Dave’s Monday Blast – June 10, 2019
INTENTIONAL men of God would likely agree with this statement by Dr. Charles Stanley: “How we listen to instruction from God’s Word is of utmost importance when it comes to our spiritual growth.” It is easy to observe physical changes in human stature and development; however, spiritual growth may not be as obvious because it’s not physically measurable. So it begs the question…how do we know whether we’re growing spiritually?
I think we would agree that growth requires nourishment of some kind, and in the spiritual realm, the nutrient is instruction from God’s Word. It’s an essential element for beginning the Christian life and also for every day thereafter. Stanley comments, “The only way to be saved is to hear the gospel or to read about it, either in the Bible or a doctrinally sound publication.” 1 Peter 1:23 says, “For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring Word of God.” Then Peter instructs believers to continue in the Word “Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.” (1 Peter 2:2).
Our need for instruction is demonstrated by Jesus, who continually taught large crowds, small groups, and even individuals. And often He would call out, “He who has ears, let him hear” (Matthew 13:43). Obviously, just receiving instruction doesn’t guarantee the understanding and obedience that produce maturity.
How we listen to instruction from God’s Word is of utmost importance, and James points out several different kinds of listeners in his epistle. I want to share the first this week and three more over the next couple of weeks.
1. The deluded listener. James admonishes believers: “Prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” (James 1:22) Deceived listeners assume that simply hearing the truths of God’s Word is sufficient for growth. They sit in church every Sunday being taught from Scripture, but because they don’t carefully consider what they hear, it doesn’t have any impact on their thinking, attitudes, or practices.
Sound familiar to anyone?
Keep Listening…
