"Swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" – v19
A good proverb - as we are often the opposite
The opposite approach - how we often are - does not produce the righteousness of God (v20)
We must be slow to speak and listen well, listen to God's word
God's word is able to save our souls – v21
The Bible is God's word of salvation - not a quick fix manual
As such, it is a matter of life and death
A matter of eternal life and death
Example of testimony
Example of personal testimony
Ignoring God is sin and rebellion against Him
The punishment is eternal death apart from God
Explanation of the Gospel - Jesus came into this world, Jesus died on the cross in our place, Jesus was resurrected 3 days later to provide new life for all
God's word is implanted
Gardeners plant seeds
The word of God is likened to a seed - planted in people
As we humbly accept this word - it grows in influence and fruit, and the weeds have less pace to grow
Recap
How should we listen to God's word?
We can be both good and bad at listening to God's word – v23
Example of Wedding clothes
We can look into the mirror of God's word
What it tells us about us and about God
We look and then we turn away and forget
We continue as we were
Example of health problem with the doctor
We can read God's word morning and evening
If we do not act on what we hear - we are deceiving ourselves (v22)
We are not receiving the word
We are not growing in the life God's want
We are not honouring God
Walk in the path of the word of God – v25
As we do, we find blessing
Example of blessings
We will never be perfect listeners until we are called home
If we seek to be doers of the word, we can trust that God will help us
Examples from v26-27
Jesus always spoke what was right
He spoke to those marginalised
He kept Himself spotless from the world
He will help us to walk in His footsteps - He has given us His Spirit
Closing Remarks
Maybe your response is to take the first step on the path of responding to God's voice
Have you been coming for a long time but not responded to the word?
Respond today
Recognise your sin
Recognise that Jesus came to give new life, forgiveness and hope
Trust in Jesus today and ask for His forgiveness
He will lead you in eternal life
Maybe your response is to keep going, to continue to grow, to be doers and not hearers only
Take some time to reflect on how we come to God's word
Do we have any attitudes that stop us hearing God's voice
Pray to receive God's word with meekness
To reflect on our response after listening
Pray that the Spirit would help us to be doers and not hearers only
What blessing, spiritual fruit and joy would come?
