Read at beginning of service:
Luke 8:16-18 (NIV)
16 “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.”
INTRODUCTION
Well, last week I introduced the new series of messages I?m sharing with you entitled, “What God really Wants!” As I mentioned a week ago, the motivation for preaching these messages comes from a heart that wonders what it is my Lord and Saviour really wants. I?ve been confronted at various points of my life with the insipid attitude of looking for the bare minimum required by God. An attitude that I am convinced the majority of Christians in our part of the world share. In those times of confrontation I?ve been gripped by my love for Jesus and have realized the shallowness of simply wanting to do what?s merely necessary. You see, when you realize ? truly realize ? how much God has done for you ? how much He loves you then you start to shift your thinking from what must I do, to what can I do? Instead of stopping at the necessary ? you press on to find the heart of God. And truthfully, God really wants people to know Him! A sincere and careful search through the scriptures reveals not only what God requires for people to enter His kingdom and to know Him as their King but also what He really wants! Far too many people stop short at the requirement part and either reject God at that point or meet Him at that point and don?t go any further.
So last week we began by looking at one of the things God really wants and that is someone who will listen. God really wants people to listen to Him because He loves us and He wants what?s best for us ? it?s that simple. God has a vast limitless deposit of knowledge and wisdom that He is just waiting to share with the person who will listen. For every decision we face He knows the best choice. For every word we speak he is aware of the best syllables. For every action we can take he knows the best step. Friends why oh why do some people fail to listen to God when He loves us and wants what?s best for us? Well it?s like the child that continues to run out on the street after his parent yell?s out “Get back here!”. There is a willful, stubborn streak in every single one of us that causes us to take our own counsel and to ignore the entreaties of God to listen to Him. And that streak is sin. Oh, how our lives would take on the richness and fullness of the character of God if we would only listen.
Last week I ended the message a bit sooner than usual because to do justice to this idea I couldn?t really give it all to you in one sitting. In concluding last week I introduced you to a verse I discovered when learning what the scriptures say about this desire of God (for people to listen to Him).
Luke 8:18 (NIV)
18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.”
I want you to circle something important in that verse, “how you listen”. Many times I have glanced over that verse and have missed the important qualifier there. Jesus, is drawing His hearers attention to something they need to understand. He said consider which means examine or look at or carefully think about ? HOW You listen! You see, God really wants someone to listen to Him but how we listen is important! As I looked at this verse closer I began to read the verses prior and it was interesting that there I found the familiar parable (to me) of the farmer sowing the seed. As I reread that parable in the light of verse 18 ? I began to gain an awesome new understanding of this parable. So today I?m going to share some insights into the significance of how we listen to God.
READ Luke 8:4-15 (NLT)
Now as I read this parable through (more than once) and then Jesus? explanation of the parable to His disciples? there?s a few things that stand out?
- The seed represented God?s word.
- There were four types of soil that the seed fell on (footpath, rocky soil, soil with thorns, good soil) which represented 4 different types of people.
- The differences between the soil affected what happened to the soil.
- And in light of verse 18, “Consider how you listen” this parable really stood out b/c Jesus was using the parable to illustrate the different ways people listen to God and His word!
In his explanation of the parable to the disciples, each time Jesus said about the seeds falling on the different types of soil, “?represent those who hear the message and?”! So friends, when Jesus said in verse 18, “Consider how you listen?” Jesus is unlocking the reason why He shared the parable. So let?s look closer then at the four different ways people listen?
Don?t listen to God
Some of the seed fell on the footpath where it was stepped on and the birds ate it. Jesus said to His disciples said that this represented those who hear the message , only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. Now some would read this and say it?s the devil?s fault. He?s the one that?s robbing them of God?s word. Indeed, there is truth to that, after all the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church,
2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV)
4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
It is Satan?s agenda to keep people from understanding and receiving the salvation message that God has made available to anyone who would receive. He is dong anything in His power to rob people of the love of God. However, although the birds in this parable are representative of the work of Satan snatching away God?s word from peoples hearts, let?s not forget the soil that the seed had fallen upon in the first place. If anyone has ever walked along a footpath (or trail) in a bush or when on a hike you know that over time as more and more people walk along that path it becomes characterized by packed, impenetrable earth upon which nothing grows. The seed that falls along it would just sit on top. Friends, listen closely ? everyone who hears the voice of God is immediately faced with a decision to listen or not to listen. That is the first thing Jesus would have us consider. And the reason for this is because when you don?t listen to God then anything He says will never penetrate your heart and will just sit there. And you know what? Satan is always looking for people who have heard God?s word but aren?t listening because He?s gonna snatch away that seed that?s just sitting there.
