Hear the Word of the Lord

Jeremiah 22:29–30 “29 O land, land, land, hear the word of the Lord! 30 Thus says the Lord: “Write this man down as childless, a man who shall not succeed in his days, for none of his offspring shall succeed in sitting on the throne of David and ruling again in Judah.”

Many voices demand, con, mislead, fool us into being heard today, the voices of governments, of education, of the business world, of labor groups, of politicians. However, above all of these is the voice of God. Have you heard the Word of the Lord today?

Why should we hear the Word of the Lord? What’s in it for me we ask? Do I really need to hear the Word of God? Scripture, really? We have all asked ourselves these questions throughout our life.

A. Because we are of a “sin-saddened” society. There is sin all around us. Easy to find, easy to participate, easy to hide, at least we think it is.

B. Because all around us is a “sin-sick” society. Friends, church people, co-workers are involved in sin.

C. Because of a “sin-sex"society. Pornography, strip joints, prostitution, sex slavery, ............

What shall we hear when we hear the Word of the Lord? What are we looking for and wanting to find when we take the Bible and Open it?

A. Are we looking for Words of condemnation? Are we wanting to feel bad, ashamed, embarrassed or are we looking for answers and peace from God? Paul tells us in Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Again Paul tells us in:

Romans 5:12 “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned”

Romans 6:23 “ For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” So you think Paul is focusing on our sinful ways here in Romans?

B. Are we looking for “Words of invitation” in God’s Holy Words? In Genesis God is looking for, inviting Adam and Eve to come to Him.....Genesis 3:9 “But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” ; In Isaiah we read...Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, (another invitation) let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”

Matthew 11:28–30 “Come to me, (another invitation) all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

C. When we go to the Word of God, are we looking for “Words of salvation?” In John 3:3 “Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

What are the hindrances to hearing the Word of the Lord? Does our conscience kick in? Sure it does, either good or bad. We know because of God’s Holy Word what is right and what is wrong.

A. When we read God’s word, we realize that we all have somewhat of a “The love of sin;” Matthew 13:22 “22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”

John tells us: in John 3:19–20 “19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.”

B. The stealing of satan take place daily. Matthew 13:19–22 “19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”

So here we clarity from scripture on exactly what satan is doing when we want to be in the word of God. Do you think just because we open the Holy Bible that Satan runs away? Of course not, he camps our in our living room, our front porch, our reading chair because he will do all he can to take God’s word from us.

C. The lies of satan kick in when God calls our hearts. Acts 24:24–25 So, Paul is in prison in this next scripture, pay close attention to the emotions at work from Satan.......

24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul (from prison) and heard him (Paul) speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed (God was touching his heart) and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.”

Did you hear that church? God was calling Felix’s heart and like many times today, Satan was edging to be in the way.

What are the results of refusing, denying, forbidding yourself or others to hear the Word of the Lord?

Im glad you asked! We will be confused, sad, miserable, angry, selfish, greedy, ungodly,

A. They shall seek God but will be unable to find Him; Proverbs 1:24–28 tells us: “24 Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, 25 because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, 27 when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. 28 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me.”

B. They shall eat of the fruit of their own way, their own choice, their own demands.........Proverbs 1:28–31 “28 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. 29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, 30 would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, 31 therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices.”

What are the results of believing the Word of the Lord?

So if we have faith, so if we believe in Jesus Christ we are going to be in the Word, daily, weekly, monthly, every year for the rest of our lives.

A. The results of believing Scripture are many. First, we believe we have Salvation by God’s Holy and loving grace; John 10:27–29 “27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”

We must be doing our part. We must be praying that God “opens” up His Holy Word and for us to understand. For us to crave to be in His Holy Word, for us to do our part. The need is urgent for individuals to listen to the voice of the Lord.

Amen