Josh McGuire - “Having Ears to Hear” | Austin CFC | 2024-08-11
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the often-overlooked aspect of prayer: listening. He draws parallels from his experiences in the military, law enforcement, and teaching, noting that active listening requires deep engagement beyond simply hearing words. The central message is a warning against the illusion of paying attention, as people often wait for silence to interject their own thoughts rather than truly absorbing what is being said.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Focusing on the ears instead of the tongueWhile much attention is given to prophecy and the dangers of the tongue, we have two ears and only one mouth, highlighting the need to balance speaking with listening.
Lessons on active listening from the military and teachingExperiences as a military leader, a paralegal interviewing witnesses, and a schoolteacher revealed how critical active listening is, and how people often just wait to talk instead of hearing.
Phones and popcorn brain as hindrances to listeningConstant notifications create popcorn brain, making it difficult to listen to God or others when we are constantly distracted by our phones.
He who has ears to hearJesus repeatedly used the phrase 'he who has ears to hear, let him hear' across the gospels and Revelation, revealing his burden that people were not truly listening.
John leaning on Jesus' breastJohn positioned himself closely to Jesus to listen, which enabled him to record deep spiritual truths about eternal life and God's love.
Jesus listening and asking questions at age twelveAt twelve years old, Jesus displayed profound humility by sitting among teachers in the temple, listening and asking questions rather than acting as a know-it-all.
Being quick to hear and slow to speakJames 1:19 commands believers to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger never produces God's righteousness.James 1:19
Jesus listening before speaking in the face of accusationWhen religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery to trap Jesus, he patiently listened, prayed to his father, and responded with wisdom rather than irritation.
The root of poor listening is self-importanceWe fail to listen because we think our own wisdom and opinions are the most important in the room, stemming from a desire to be in control.
The importance of an ear ministry in the body of ChristJust as prayer is asking God to listen to us, we need more balance in the church by functioning as an attentive ear to our spouses, children, and fellow believers.
Starting the day by letting God awaken our earsBy spending quiet time with God each morning and allowing him to awaken our ears, we gain the patience and right words to sustain the weary.