It?s not easy to listen sometimes. King Amaziah is one of God?s poster people for this kind of problem. He is the man who wouldn?t listen. You can read his story in 2 Chronicles 25. Amaziah became king when he was twenty-five years old and reigned in Jerusalem for 29 years. The strange thing is that Amaziah did listen at first. He listened very closely and obediently to the Word of the Lord when he began his reign as king of Judah, He is introduced as a man who,
2 Chronicles 25:2 (NIV)
2 He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly.
Now that “not wholeheartedly” bit will come into play a few years later in his life but when King Amaziah was first established on the throne he had to take care of some unfinished business. His father, the late King Joash, had been assassinated, and it was Amaziah?s duty to punish the men responsible for this vicious crime. Although he now had absolute power, Amaziah did not give in to the desire for unbridled vengeance by executing the assassins and their families. (This was a common practice during those tumultuous days when royal power wreaked havoc among the peoples of the world). Rather, King Amaziah heeded the commandment of God found in Deuteronomy 24:16. This commandment limited punishment, no matter how grievous the crime, to only the guilty parties, not their innocent children. So Amaziah listened well to the Word of the Lord.
Then another challenge faced the king. After organizing and enlarging his army for a major battle against the Edomites, Amaziah,
2 Chronicles 25:6 (NIV)
?hired a hundred thousand fighting men from Israel ?.
?at a cost of almost four tons of silver! He believed that the three hundred thousand troops from Judah could only be strengthened by adding one hundred thousand mercenaries from the northern kingdom of Israel. Everyone knows that in war, more is better, right? Well, Amaziah found out that God?s math was different from his.
A man of God came to him and boldly declared,
2 Chronicles 25:7 (NIV)
?these troops from Israel must not march with you, for the LORD is not with Israel–not with any of the people of Ephraim.
The northern ten tribes of Israel had given themselves over to gross idolatry, and the anger of Jehovah hung over them. Because of this, Amaziah was forbidden to deeply their forces. If he used them, he was told, “God will overthrow you before the enemy.” As the prophet revealed, “God has the power to help or to overthrow” (v.8). In other words, more is less if God doesn?t bless!
Amaziah was still troubled, though, by the almost four tons of silver that would be wasted if he dismissed the Israelite troops.
2 Chronicles 25:9 (NIV)
9 Amaziah asked the man of God, “But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?” The man of God replied, “The LORD can give you much more than that.”
So the king obediently dismissed the mercenaries. He then led his smaller army ? one that had God?s blessing ? to the Valley of Salt and routed the Edomites.
What joy there was among the troops of Judah that night as they celebrated their impressive victory! What wonderful lessons Amaziah teaches us as we watch him obeying not only the express commands of the Law of God but also the prophetic voice of the Spirit of God. The king?s obedience to God?s leading in a specific situation even at great monetary loss, is a powerful example for us to follow. As the king listened and obeyed, God was faithful to fulfill his promise of victory and blessing.
But a very odd thing happened to King Amaziah as he concluded his campaign against the Edomites. His attention was drawn to the idols that his defeated foes worshiped. What he did next seems almost unbelievable to be true,
2 Chronicles 25:14-15 (NIV)
14 When Amaziah returned from slaughtering the Edomites, he brought back the gods of the people of Seir. He set them up as his own gods, bowed down to them and burned sacrifices to them. 15 The anger of the LORD burned against Amaziah, ?
How could this happen to a man who was so blessed by God? The Law of God clearly forbids bowing down to any heathen idol. The Lord had repeatedly commanded his people to have no other gods before Him (Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 5:7) These were the ABC?s of religious instruction among the people of Israel! Yet somehow Amaziah?s sick fascination with Edomite idols closed his ears to the Word of the Lord. Maybe it was his successful reign thus far. Maybe it was his great victory over the Edomites. We don?t know why, but for some reason the king of Judah stopped listening to God. Things went from bad to worse ? God sent a prophet to Amaziah to confront him with his sin. But instead of listening to the voice of God, Amaziah rejected the message and while the prophet was still speaking, the king said to him,
2 Chronicles 25:16 (NIV)
16 While he was still speaking, the king said to him, “Have we appointed you an adviser to the king? Stop! Why be struck down?” ?
The man who once listened, childlike, to God?s voice now arrogantly cut off the prophet?s message and threatened to kill him if he went any further. Before he left, the unnamed prophet said something that I pray the Holy Spirit will help us all to remember:
2 Chronicles 25:16 (NIV)
“I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not listened to my counsel.”
