The Practice of Listening

The Practice of Listening

(Matthew 13:3b-23)

Yearly Theme:  “Patience is…”

Series Title:  “The Practice of Patience”

July 10^th, 2022

Something to think about:

Listening isn’t easy.  It requires hearing and understanding what another person is actually saying.  Listening is the means by which a person carries on meaningful relationships, and it is the foundation of all open and honest communication.

We come to a passage in the Gospel of Matthew today, in the New Testament, that is somewhat well known by most people.  It’s commonly called the “Parable of the Soils.”  In this parable, Jesus explains what it means to truly hear and understand who He is and what He is about.

Turn in your Bible to:  Matthew 13:3b-23

Here’s the takeaway this morning:

Key Point:  “The practice of patience requires active listening in order to discern the truth.”

If one of the keys to patience is active listening, then what does active listening require?  Let’s take a look:

• Listening requires  .

Exodus 14:14 (ESV),  The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

Psalm 46:10 (NLT), “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

James 1:19 (NLT),  Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters:  You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

Matthew 13:3b (NLT), “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds…”

• Listening requires  .

Matthew 13:11-12 (NLT), ¹¹ [Jesus] replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not.  ¹² To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge.  But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.

• Listening requires  .

Matthew 13:9 (NLT), “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

Something to take home:

Followers of Christ are active listeners.  They have learned to be silent, focus, and apply Jesus’ teachings to their lives.  Because they truly listen, they truly understand.  And because they truly understand, they bear the fruit of the Kingdom of GOD.  In addition to being active listeners, followers of Christ are people of patience.  Not only have they learned to wait upon the LORD, they have learned to hear the voice of GOD and discern the truth of His Word in a way that not only transforms their lives but transforms the lives of those around them.

Do you have ears to hear the Word of GOD?

Key Point:  “The practice of patience requires active listening in order to discern the truth.”