christians begin to hear God’s Word this way, well, we’re going to have a lot of love on our hands. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to discuss it. Your copy of The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart awaits you in The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
