June 17. Profitable Hearing
J.R. Miller emphasizes the vital importance of discerning and embracing godly teachings, warning that what we hear shapes our character and spiritual life.
In this devotional sermon, J.R. Miller highlights the critical importance of discerning what we listen to, illustrating how words shape our spiritual and moral character. He warns against the dangers of evil influences and encourages believers to embrace the transforming power of God's Word. Miller calls listeners to guard their hearts by choosing carefully what they allow into their minds and souls.
Text
"Take heed what you hear!" Mark 4:24
This is a very important counsel. "Take heed what you hear." The things we hear enter into our souls and become part of our being; they give form and color to our character. There have come infinite blessings from the printing-press. There are thousands of good books, whose pages are like leaves from the tree of life, for the healing of the nations. But there are also thousands of evil books — whose pages reek with poison, and scatter influences of moral and spiritual death. With all this great mass of books, good and bad — it is vitally important that we take heed what we hear. We would not eat poisoned food — so why should we take poison into our souls?
If we open our ears to the evil things that are continually spoken on all sides, and that come to us on vile printed pages — our hearts will become foul and unclean, and our lives will be debauched. We should shut our ears to all that is unholy. Many a now utterly ruined life, dates the beginning to its debasement from the moment when an impure word was whispered in a listening ear, or when a vile book or paper was secretly read. On the other hand, every beautiful life has been made beautiful by what it has heard. We are saved by words. Pure, true words are transforming.
The Bible is simply a book of words; but every word contains a revelation of some beautiful thing in character or attainment which we should strive to reach. We should always gladly, because we may always safely and profitably — hear the word of God.
Then we must not forget the Master\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Importance of What We Hear
- Words shape our character and soul.
- Good and evil influences abound in what we hear.
- We must be cautious like avoiding poisoned food.
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II. The Danger of Evil Influences
- Evil words and writings corrupt the heart.
- Many ruined lives began with impure listening.
- We should shut our ears to unholy speech.
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III. The Power of God’s Word
- The Bible’s words reveal beautiful character traits.
- Pure and true words transform and save.
- We should gladly and profitably hear God’s word.
Key Quotes
“Take heed what you hear!” — J.R. Miller
“We would not eat poisoned food — so why should we take poison into our souls?” — J.R. Miller
“Pure, true words are transforming.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Be intentional about what you listen to, avoiding harmful or unholy influences.
- Regularly engage with the Bible to allow its pure words to transform your life.
- Guard your heart by shutting out corrupting speech and media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to 'take heed what you hear'?
Because the words we hear influence our character and spiritual well-being, shaping who we become.
How can bad influences affect a person spiritually?
Listening to evil or impure words can corrupt the heart and lead to moral and spiritual ruin.
What role does the Bible play in hearing?
The Bible provides pure, true words that reveal godly character and lead to transformation.
How should believers respond to worldly or unholy speech?
They should shut their ears to unholy speech and avoid exposure to corrupting influences.
What is the benefit of profitably hearing God's word?
It leads to spiritual growth, healing, and the formation of a beautiful, godly life.