How is the word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation?
That the word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer; receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.
Proofs
- That the word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, (Proverbs 8:34)
- preparation, (1 Peter 2:1β2)
- and prayer; (Psalm 119:18)
- receive it with faith and love, (Hebrews 4:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:10)
- lay it up in our hearts, (Psalm 119:18)
- and practice it in our lives. (Luke 8:15; James 1:25)
Additional Exposition
Section 1
That the word of God may profit, should we attend thereto with diligence?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: All the people were attentive to hear him, (Luke 19:48)
And be inquisitive into the meaning of it?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? (Acts 8:34)
And compare one scripture with another?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Comparing spiritual things with spiritual, (1 Corinthians 2:13)
Section 2
Is preparation also necessary in order to our profiting by the word?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Ezra prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, (Ezra 7:10)
Should we for this purpose lay aside worldly cares?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For the thorns choke the seed, (Matthew 13:7)
And carnal passions?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: All malice, and guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and evil speakings, (1 Peter 2:1)
And all pre-imbibed prejudices?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Not like those who cried what will the babbler say? (Acts 17:18)
Should we pray for our ministers?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: And for me that utterance may be given unto me, (Ephesians 6:19)
And for ourselves?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Teach me thy judgments, (Psalm 119:108)
Should we also come with desire?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word, (1 Peter 2:2)
And with expectation?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: My soul, wait thou only on God, for my expectation is from him, (Psalm 62:5)
And will such a preparation of the heart be greatly to our advantage?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear, (Psalm 10:17)
But will a want of preparation excuse a neglect of duty?
Answer: No.
Proof: For a multitude of the people had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat of the passover, (2 Chronicles 30:18)
Practical response
Should the word be received in faith?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Thus we read of the hearing of faith, (Galatians 3:2)
And in love?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Consider how I love thy precepts, (Psalm 119:159)
And will a want of this be a hindrance to our profiting?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: They received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved? (2 Thessalonians 2:10)
Practical response
Should we hear the word with reverence?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: When Ezra opened the book all the people stood up, (Nehemiah 8:5)
And with judgment?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For the ear trieth words as the mouth tasteth meat, (Job 34:3)
And with care?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Take heed how ye hear, (Luke 8:18)
Must we keep from roving thoughts in hearing?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Their heart goeth after their covetousness, (Ezekiel 33:31)
And from a wandering eye?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The eyes of all were fastened on him, (Luke 4:20)
And from sleep and drowsiness?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Could not ye watch with me one hour? (Matthew 26:40)
Practical response
Should we treasure up what we hear?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Remember how ye have heard and received, and hold fast, (Revelation 3:3)
Should we therefore meditate upon it?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: And she pondered all these things in her heart, (Luke 2:19)
And talk of it?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: And shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest in the way, (Deuteronomy 6:7)
And is this necessary in order to our profiting by it?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, (1 Corinthians 15:2)
Section 6
Is it also requisite that we practice what we hear?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: As thou hast said, so must we do, (Ezra 10:12)
And is this the way to obtain the blessing?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: This man shall be blessed in his deed, (James 1:25)
And to avoid the curse?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For some will say, thou hast taught in our streets; but he will reply, I know not whence you are, (Luke 13:26)