That was the solemn verdict. Once Amaziah closed his ears to the voice of God, nothing in heaven or on earth could help him. He was doomed because he wouldn?t listen. When you read further you learn that Amaziah soon unwisely attacked the northern kingdom of Israel. But God?s blessing was no longer on him, so his army was routed. Amaziah?s victorious enemies broke down about six hundred feet of Jerusalem?s walls, seized the gold and silver and sacred articles in the temple, and raided the palace treasury. Hostages were taken from among the people. In the end, the nation of Judah was bankrupt, the temple had been violated, and countless families mourned the loss of husbands and fathers they would never see again. This was the sad legacy of the king who wouldn?t listen.
2. Listen to God when it?s convenient.
The distinction of the second soil example in Jesus? parable is that it was rocky. When the seed was sown on it, it began to grow but it wilted and died from lack of moisture. In his explanation of the parable to the disciples Jesus said that this represented those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don?t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. What is it that Jesus wants us to consider here? He wants us to consider whether or not we listen to God when it?s convenient!
There are so many people that when they first learn about Jesus and what He did for them that they receive the message with enthusiasm and excitement. They are filled with joy over all the incredible new things they are experiencing and with hope over all the promises of God. Indeed, it is wonderful when you are a new believer and fresh in your relationship with your King. It?s like going from a black and white life to a life that is full of color. But far to often, new Christians aren?t discipled and mentored by a mature believer and over time they wither and wilt in their faith. Why? Usually, it begins when they realize that this heart change process can be uncomfortable sometimes and quite often requires sacrifice. Sadly this happens more often in the Western world because our affluence has numbed us to the concept of sacrifice and commitment. When someone gives their life to Jesus in more oppressed and poorer nations they are really giving their life! So what happens with us then? Well, some people listen to God when it?s convenient. As long as what He has to say doesn?t interfere with my plans, my life, my goals?then I?ll listen.
It reminds me of the story found in Matthew 19:15-22. A rich young man came up to Jesus and asked him, “What good deed must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus reply was, “If you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.” The rich young ruler wanted to make sure all his bases were covered, “Which ones?” he says. Jesus replied, “You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.” Now, let?s pause here for a moment ? I find it interesting that Jesus would list these commands. After all when he had been asked a similar question elsewhere he said the greatest commandment was, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and the second is like it ? Love your neighbor as yourself”. Out of all the commandments, Jesus focuses on these 6! Maybe, Jesus has insight into what commandments this man has kept. In other words what the man has listened to God about. At any rate the man does indeed say, “All these I have obeyed, is there anything else?”
Here is the clincher, Jesus says to him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me“. When the man heard this, the Bible records that he went away very sad, for he had many possessions. Folks, we don?t know whether the man did or did not do what Jesus said but we do know that it is very hard for people who have a lot going for them in this world to trust in God for the next world. And this is why some people listen to God only when it?s convenient, and miss out on the best that God has to offer!
3. Listen to God and Listen to everything else.
The next part of Jesus? parable involved seed that fell on soil that had thorns growing in it. The thorns grew up with the seed and choked out the tender plants. In his explanation to his disciples Jesus says,
Luke 8:14 (NIV)
14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.
Jesus wants us to consider that there are some people who think they can listen to God and listen to everything else. Now there?s a lot that is similar about these people and the rocky soil people. Both want to listen to God on their own terms. But the people in this case are adding what God says to everything else that speaks in their lives. The problem is that God?s Word is absolute ? that means that anything that contradicts God?s word is wrong. That means you cannot listen to God and listen to what contradicts Him at the same time. What?s worse, if you think you can you?re being deceived because eventually any thing of godly character in you will be choked out by everything else that you listen to.
Now, remember, last message I gave you a bit of a definition of what listening is. When you listen to someone you are:
PAYING ATTENTION and SHOWING AFFECTION. If our attentions and affections are on anything that contradicts the Word of God then we are not listening to Him no matter what anyone says. Remember God won?t force you to listen to Him. He wants you to listen to Him because He loves you and He wants what?s best for you. He will lovingly seek to draw you to Him by correcting and disciplining BUT if you continually shut out His voice or play the pandry game of saying your listening to Him (when your really not) then eventually everything that is godly in you will be choked out by everything you listen to.
