As we grow in our relationship with God, it is very important to take time to read and study the Bible. There are actually five basic ways for you to experience God’s Word:
- Hear it
- Read it
- Study it
- Memorize it
- Meditate on it
All of these ways to make God’s Word a bigger part of your life are important. And it is important to use a combination of all five to really grow in your relationship with God. For the next couple of lessons, we will look at each one of these separately … specifically in this lesson: “Hear it.”
Hearing God’s Word is the simplest way to get God’s Word into your life … and it involves listening.
Q. What are the ways you currently hear God’s Word?
Whenever you hear God’s Word, attempt to learn what the Holy Spirit is trying to teach you personally writing down your thoughts when possible. There are many ways you can hear God’s Word: At your Church, in a Bible Study, from a teacher in a Bible school, on Bible tapes and CDs and DVDs, by attending Christian Seminars, through a friend, listening to Christian radio, reading Christian books … non-fiction as well as fiction, and by searching online Bible-based web pages. It is important that when you are listening to anything that is not scripture, such as a Christian speaker, that you make sure that person is a reliable source of God’s truth.
In the book of Acts we read that the New Testament Christians “eagerly received the message, examining the scriptures carefully every day to see if these things were so.” —Acts 17:11
Q. Why do you suppose it is important to examine the Scriptures to see if what you are hearing is true?
Whenever you hear God’s Word, attempt to discern what the Holy Spirit is trying to teach you personally, writing down your thoughts when possible.
“Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ.” —Romans 10:17
Q. In what ways can your faith be strengthened when you hear the Word of God?
As Christians, we are disciples of Christ who are committed to learning His truth and following His directions.
“So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts.” —Ephesians 4:17–18
Romans 12:2 challenges us with a more positive approach with these words: “Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.”
Listening is the easiest way to get God’s Word into your mind, but it isn’t a totally passive endeavor! Listening is the easiest way to get God’s Word into your mind, but it isn’t a totally passive endeavor! As you listen to God’s Word, you can use the following steps and questions to apply God’s truth in your life.
Receptivity—Check Your Attitude
God will not push His way into your life. He is waiting to transform you, but He also is waiting for you to open yourself up to Him. If God sees that you are not really willing to obey Him, then there is no point in revealing more truth to you. Because He is your loving Father, He will wait, but He desires a humble and submissive attitude.
The question to ask here is: Am I willing to let God’s truth change me and my life?
Q. What is the most recent thing you have heard from God’s Word?
Q. On a scale of 1 to 10, how receptive were you to that specific truth?
Q. Is there anything you can or should do to increase your receptivity to hearing God’s truth?
Comprehension—Check Your Understanding
There are several questions to ask when you are reflecting upon your comprehension:
What new truth have I become aware of through reading my Bible, going to church and/or listening to other Christians?
What does this truth mean in relation to what I think, say, and do?
What are the consequences of not applying this truth to my life?
What benefits will I experience from acting on this truth?
Q. What is the most recent truth you have become aware of through hearing God’s Word?
Q. What does this truth mean to you?
Q. As you consider this truth, what consequences or benefits will you experience if you act or don’t act on this truth?
Conviction—Check Your Level of Belief
The question to ask yourself regarding your conviction is:
Why am I convinced that it is important to apply this revealed truth to my life?
Q. What do you think influences your conviction about God’s truth?
Q. How is conviction measured?
Q. Is there anything you can do to boost your conviction concerning God’s truth in your life?
Transformation—Check Your Commitment to Application
There are several questions here that will help you evaluate your commitment:
What steps must I take to apply this truth to my life?
Am I allowing Satan to use fear or difficulties to prevent me from following through with these steps of application?
Am I allowing other concerns or my desire for wealth or pleasure to distract me from following through with these steps of application?
Q. As you consider this final step, are you often committed to the application of God’s truth to your life? Why or why not?
Q. What is the greatest hindrance to the application of God’s truth to your life?
Q. How can you overcome this hindrance?
Q. What positive things have your experienced when you have applied God’s truth to your life?
Application
James 1:22 encourages us with these words: “But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves.”
Q. How can you listen to more of God’s Word on a regular basis?
Q. What are you currently doing with the Word of God that you hearing?