Receiving the Word to Overcome Self-Deception

Yesterday in the post about self-deception we looked into James 1:21 where it talked about the engrafted word. We noted the engrafted word meant to be planted. If nurtured it would yield fruit. The producing of fruit is the final test of true salvation. It will yield a life that is changed to reflect Christian character and conduct. A life that will be lived, not for self, but for the glory of God. That kind of life will yield the right kind of fruit. God’s word is truth. We must live our lives according to this truth if we intend to live a life that is not hypocritical.

The first thing we need to do is receive the word. For it to help us to grow and bear fruit, it must be planted correctly. Jesus told us in Mark 4:24, “take heed what ye hear,” and in Luke 8:18, we need to “take heed how you hear.” Do you hear the word of God with a heart open to receive? Are you looking for opportunities to change? God’s word will change you if you receive it the right way.

Mark 4:24 “And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.”

Luke 8:18 “Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.”

Many in our churches are like the people Jesus spoke to in Matthew 13:13 “hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.” Though they saw the natural meaning and understood the parable they missed the point, because they did not understand the spiritual signification. I believe we have churches all over America filled with people like these mentioned. How do I know this? Because if they received the word correctly we would see great change. There would not only be fruit but much fruit, as described in John 15:5. It is so easy to go through the motions, and everything seemingly “clicking” right along, as if everything is right in our hearts. Then one day we realize we have allowed our own hearts to be desensitized to the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 13:13 “Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.”

John 15:5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” 

A phrase that a pastor friend used, when we were under his ministry, has helped me tremendously to pay attention and catch myself from drifting in and out while sitting in the preaching service. “When you stand before God you will not only give an account for what you heard but for what you would have heard if you would have been listening.” That, my friend, is a sobering thought!

Examine yourself. How much of the last message you heard can you remember? How did it affect your life? Was there fruit as a result of the effect it had on your life?

Let us make sure we are receiving the word correctly. I personally take notes. It helps me to focus, and also gives me a reference point later. Clear the clutter that prevents you from hearing correctly. Put your phone out of sight. If you use it for your Bible, put it on airplane mode. Messages are a distraction and you are cheating yourself and God. Nothing is more important at that time than hearing God’s word. Take time to “train” your children to sit quietly. Remind them that God is speaking to them too. They may go to sleep, but that’s ok. You are preparing them for their future of “hearing” God’s word, and you can “hear” also. Pray in your mind during prayer time and ask God to help you to listen. Discipline yourself to bring your thoughts back to the message when you realize you are wondering. Discipline yourself to be obedient in listening!

II Corinthians 10:5  “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”