147. Hearing With Heed.

And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. - Mark 4:24.

IN these days we have many instructions as to preaching; but our Lord principally gave directions as to hearing. The art of attention is as difficult as that of homiletics.

The text may be viewed as a note of discrimination. Hear the truth, and the truth only. Be not indifferent as to your spiritual meat, but use discernment (John 4:1; Job 12:2).

We shall use it as a note of arousing. When you do hear the truth, give it such attention as it deserves. Give good heed to it.

I. HERE IS A PRECEPT. "Take heed what ye hear."

The previous verse is, "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear;" that is—use your ears well and to the best purpose.

1. Hear with discrimination, shunning false doctrine(John 10:5).

2. Hear with attention; really and earnestly hearing (Matt. 13:23).

3. Hear for yourself, with personal application (I Sam. 3:9).

4. Hear retentively, endeavoring to remember the truth.

5. Hear desiringly, praying that the Word may be blessed to you.

6. Hear practically, obeying the exhortation which has come to you.

This hearing is to be given, not to a favorite set of doctrines, but to the whole of the Word of God (Ps. 119:128).

II. HERE IS A PROVERB. "With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you."

In proportion as you give yourself to hearing, you shall gain by hearing.

This is practically illustrated in the result of preaching.

1. Those who have no interest in the Word find it uninteresting.

2. Those who desire to find fault find faults enough.

3. Those who seek solid truth learn it from any faithful ministry.

4. Those who hunger find food.

5. Those who bring faith receive assurance.

6. Those who come joyfully are made glad. But no man finds blessing by hearing error.

Nor by careless, forgetful, caviling hearing of the truth.

III. HERE IS A PROMISE. "Unto you that hear shall more be given;" You that hear shall have —

1. More desire to hear.

2. More understanding of what you hear.

3. More convincement of the truth of what you hear.

4. More personal possession of the blessings of which you hear.

5. More delight while hearing the glorious gospel.

6. More practical benefit there from.

God giveth more to those who value what they have.

For practical application let us say—

Hear. It is your wisdom to know what God says.

Hear well. God's teaching deserves the deepest attention. It will repay the best consideration.

Hear often. Waste no Sabbath, nor any one of its services. Use weekday lectures and prayer meetings.

Hear better. You will grow the holier thereby. You will find heavenly joy by hearing with faith.