How to Listen to the Lord and Flourish
John MacArthur Sermon Summary
Christ used the seed parable of fruitful and fruitless soils to illustrate that we flourish through His Word. Through His Word, we receive God’s greatest gift: salvation. His Word prepares us to work together for good, impact others’ lives, and witness for Him so His kingdom expands. It is important to listen to His Word obediently, appreciatively, dependently, and confidently. Let’s elaborate. [1]
First, we listen obediently, which means listening and following. We have been given a light and we are called to let it shine. But we need to consider when to shine. Christ was deliberate in his timing. Early in His ministry, Christ taught using parables, only explaining their principles to His disciples. Initially, He told the disciples to preach repentance. Only after His resurrection did He tell them to spread the gospel. [2]
Second, listen appreciatively. Christ promised if we follow His Word, we will get much more than what we put in. But our return still depends on what we sow. [3]
Third, listen dependently. God controls the outcome of us following His Word. Farmers plant their seeds, go to bed, and later enjoy a harvest that grows on its own. We can’t give life to the dead. So, shine the light, rest, and enjoy the harvest that God creates. [4]
Lastly, listen confidently. Christ compared the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, which grows far larger than its size would suggest. The disciples never could have foreseen that their humble beginnings would yield such a massively out-of-proportion outcome, ultimately culminating to Christ ruling the world through His final Kingdom. [5]
Aren’t we privileged that God has opened our ears to His Word? So, be hungry for His teaching, like a baby hungers for milk. [6]
Summary of a sermon by John MacArthur, titled “How to Listen to the Lord”? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqAouLi9v-Q
First, we listen obediently, which means listening and following. We have been given a light and we are called to let it shine. But we need to consider when to shine. Christ was deliberate in his timing. Early in His ministry, Christ taught using parables, only explaining their principles to His disciples. Initially, He told the disciples to preach repentance. Only after His resurrection did He tell them to spread the gospel. [2]
Second, listen appreciatively. Christ promised if we follow His Word, we will get much more than what we put in. But our return still depends on what we sow. [3]
Third, listen dependently. God controls the outcome of us following His Word. Farmers plant their seeds, go to bed, and later enjoy a harvest that grows on its own. We can’t give life to the dead. So, shine the light, rest, and enjoy the harvest that God creates. [4]
Lastly, listen confidently. Christ compared the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, which grows far larger than its size would suggest. The disciples never could have foreseen that their humble beginnings would yield such a massively out-of-proportion outcome, ultimately culminating to Christ ruling the world through His final Kingdom. [5]
Aren’t we privileged that God has opened our ears to His Word? So, be hungry for His teaching, like a baby hungers for milk. [6]
Summary of a sermon by John MacArthur, titled “How to Listen to the Lord”? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqAouLi9v-Q
[1] Mark 4:10, 11, 13, 21-34; John 10:3, 4, 16, 27; Ephesian 2:10; Luke 8:18
[2] Mark 4:11, 22, 33-34; 3:22; 6; Matthew 5:16, 10:26
[3] Mark 4:24, 25; Galatians 6:7; Luke 6:38; Matthew 13:12
[4] Mark 4:26-29; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7; John 3, 1:12-13; Romans 1:16; Philippians 1:6; 2 Timothy 2:6
[5] Mark 4:30, Matthew 17:20
[6] 1 Peter 2:2