There are so many lives being ruined because people think they can pray, go to church, sing songs, serve in a church ministry and also look at pornography, horde wealth, lie, ignore the poor, turn away the sick, cheat to get ahead, tolerate sin of any kind and still walk in God?s blessing! Wrong, wrong, wrong. You CANNOT listen to God and listen to everything else. God loves you and He wants what?s best for you but you?ll never see it if you don?t listen to Him!
Finally, the last section of Jesus? parable that we are to look at as we consider how we listen. Here, Jesus talks about the seed that fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Jesus called out,
“? Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Luke 8:8 NLT)
In his explanation to the disciples Jesus said,
Luke 8:15 (NIV)
15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
What is significant about these people who hear the word of God? They retain it. Now, I wonder why do they retain it? Why do they keep it? Why do they hold on to it? The answer my friends, is because such people treasure what God has to say. They know He loves them and they know that He wants what?s best for them and they know that this is what God really wants ? for them to listen. And so, such people seek out His voice!
4. Seek out His voice
There is no one in the Bible who probably better illustrates such a person than the life of one of God?s favorites in the Old Testament. David went from being a simple shepherd boy to being the King of Israel because God was with him.
Although God is omnipresent ? existing everywhere in the universe at the same time ? he is not with everybody in precisely the same way. So although no one can escape his presence as Almighty God, he definitely is with certain individuals and churches in the sense of supplying greater grace and blessings. This was the case with David, who faced tremendous odds and powerful enemies yet stood triumphant in the end because God?s hand was with him. David?s life is a vivid illustration of just how marvelous it is to live under God?s special care.
(The Church God Blesses, by Jim Cymbala, p. 136)
One of the interesting secrets to David?s relationship with God is found in a little known story found in 1 Chronicles 14. Up to this point David had survived more than ten years of being hunted by a jealous King Saul, who had recently died. God had watched over and protected David and promoted him at last to the throne of Israel ? just as he promised when David was only a teenager. The new king had the support of all of the nation?s twelve tribes. There was excitement in Jerusalem because,
1 Chronicles 14:2 (NIV)
2 And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel.
It is during this high tide of popularity and momentum for David that we read,
1 Chronicles 14:8 (NIV)
8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went out to meet them.
What a great reminder this is for the church and for the people who listen to God. NO matter how wonderfully God works on our behalf, spiritual enemies are still arrayed against us, and their spiritual attacks must be encountered until Jesus comes again! These are the plain facts of spiritual warfare, and we would be wise to always keep them in mind. In fact, one of Satan?s most strategic moments occurs when a great victory is won and we are on a kind of “spiritual high”. The Philistines, for example could not have cared less about the euphoria surrounding David becoming king or the fact that God?s promise had come to pass. They came up in full force to search him out with only destruction on their minds.
That?s the way Satan always is, and always will be, until he meets his final doom in the fires of hell. He is a relentless foe who knows that high, spiritual moments often relax our guard and cause us to be less vigilant against his approaches. There is a whole class of temptations in his arsenal that he reserves just for the times when we receive favor from the Lord. The Bible contains several tragic stories of people who fell into awful peril during the most blessed moments of their lives.
Now there is much more to this episode than just the statement that the Philistines gathered against David and he “went out to meet them”. The “how” behind this sentence, as revealed in 1 Chronicles 14:9-10 is important to take note of:
1 Chronicles 14:9-10 (NIV)
9 Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim; 10 so David inquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The LORD answered him, “Go, I will hand them over to you.”
This is an unusual series of events, when you think about it. David was at the height of popularity, and his veteran army was poised to defend the nation. Patriotic emotions and political excitement filled the air as God?s anointed servant finally took his rightful place on the throne. Not only this, but we have to remember that the Philistine?s were the enemy and their army was clobbered years earlier by Israel when a young David killed their champion Goliath. So, with all this in mind, the new king should just rush out with his army and do battle because these idolatrous pagans had no chance against Jehovah and his hosts, right?
But that?s not what David did. Instead we read that he humbled himself before God and asked him about whether he should fight this battle. Not only that, David asked if God would go with him so that the enemy would be defeated! David didn?t want to be in the wrong battle at the wrong time so he inquired of God who knows all things.
Listen carefully, although he was God?s anointed king and a veteran warrior, although the Lord had helped him countless times before, David would not move without God?s approval and promise of blessing. David actually sought out what God had to say! And then when God spoke?David listened. No wonder David had such a special place in the heart of God!
Another important truth here is that “the LORD answered him.” Why do you think God answered David. Friends because what God really wants is for someone to listen to Him. Why? Because He loves us and He wants what?s best for us. Of course God is going to answer the one that comes to Him to listen! Somehow, in some way, the Lord will guide our steps in the way we should go. He will honor our desire to seek his will and blessing, and listen to Him.
