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In a previous article, I focused on the principles for understanding and preaching the word of God’s Kingdom. The word is all about Christ Jesus, emphasizing His death, burial and resurrection for the salvation of the world.
As preachers proclaim this word, it is expected that people listen to it, understand it, act on it and bear fruit with it. God expects pastors to feed believers with knowledge and understanding (Jeremiah 3.15). But believers also have roles to play in understanding the word of God.
This article, therefore, highlights vital principles that believers must observe to help them properly hear, understand and apply the word of God in their lives for their own benefit and the glory of God.
Sit down
The first principle worthy of consideration is the fact that people must learn to sit down when God’s word is being preached or taught. Often, many wander when the word is being ministered. Others are seen seated, but their minds and hearts will be focused on something else.
This is not what Jesus Christ did when He walked the earth. Scripture says, our Lord sat down when the teachers of the Law were teaching the word of God (Luke 2:46). Not only did His body sit, but the totality of His being: body, soul and spirit sat in the Synagogue.
People who choose to follow Jesus must also learn to sit down and concentrate when the word of the Kingdom of God is being proclaimed to them any where in the world.
Pray About the Word
Another important principle is praying for the grace to understand and act on the word. It is written that God hears us when we pray according to His will. And it is God’s will that people listen to His word and comprehend it.
Listen Attentively
After sitting down, the next thing believers must be committed to doing is to attentively listen to the message. Many sit down, but they do not actively listen. They get distracted as they fidget with their phones, play with their babies and think about their problems.
Jesus Christ did none of these. He attentively listened to the teachings of the teachers of the Law (Luke 2:46). He was determined to know and understand what was being said. So He allowed nothing to divert his attention. We must embrace the same listening skills.
Take Down Notes
People who want to actively listen to the teachings of God’s word and understand them must appreciate the need to write down the salient points.
Taking down notes does not only enable hearers to engage preachers and message delivery, but also helps them to review what has been preached thereby increasing their understanding.
Literate believers, therefore, should make it a priority to write down key points of God’s word that is preached for later reference.
Be Carried Along by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is not only given to believers to seal them for the day of redemption but also help them to hear God’s word. As all Scripture came by the inspiration of God, it certainly must be listened to by the Holy Spirit.
Believers may be carried along by the Spirit in hearing the word when they learn to yield to His leadings and guidance. The word is one of the things freely given to humanity, and people properly understand it by the Holy Spirit.
Thus, Paul writes that: “…no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God” (1 Corinthians 2:11-12).
Meditate on the Word
Finally, it must be emphasised that it is not enough to hear the word of God’s Kingdom. Believers must be exposed to the relevance of meditation on the word. Meditation in the context of this teaching is spending quality time to think about God and His word.
As you meditate, you receive illumination of the word which leads to deeper understanding and makes it an integral part of your being. It is at this stage that believers are enabled to effectively apply the word to achieve success (Joshua 1:8).
Ask Questions
We know that preaching is often one-way communication. Listeners are hardly given opportunities to immediately ask questions for clarifications of unclear statements.
Asking questions for further explanations, interpretations and examples deepen understanding. And having understanding of a message settles peace and makes it easier to be acted upon.
It is, therefore, not surprising that Jesus Christ once again decided to ask questions after He had listened to the teachers of the Law (Luke 2:46).
The sad reality, however, is that in our part of the world, people are not encouraged to ask questions. Those who attempt to do so are often branded as being inquisitive, attacking authority and even sometimes disrespectful.
If Jesus mustered the courage to ask questions after hearing God’s word, we must not be afraid of approaching pastors to ask them questions based on what they have preached or taught. Those who ask questions receive better understanding and application of the word.
You can clearly see that understanding God’s word does not just happen. Important principles must be followed. Those highlighted in this article are not in any way conclusive. More may be added to help people fathom and apply God’s word for the betterment of their lives.
By James Quansah
