Series: What Time Is It? Sermon: It’s Time to Listen to Jesus and Do What He Says
Texts: James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Psalm Reading: 15
Summary of Message
It’s time to develop the habit of listening to Jesus…really listening to Him. The kind of listening that takes what he says to heart. Our world is filled with noise, distractions and destructive messages. It is time for Christians to learn the voice of Jesus, lean in to His truth and do what He says. James describes the immature Christian as the one who hears what God’s word has to say, but quickly forgets about it. It’s as absurd as someone who forgets their appearance after looking into a mirror. In Mark, Jesus was approached by the Pharisees who had their ears bent to tradition more than the Holy Spirit. They spent too much time listening to traditions that they missed opportunities to be merciful and kind. They were hypocrites! Their listening didn’t result in heart transformation: instead it resulted in heart malformation. The only one to purify our hearts and enable us to listen AND do what Jesus says, is Jesus Himself.
This message provides an opportunity to reflect on the “traditions” that present themselves and distract Christians from the heart transforming work of obedience to Jesus. Politics, Hollywood, sports all provide certain narratives and things to do that actually distract believers from hearing and doing Jesus’ instructions. But the believer who wants to truly live, to actually become like Jesus, will be intentional about listening with two ears and applying what they have heard. The believer who wants to be mature, will set aside daily time to listen to Jesus and make plans for obedience.
Reflection Questions
Begin with a prayer pause, recognizing that our times are in God’s hands (Psalm 31:15) and that He has set eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
How do you keep track of time?
Read James 1:17-27. Make a quick list of what James is calling to the church to do.
James gives the illustration of someone forgetting what they look like in a mirror. What are things that cause us to forget ourselves and not live according to what we know to be true? Give a personal example.
Read Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23. Compare what the Pharisees were focusing on to what Jesus focused on. Why did the Pharisees’ focus not make them less wicked and more righteous?
How can sports or politics become distracting traditions that result in Christian and emotional immaturity? How do those fail to address the heart?
How does listening to and obeying Jesus actually address our heart issues and result in maturity?
What is God calling you to prioritize so that you can listen and do what Jesus says?
Close in prayer. Be specific about where you need help from God in listening and obeying.
Weekly Reading
Monday: Deuteronomy 4:9-20; James 1:1-15
Tuesday: Deuteronomy 4:21-40; James 1:16-27
Wednesday: Psalm 106:1-6, 13-23, 47-48; Mark 7:1-8
Thursday: Isaiah 30:27-33; Mark 7:9-23
Friday: Psalm 146; Romans 2:1-11
Saturday: Isaiah 33:1-9; Romans 2:12-16