Listening: The Heart of Love and Connection
Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, as we gather, we are reminded of the unique opportunity we have to meet with God, to receive His grace, and to be transformed from the inside out. This gathering is not just about singing songs or hearing a word; it is about encountering God and allowing Him to work in our lives. This week, I had the privilege of attending the M25 Conference in Kansas City, where we focused on sharing the gospel with the new generation. The acronym "BRING" was introduced, emphasizing the importance of beginning with people, relating to them, imagining what God might do in their lives, taking the next step, and sharing the gospel.
As we continue our "Bless" series, we focus on the second practice: listening. In today's world, where digital communication often surpasses face-to-face interaction, we must remember the importance of truly listening to others. Listening is not just a practical need; it is deeply biblical. Jesus Himself modeled this by taking time to listen to those around Him, whether it was a blind beggar or His own disciples. Listening is an act of love, and as followers of Jesus, we are called to develop His ears, to be transformed into His likeness, and to listen to those God has placed in our lives.
Paul, in Acts 17, exemplifies this by listening to the people and places in Athens before sharing the gospel. He observed their culture, read their poetry, and used their own beliefs as a bridge to introduce them to the true God. This approach teaches us the importance of listening first, understanding the context, and then sharing the good news.
In our community, many feel lonely and unheard. As we strive to be a blessing, we must be intentional about listening. This involves asking good questions, being genuinely curious, and showing compassion. By doing so, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who listened before He acted. Let us commit to being listeners, to hearing the stories of those around us, and to being a blessing in our community.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Transformative Power of Gathering: Gathering as a community is not just a routine; it is a divine opportunity to encounter God and be transformed. This transformation is not superficial but a deep, inside-out change that God works in us as we worship and receive His word. [05:56]
2. Listening as an Act of Love: Listening is so closely tied to love that they are almost indistinguishable. To truly love someone is to listen to them, to give them our full attention, and to understand their heart. This is a reflection of Jesus' ministry, where He often listened before He acted. [36:37]
3. The Importance of Contextual Listening: Paul’s approach in Athens teaches us the importance of listening to the context and culture of those we wish to reach. By understanding their beliefs and practices, we can find common ground and effectively share the gospel. [47:39]
4. The Role of Provenient Grace: Before we interact with others, God is already at work in their lives. This understanding frees us from the pressure of being the "junior Holy Spirit" and allows us to join God in what He is already doing, starting with listening. [49:36]
5. Practical Steps to Becoming Better Listeners: To be effective listeners, we must practice understanding first, listening to others without preconceived notions, and asking meaningful questions. This intentional listening opens doors for deeper connections and opportunities to share the love of Christ. [59:16]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:56] - Anticipating God's Grace
- [20:15] - Prayers for Healing and Comfort
- [25:46] - Mission Sunday and Youth Involvement
- [31:08] - Introduction to the "Bless" Series
- [33:58] - The Challenge of Listening in a Digital Age
- [36:37] - Listening as an Act of Love
- [38:18] - The Loneliness Epidemic
- [41:03] - Jesus as a Listener
- [43:33] - The Perception of Christians
- [45:45] - Paul's Approach in Athens
- [47:39] - Listening to People and Places
- [49:36] - Provenient Grace and Listening
- [52:01] - The Story of the Mailbox
- [54:39] - Practical Listening Tips
- [59:16] - Asking Good Questions
- [01:01:25] - The Challenge of Sharing Jesus Today
- [01:04:01] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 17:22-31
- Luke 18:35-43
- John 5:1-9
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Observation Questions:
1. In Acts 17, how does Paul begin his conversation with the people of Athens, and what does this reveal about his approach to sharing the gospel? [47:39]
2. According to the sermon, what are some examples of how Jesus demonstrated listening in His ministry? [41:03]
3. What was the significance of the blind beggar's interaction with Jesus in Luke 18, and how did Jesus respond to him? [41:03]
4. How does the sermon describe the current state of communication in today's digital age, and what challenges does it present to listening? [33:58]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why is listening considered an act of love according to the sermon, and how does this align with Jesus' ministry? [36:37]
2. How does Paul's method of engaging with the Athenians in Acts 17 demonstrate the importance of understanding cultural context before sharing the gospel? [47:39]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that listening can be a transformative practice for both the listener and the speaker? [49:36]
4. How does the concept of provenient grace, as discussed in the sermon, influence the way we approach listening and sharing the gospel with others? [49:36]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent conversation where you felt truly heard. What made that experience meaningful, and how can you replicate that in your interactions with others? [36:37]
2. Identify a person in your life who may feel lonely or unheard. What practical steps can you take this week to listen to them more intentionally? [38:18]
3. Consider the digital communication habits you have. How might these habits be affecting your ability to listen well in face-to-face interactions? What changes can you make to improve this? [33:58]
4. Think about a time when you assumed someone's intent based on their words or actions. How can you practice understanding first before jumping to conclusions in future interactions? [57:03]
5. The sermon mentioned asking good questions as a way to engage others. What are some open-ended questions you can use to encourage deeper conversations with those around you? [59:16]
6. Reflect on the idea of provenient grace. How does knowing that God is already at work in others' lives change your approach to listening and sharing your faith? [49:36]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of listening as an act of love into your daily routine, especially with those you may not naturally connect with? [36:37]
Devotional
Day 1: Encountering God in Community
Gathering as a community is a profound opportunity to encounter God and experience transformation. This transformation is not merely a surface-level change but a deep, inside-out renewal that God works in us as we worship and receive His word. When we come together, we open ourselves to the divine work of grace, allowing God to shape us into His likeness. This communal experience is a reminder that we are not alone in our spiritual journey; we are part of a larger body that supports and encourages one another. [05:56]
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." (Matthew 18:20, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally prepare your heart to encounter God the next time you gather with your community?
