HEARING GOD’S WORD

“So then faith comes by HEARING, and HEARING by the word of God” – Romans 10:17

On the pathway to the Fullness of God’s Word, reading the Word must be complemented by HEARING the WORD: “So then faith comes by HEARING, and HEARING by the word of God” (Rom.10:17). That’s how important hearing the Word is: no hearing, no faith! Notice how the word “hearing” is repeated, perhaps to underline its unique significance. The spiritual discipline of devotion to God’s Word involves a number of sub-disciplines which are like paths leading us into the Presence of God where we can behold His Glory. These include the paths of reading, listening to and hearing, studying, memorising, meditating in, and obeying the Word. We have examined the paths of meditation and reading the Word. Let’s ponder on what hearing the Word entails.

Hearing God’s Word is absolutely important to relating with and knowing. That’s why God calls and anoints pastors, preachers, and teachers of the Word. He wants His people to hear the Word proclaimed: “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” (vv.14-15a). God sends preachers in order to ensure that people hear His Word, believe in Him, and learn to call on Him. God wants you to hear the Word. On one occasion, Jesus described as His mother and brothers, those “who hear the word of God and do it” (Lk.8:21). On another occasion, he said, “blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it” (Lk.11:28b). Again He said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life” (Jh.5:24). Hearing precedes believing!

Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to develop in the discipline and habit of hearing, receiving, and believing the Word: “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (1The.2:13). Note the sequence: hear the Word, welcome the Word, receive the Word, believe the Word, and the word will effectively perform in you!

Even the public reading of Scripture infers that people are hearing what is being read: “Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture” (1Tim.4:13). Although with technological innovations you can now hear God’s Word on audio, video, and through life-streaming of sermons, the maximum benefits come from gathering with the fellowship of the brethren, and listening carefully to the Word which is being proclaimed.

Although hearing appears to take the least amount of effort, it is immensely helpful and important for the believer. Some Christians isolate themselves from the rest of the body of Christ. They seldom gather with other believers, but instead just stay at home and read their Bible, assuming that to be enough. It’s not. God designed that Christians would assemble to hear His Word proclaimed for our own edification and strengthening. As year the Word, take careful notes of what is being taught or preached and review them shortly after, say the following day. Then, you’ll be able to retain much more of the message than without notes. Your personal notes come in handy when it’s time to study the Word.

Now, with internet access you can download for free, messages and sermons from sound bible teachers around the world who rightly divide the Word of truth (2Tim.2:15). In your additional times of personal devotion, you can then listen to them at your computer, on your phone, or while driving or working. This can be a great way to maximise your time. Will you commit yourself, at the very least, to regularly hearing the Word?