Hearing the Word: Applications (3)

If you've been following along with our entries of late you know that we've been laying out some reasons for, and some steps to improve in, the hearing of God's Word preached. Tomorrow is Sunday so whoever you are and whatever your church family, I'd encourage some review and application before going into the Lord's Day. Don't keep this theoretical folks; let's make it real.

As you review, let me add just one pointer for today, our 6th overall:

6. Possess. By possess I mean that we need to take steps to make the preaching and the truth of a text our own. This happens of course as we study it, and review and prove it; things we've talked about already. But another way to own or possess what is being taught is to take notes. Record your thoughts, questions, observations, conclusions, joys, and convictions as you hear and then prove what you've heard. While you're listening take some notes, and then when you've finished your proving step, try to put the truths you've learned into your own words.

This process will move you ever closer to an "Aha! I see!" experience of the truth, rather than a hearsay experience of the truth. First-hand experience is always more powerful than second-hand. To hear and see the truth is always better than to hear it only. And writing out your conclusions and the truth learned in your own words helps you to see it for yourself.

Enough for today. Go back and review. Then apply. Then arrive at your place of worship tomorrow expecting to hear the voice of God!