Day 2: Listening as a Reflection of Love
Listening is an essential expression of love, so intertwined with love that they are almost indistinguishable. To truly love someone is to listen to them, to give them our full attention, and to understand their heart. This mirrors Jesus' ministry, where He often listened before He acted, showing compassion and empathy. In a world where digital communication often overshadows face-to-face interaction, we are called to develop the ears of Jesus, listening deeply to those God has placed in our lives. [36:37]
"Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." (James 1:19, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs you to listen to them today, and how can you show them love through your attentive presence?
Day 3: Understanding Context Through Listening
Paul’s approach in Athens highlights the importance of listening to the context and culture of those we wish to reach. By understanding their beliefs and practices, we can find common ground and effectively share the gospel. This method teaches us to listen first, comprehend the environment, and then communicate the good news in a way that resonates with others. Listening to the context allows us to build bridges and connect with people on a deeper level. [47:39]
"So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.'" (Acts 17:22, ESV)
Reflection: What cultural or contextual factors do you need to understand better in order to effectively share your faith with someone in your life?
Day 4: Joining God’s Work Through Provenient Grace
Before we interact with others, God is already at work in their lives through His provenient grace. This understanding frees us from the pressure of being the "junior Holy Spirit" and allows us to join God in what He is already doing. By starting with listening, we can discern where God is moving and how we can participate in His work. This perspective shifts our focus from trying to control outcomes to being faithful partners in God’s mission. [49:36]
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you become more aware of God’s work in the lives of those around you, and how can you join Him in that work today?
Day 5: Practicing Intentional Listening
To be effective listeners, we must practice understanding first, listening to others without preconceived notions, and asking meaningful questions. This intentional listening opens doors for deeper connections and opportunities to share the love of Christ. By being genuinely curious and compassionate, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who listened before He acted. Let us commit to being listeners, hearing the stories of those around us, and being a blessing in our community. [59:16]
"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance." (Proverbs 1:5, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to become a better listener, and how might this change your interactions with others?
Quotes
This is an opportunity to meet with God. This is an opportunity for us to receive grace from God, an opportunity for us to really have a difference made in our lives. We believe that God isn't just a God. We believe that God is a God who kind of puts a fresh coat of paint on us, but one who works in our lives, transforming us from the inside out. [00:02:18]
The work of beginning to share the gospel starts in us. It starts in our hearts, making us willing and open to receive what God has given us. What God has for others in our lives and making us to be willing to reach out to them. So he introduced us to this prayer. It says, Oh, God, give us your heart for the lost and begin the work in me. [00:05:01]
In the United States today, 73% of people report that they spend more time communicating with people online than they do face-to-face. So that's your texting, that's your phone calls, that's your social media, you know, getting on Facebook and catching up with what Sally's doing or what Dwayne's doing. That's the video calls, that's the Snapchats, that's all those different things. [00:33:41]
Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable. You guys, reflect on your own lives. Think, is that true? To really hear somebody, to really listen to somebody is so close to loving them that most people couldn't tell the difference. When we love someone, we listen. We take time to share those moments with them. [00:37:34]
If we want to be a people of blessing, people who truly make a missional impact in the Citrus County area and in our neighborhoods, our communities, we have to become listening. I have a couple of stats up there on the screen as well. One in five Americans say that if they had something really important going on in their life, maybe a marriage in trouble, maybe a diagnosis, one in five Americans say, I have nobody to talk to about that. [00:38:18]
Jesus's ministry model was not just this one-size-fits-all. He didn't, you know, go out handing out tracts or go door-to-door like the Jehovah's Witness do. If you were to die tonight, would you spend it? He didn't spend eternity in heaven or hell. He didn't walk people down the Roman's road. He pulled up a chair. He sat next to people, the blind, the sick, the lame, his own disciples, and he listened to them. [00:42:46]
If Jesus, Jesus was on a mission, mission from God to bring the kingdom here. If Jesus on a mission from God to save the world could take time to stop and listen, why aren't we as reports of, what do you think of Christians? And the top answers weren't good listeners. It was judgmental, too political, obsessed with, you know, making conversions happen. [00:43:49]
So you see, listening was a core part of Jesus's identity. That is, Jesus came in the flesh, incarnate God among us. God saw it fit that our Lord, our Messiah, that he would become like us, that he would come to live among us and hear us with human ears. Just as we can hear one another. And so this is our calling. [00:44:36]
Paul's words to these people were shaped by listening. So see how he engages the Athenians. He says, men of Athens, I notice that you're religious in every way. There might be a twinge of irony there, but we might be saying, yeah, they're religious for all the wrong things. Paul, why aren't you telling them that? I see you're very religious. [00:48:21]
We believe that before I interact with somebody, one of my neighbors, that God's already working in their life. That there's an image of God inside this person, and that God's already at work in their life. So like Paul, we can trust that God's already at work. We don't have to put on our little junior Holy Spirit badge to confront and to bring about, what's the word, when you feel bad about something. [00:49:36]
How can we put these, these ideas of being a Christ-like listener to practice? That same fellow that I shared with you a quote with before, David Augsburger, he, as a pastoral counselor, he wrote these 10 commandments, these 10 ways that we can be really intentional about listening to others. This would be a great slide to just snap a photo of as it comes up on the screen. [00:55:25]
I'm convinced I put this to practice with the team. The three most loving words you can probably say to somebody is tell me more. I was yesterday. Um, um, selling off some of the music equipment I haven't used forever in my house. I met with this guy in our community. I got a little tattoo on his arm. And so, Hey, what does that mean to you? [00:59:37]
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