(We’re reviewing the six practical ways Thabiti Anyabwile suggests for developing “expositional listening” in his book What is a Healthy Church Member? This is the 4th post in the series. Bring up all the posts in the series here.)
Mr. Anyabwile offers this encouragement with his 3rd suggestion for cultivating expositional listening: “Instead of rushing off after the service is over, or talking about the latest news, develop the habit of talking about the sermon with people after church.” He suggests starting spiritual conversations by asking questions like “How did the Scripture challenge or speak to you today?” or “What about God’s character most surprised or encouraged you?” We should pay careful attention to how our thinking has been changed by the message that was preached…in particular how the Words of God, from Scripture, affected our thinking.
We should also pray with others, that the congregation would not be “dull of hearing” and would desire the “solid food” of the Word.
Thoughts
Although I regularly have conversations with others throughout the week about the sermon, I’m challenged to have more of those conversations after the service as part of fellowship, instead of running out the door to lunch or having good fellowship but not taking the time to discuss the sermon that was just preached.
A desire to talk with, and to hear from others, about how the Word of God impacted us through the sermon can be a mark of spiritual maturity, when it’s combined with doing the Word. Immaturity and sin can cause us to hear the Word but have no desire to discuss it or ask anyone else about it. As Pastor Juan asked on Sunday, what are we characterized by? Are we characterized by a passion to take in and talk about, and live out, the Word of God?
Let us stir up one another to love and good works, which are always based on the Word by the power of the Holy Spirit. God is glorified as we talk about the Word’s work on our heart and mind and cultivate more attentive listening to that same Word.
A few more practical suggestions for discussing the sermon:
- At lunch or dinner on Sundays (or anytime of course) initiate a conversation with whoever you’re with.
- During small groups set aside some time to discuss and pray
- With the family, particularly husbands talking to our wives as we seek to lead and love them - Take good notes: I’m trying to be a more effective note taker but writing things down aids my recall later when discussing or reflecting on the sermon
- Each Sunday in the bulletin, there’s an insert for note-taking that also has reflection/discussion questions on the back. This can be used as a guide/inspiration when having these discussions.
Verse of the Day
Cultivating Expositional Listening - #3: Talk and Pray with Friends After Church
Posted by: Bob Perez | Comments (0)(We’re reviewing the six practical ways Thabiti Anyabwile suggests for developing “expositional listening” in his book What is a Healthy Church Member? This is the 4th post in the series. Bring up all the posts in the series here.)
Mr. Anyabwile offers this encouragement with his 3rd suggestion for cultivating expositional listening: “Instead of rushing off after the service is over, or talking about the latest news, develop the habit of talking about the sermon with people after church.” He suggests starting spiritual conversations by asking questions like “How did the Scripture challenge or speak to you today?” or “What about God’s character most surprised or encouraged you?” We should pay careful attention to how our thinking has been changed by the message that was preached…in particular how the Words of God, from Scripture, affected our thinking.
We should also pray with others, that the congregation would not be “dull of hearing” and would desire the “solid food” of the Word.
Thoughts
Although I regularly have conversations with others throughout the week about the sermon, I’m challenged to have more of those conversations after the service as part of fellowship, instead of running out the door to lunch or having good fellowship but not taking the time to discuss the sermon that was just preached.
Also, as I write this I’m reminded of the message from this past Sunday morning on 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 and also Hebrews 10:24-25.
A desire to talk with, and to hear from others, about how the Word of God impacted us through the sermon can be a mark of spiritual maturity, when it’s combined with doing the Word. Immaturity and sin can cause us to hear the Word but have no desire to discuss it or ask anyone else about it. As Pastor Juan asked on Sunday, what are we characterized by? Are we characterized by a passion to take in and talk about, and live out, the Word of God?
Let us stir up one another to love and good works, which are always based on the Word by the power of the Holy Spirit. God is glorified as we talk about the Word’s work on our heart and mind and cultivate more attentive listening to that same Word.
A few more practical suggestions for discussing the sermon:
- At lunch or dinner on Sundays (or anytime of course) initiate a conversation with whoever you’re with.
- During small groups set aside some time to discuss and pray
- With the family, particularly husbands talking to our wives as we seek to lead and love them
- Take good notes: I’m trying to be a more effective note taker but writing things down aids my recall later when discussing or reflecting on the sermon
- Each Sunday in the bulletin, there’s an insert for note-taking that also has reflection/discussion questions on the back. This can be used as a guide/inspiration when having these discussions.