Josh McGuire - “Having Ears to Hear Pt 2” | Austin CFC | 2024-08-25
Summary
The central message is the vital importance of being a good listener, drawing parallels from professional life (military, law, teaching) to spiritual disciplines. The speaker emphasizes that true discipleship requires tuning into God's voice, using Jesus's example as the model for always listening first. He concludes by referencing James 1:19—to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger—as a guide for right living.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Are you a good listener?Listening is essential in everyday vocations like the military, paralegal work, and teaching, yet people often fail to listen well in personal interactions.
The listening example of JesusJesus set an example of listening from his youth in the temple, and he consistently did only what his Father in heaven told him to do.
Quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to angerFailing to obey the instruction to be quick to listen and slow to speak often leads to frustration and a failure to produce God's righteousness.
Speak, for your servant is listeningThe story of young Samuel learning to hear God's voice teaches us to seek out godly older people who will ultimately point us directly to God in prayer.
Taking offense at Jesus in NazarethThe people of Nazareth listened to Jesus and were initially astonished, but took offense at him because of his ordinary background and lack of worldly status.
Asking Jesus for understandingWhen Jesus taught the crowds, his disciples later came to him in private to ask for explanations when they did not understand his words.Mark 7:14
Take care what you listen toBelievers must be careful what they listen to, recognizing that worldly media and bad company can easily corrupt good morals.
Listen to himAt the Mount of Transfiguration, God the Father interrupted Peter to command the disciples to listen to His beloved Son.
Brotherly testimonies on listening and breaking worldly tiesBrothers share personal convictions about failing to listen to their families and making radical decisions to cut off worldly friendships that hindered their walk with Christ.
Examining our hearts for a hardened heartStruggling to understand God's word may point to a hardened heart, prompting us to cry out to God for help and grace.
Mary choosing the good partMartha was distracted by many preparations, but Mary chose the good part by sitting at the Lord's feet and paying attention to his words.
