5 Ways to Listen Carefully to God's Truth
“So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. 2 For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. 3 So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? 4 And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.”
Can self-help + Christianity co-exist?
The writer of Hebrews was writing for the Jews and beautifully weaves together the Old Testament as he shows the superiority of Christ. This passage is a powerful one that reminds us to stay anchored.
“LISTEN CAREFULLY TO THE TRUTH WE HAVE HEARD, OR WE MAY DRIFT AWAY."
From hearing sermons to Bible reading, are you listening carefully to the truth you consume?
Immediately I think about self-help Christianity.
Now, nothing is wrong with self-help.
Yes, declutter your bathroom. Enjoy that workout. Get that fancy haircut.
But the question I pose to us today is, do self-help and Christianity really mix?
If we listen to a sermon and we end up leaving thinking more about how awesome WE are, instead of Christ, there's a problem.
If we study the Scripture and make ourselves the centerpiece of the book, there's a problem.
If we read a book that is marketed as a way to strengthen our faith, but instead we end up working through twelve habits to a better face washing regime, there is a problem.
Our faith should produce healthy habits.
Our healthy self-help habits can't save our soul.
Yes, there are practical things we can do to live healthy and whole lives.
And the Christian faith is FOUNDATIONAL to bring us into the wholeness of who we're meant to be. Within our daily lives, our faith isn't a piece of the puzzle, but the place the puzzle rests.
(continued below)
How do we listen carefully to God's truth?:
1. We're studying Scripture in the context to which it was written
2. We're spending time with Triune God and learning HOW to listen.
3. We're discerning of the Spiritual topics that are taught to us through sermons, books, etc.
4. We're remembering the foundation of our faith (salvation through Christ alone)
5. We're anchoring daily to Christ.
We can't self-help ourselves into heaven.
Christ GIVES us eternal life.
An abundant life.
A life that bears Godly fruit of
love,
joy,
peace,
patience,
kindness,
goodness,
faithfulness,
gentleness,
and self-control.
John 15 shares that God “cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
Your life is vibrant! Continue to seek God and all His truth has to offer.
As you rest in Christ, and remember the gift of salvation, I pray you preserve this very truth. A truth that sets you free. Free from expectation, free from people-pleasing, free from the lies of the enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Not anymore… you found freedom… and His name is Christ. You don't ever have to be enough, because He is. Rest in that today, friend.
Lord,
Lord, Thank you for giving us vibrant lives. Help us remember the importance of our salvation today and moving forward. May we not drift away, lost in a current of culture, worrying about all the wrong things, or idolizing stuff in place of where You should reign, God.
May we be tethered, anchored to Christ. Rooted in Your Word, a healthy church community, and living from a firm faith foundation. Holy Spirit, continue to move in and through our lives as we bear fruit and live fulfilled as you minister through us with gifts, signs, and wonders. We thank you for saving us, shaping us, and anchoring us. Help us make our life less about us, and more about You. We thank you for Your abundance. In Jesus name, AMEN!
Review the five things listed above. Am I listening to God's truth carefully?
Self-help does have it's place. Am I putting my self-help practices in their rightful place or is it in place of or in front of my faith?
Lord, help me discern if the content I'm consuming is helping me grow closer to You. Is there any media I need to let go of for a season?
God is good + his love for you is abundant!
I pray this is a good reminder for you today!
written by Jenny Randle
P.S. As you continue to lean into God's truth daily, you may find some God-given dreams you've let die. Go to HelpMyDreamComeTrue.com for an amazing resource + claim those pre-order gifts to kick start you calling.
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