Teaching Tuesdays
I have sat through many a sermon, including my own, which have made some tremendous points, but failed to hit on how to carry out things practically. Many of us have good intentions regarding fulfilling the objective of the sermon, but if the sermon lacks a practical way of carrying out the teaching, then what does it matter? I try my very best to remember this when I prepare for a message, but sometimes it doesn't come out as clearly. And I would assume that you listen to other Christian teachers and preachers who many times don't give a real concrete way of fulfilling that week's challenge.
Here is my challenge to you, in order to maximize the message preached. Learn how to set a practical goal in front of you after every message regardless of whether the teacher or preacher gave a practical goal. For instance...
Teaching on Forgiveness... Find a practical way to serve someone you have an issue with.
Teaching on Giving... Find an area during the week that you can give toward that you wouldn't normally do. If you are good at giving financially, find a way to give with your time, if you give in both these areas, give your talent, etc...
Teaching on Fear... Determine the place you are most fearful and resolve to fast and pray about that area until the peace of God begins to permeate you.
Teaching on Loving God... picture your relationship with God in light of a marriage. What areas are you good at in and what areas are you weak. If you have difficulty expressing in words your love for God, then set some goals for that week. If you have difficulty spending lots of time with God, set some "date nights" to spend time with the Lord.
Teaching on Addictions... If there is an area you know that your flesh is winning over your spirit, then what can you place in your life to help diminish the craving? Discuss with other people that have overcome addictions to help you out. Overcoming addictions is so very much about practical steps to keep you out of that situation.
Take the opportunity to never let a message slip away because a practical point wasn't given. Instead, make your own practical point.
1 comments:
Your points are well taken. Each time we hear a word of action, I must ask myself how I can incorporate it and implement in my life according to how the Lord is speaking to me. I don't want to be just a hearer but a doer, effecting change and gracious impact to those around me. I don't want to be infected by the churchy disease of "pew-itis" just sitting there doing nothing, but getting up and stretching forth my hands. So, you blog is very well spoken! Well done indeed!
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