In gospel preaching, much depends on the hearer's attitude toward the message. Sadly, many who do hear are no better for it. So often, our main concern is how the preacher speaks, when it ought to be how the listener hears. "Take heed therefore how ye hear..." (Luke 8:18). In order to understand the word preached, one must listen attentively.

Let's consider the following points. Listen...

1. Discerningly. The words of the speaker should be measured by the word of God. Yet, a person should listen sympathetically, realizing a mortal is speaking, who has not attained unto perfection. The Lord took note of how the Pharisees listened on numerous occasions. He knew that their minds were closed.

2. Candidly. With an open heart. "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind..." (Acts 17:11). Prejudice is blinding. "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them" (Matt. 13:15).

3. With A Serious Mind. A willingness to make a personal application of the truth spoken. Disinterested people are distracted by a slight noise or incident. Those who notice every move another makes perhaps is not a concerned listener.

4. Reverently. Regardless of the speaker's ability or inability, all truth must be respected, as it is from God. Paul said: "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe" (1 Thess. 2:13).

5. Frequently. The Thessalonians are an excellent example. They "searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11). The riches of God's word cannot be exhausted.

6. Believingly. "For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it" (Heb. 4:2). We must acknowledge that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16).

7. Submissively. Cornelius, the centurion, was anxious to hear in order to obey. "Immediately there I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God" (Acts 10:33). Without obedience, the hearing is vain (James 1:22).

If heeded, these simple suggestions will help our hearing tremendously.

- Gospel Spotlight, Little Rock, AR, Nov. 28, 1993