How to Listen to Sermons and Benefit from Them

Introduction

Sermons are God-centered, Christ-exalting, and gospel-driven. Good sermons are biblical and worth listening to and practicing, whether they offer doctrinal teaching, rebuke, reproof, or edification.

The art of listening to sermons and applying them is being lost in our day and time. People come to church distracted and leave without absorbing what was preached, resulting in no changes in their lives.

What can you do to amend your ways to benefit from sermons you have written down or heard preached?

There are three key areas each believer must be mindful of: pre-sermon, sermon, and post-sermon times.

A. PRE-SERMON

To maximize the benefit of listening to sermons, each believer must prepare before attending a church service where a sermon is preached.

Here are some tips to help you be ready:

1. Physical Preparations: Ensure you are physically ready by getting enough rest so you won’t be tired and fall asleep. Also, prepare your clothing for a decent appearance.

2. Mental Preparations: Be mentally ready by ensuring you have a clear and sound mind to reason through what is being said. The epistle to Timothy says that God has given us a sound mind.

3. Spiritual Preparation: Pray to God to eliminate any satanic distractions that could take away the pure word of God. Prepare your heart to receive the unfailing word of God and be ready in faith to receive it.

4. Material Preparation: Bring your Bible, notebook, or device to jot down any insights and lessons from the word of God. Never go to church empty-handed without something to take notes with.

Consider the woman with the flow of blood who came to the crusade prepared in faith to receive her healing from Jesus.

B. DURING SERMON

This is the actual time we need lots of attention and focus to grasp what God is conveying to us. Many people lose out because they don’t prepare adequately.

Here are some tips to help you get the best from sermons:

1. Come Early and Participate: Arrive early to participate in every part of the service. Avoid the tendency to come late after prayer and praise and worship, as every part of the worship service is important.

2. Keep Praying: Pray and ask God to open your heart to receive His word. Prayer will help you stay receptive, especially when the word reproves and corrects your wrong ways.

3. Be Focused: Avoid obvious distractions and stay focused. Phones, people around you, and even your own thoughts can distract you. Take measures to minimize distractions.

4. Take Notes: Stay focused and take notes. Write down Scriptures, immediate reflections, lessons, and applications for life. Don’t delay; note whatever strikes you as you hear the preaching.

C. POST-SERMON

The final phase of benefiting from sermons is what you do with what you heard. Many people have piles of books and notes but remain unchanged because they do not apply what they learn.

Here are some tips to benefit from sermons:

1. Review Notes: Review the notes you took during the service. Going through them immediately after the service or when you get home helps you identify important areas to apply.

2. Walk in Faith: Apply what you hear and eliminate negative voices. The Bible says in James that we must be doers of the word, not just hearers. Listening to the sermon again if you have a recording can also help.

3. Pray for Results: Pray for divine results as you apply His word. Prayer can do wonders, and the Holy Spirit can illuminate the word you hear in the right context. The word of God is meant to change our lives.

Conclusion

By preparing, actively listening, and reflecting on the sermon, you can deepen your spiritual growth and better integrate the teachings into your life. Sermons are not meant for information but for transformation. Ask the Lord to help you change as you continue to hear them.

Where do you fall short in the above tips? What are you good at? Share your lessons with us.

Eric Otchere writes content aimed at helping Christians grow in grace. You can connect with him via info@livingourbible.com.