The Bible tells us that David and his men went up to the place where the Philistines were and defeated them. David?s careful prayer for God?s direction resulted in a stunning victory over the Philistine forces.
Now friends, God is ready to act in the lives of those who listen to Him. Possibly you face a dilemma of some kind today. Maybe it is related to your marriage or a son or daughter who is not serving God. Or possibly you need the Lord to heal you in the realm of your emotions. Whatever the case, remember that we serve a God who Loves us and wants what?s best for us and really wants us to listen to Him! If we humble ourselves before Him and bring our individual circumstances before God, as David did, with a yielded will that desires to know what he wants us to do then we will experience the wonderful blessings of God in our life as we listen to what He says.
But this wasn?t the end of the story. The enemies coming against David were persistent.
1 Chronicles 14:13 (NIV)
13 Once more the Philistines raided the valley;
And you know what David did? He inquired of God again. The Philistines were not going to give up the fight just because they had lost the first battle. Even as we must continually face opposition in the realm of spiritual warfare, David learned that the Philistines were again on his doorstep.
Now you might automatically think that after having been so blessed by God and having recently soundly defeated these same enemies that David would quickly round up his troops and head out tot he battlefield and give them one more thumping. But the king?s action and its results are full of instruction for us. David inquired of the Lord again before he made a single move. He would not budge until He had a chance to listen once again to God?s voice.
It?s interesting because not only did God answer David but He gave specific instructions on how to fight this particular battle,
1 Chronicles 14:14-16 (NIV)
14 so David inquired of God again, and God answered him, “Do not go straight up, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. 15 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because that will mean God has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.” 16 So David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army, all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.
What a faithful God David served! For some unknown reason, David was not to make the typical, frontal assault that had gained the last victory, but was to circle around and amass his forces near the balsam trees. Included in this specific strategy God also indicated the timing of Israel?s attack ? “as soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees”. This part of the story shows the incredible humility and trust of David and the great love of God. Hear me, David didn?t have to wonder, worry, or figure out things for himself. Everything David needed to know concerning the battle was given to him ? right down to the exact timing of the army?s assault.
What are the lessons here?
WE must stay in close communion and listen to our Lord if we are to enjoy his full blessing. Reflex responses based on past success are not adequate, because we need to continually seek God for fresh guidance. Not only guidance on what we should do but also when we should do it.
If God directed David to fight against the Philistines thousands of years ago, will he not also guide us in the way we should go? How can Christians ever think of changing jobs, moving to another city, or starting a business without inquiring of the Lord? God has detailed plans for every one of his children, and he would love to share those plans with us! So seek Him out and listen to Him!
CONCLUSION
Finally, once last thing in closing folks. After sharing the parable of the seeds and soil and the explanation of it to his disciples ? sandwiched right in between that and him saying consider how you listen ? Jesus says this,
Luke 8:16-17 (NIV)
16 “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.
In most translations of the Bibles this verse is separated from the previous section by a heading. Because of this it would seem that it is unrelated to the parable of the seed and soils. But I don?t believe it is. Further, there have been many times that I have interpreted this particular passage to be talking about the witness and testimony of Christians (or followers of Christ) and how we should let our light shine. But in preparing for this message I began to see this little illustration of Christ in a different way.
Consider this. Remember that God really wants us to listen to Him, why? Because He loves us and He wants what?s best for us. Why did Jesus share the parable of the seed and soils? Because he wanted us to consider how we listen to God?s word and the consequences of not listening. Now, enter in this little blurb about a lamp on a stand. I believe Jesus is not talking about Christians letting their light shine but is instead talking about God here. He very matter of factly states, “No one lights a lamp and then hides it! No, they put the light on a stand so those who come in can see the light” Circle or underline those who come in. I believe Jesus is saying, Of course God isn?t going to hide His Word from you, no, He?s going to put it where it can be seen by all who come in. God?s word is available to all who will come in. God really wants us to listen to Him because there are incredible truths and wisdom to those with ears to listen! It will not be hidden to those who seek Him out and listen!
So where are you then? God speaks in many ways?through dreams and visions, sometimes in an audible voice, through the prompting of your heart, through your conscience, in prayer, in signs and wonders ? but primarily through the scriptures, the written word, the Bible. In fact, everything you hear through the ways I listed just now should be filtered through God?s written Word. If it doesn?t match up with His book then it?s not from Him. But friends, the point I?m making is this ? God speaks!! And God is really wanting us to listen!!