# “Three simple rules for hearing a sermon” by J.C. Ryle

- Link: https://tollelege.net/2021/10/16/three-simple-rules-for-hearing-a-sermon-by-j-c-ryle/
- Published: 2021-10-16T12:00:37-05:00
- Author: tollelege

“It is not enough that we go to Church and hear sermons. We may do so for fifty 
years, and ‘be nothing bettered, but rather worse.’ (**Mark 5:26**) “Take heed,”
says our Lord, “how ye hear.” (**Luke 8:18**)

Would any one know how to hear aright? Then let him lay to heart three simple rules.

For one thing, **_we must hear with faith_**, believing implicitly that every word
of God is true, and shall stand. The Word in old time did not profit the Jews, “
not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” (**Heb. 4:2**)

For another thing, **_we must hear with reverence_**, remembering constantly that
the Bible is the book of God. This was the habit of the Thessalonians. They received
Paul’s message, “not as the word of men, but the word of God.” (**1 Thess. 2:13**)

Above all, **_we must hear with prayer_**, praying for God’s blessing before the
sermon is preached, praying for God’s blessing again when the sermon is over.

Here lies the grand defect of the hearing of many. They ask no blessing, and so 
they have none. The sermon passes through their minds like water through a leaky
vessel, and leaves nothing behind.

Let us bear these rules in mind every Sunday morning, before we go to hear the Word
of God preached.

Let us not rush into God’s presence careless, reckless, and unprepared, as if it
mattered not in what way such work was done.

Let us carry with us faith, reverence, and prayer. If these three are our companions,
we shall hear with profit, and return with praise.”

–J.C. Ryle, [_Expository Thoughts on Luke_](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1848711301?tag=toletaupanre-20)(
Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1858/2012), 1: 197. Ryle is commenting on **Luke 
8:16-21**.

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