the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Bible Encyclopedias
Hearing the Word of God
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
or is an ordinance of divine appointment (Romans 10:17; Proverbs 8:4-5; Mark 4:24). Public reading of the Scriptures was a part of synagogue worship (Acts 13:15; Acts 15:21), and was the practice of the Christians in primitive times. Under the former dispensation there was a public hearing of the law at stated seasons (Deuteronomy 31:10; Deuteronomy 31:13; Nehemiah 8:2-3). It seems, therefore, that it is a duty incumbent on us to hear, and, if sensible of our ignorance, we shall also consider it our privilege.
(1) As to the manner of hearing, it should be constantly (Proverbs 8:34; James 1:24-25); attentively (Luke 21:48; Acts 10:33; Luke 4:20; Luke 4:22); with reverence (Psalms 89:7); with faith (Hebrews 4:2); with an endeavor to retain what we hear (Hebrews 2:1; Psalms 119:11); with an humble, docile disposition (Luke 10:42); with prayer (Luke 18).
(2) The advantages of hearing .are information (2 Timothy 3:16); conviction (1 Corinthians 14:24-25; Acts 2); conversion (Psalms 11:7; Acts 4:4); confirmation (Acts 14:22; Acts 16:5); consolation (Philippians 1:25; Isaiah 40:1-2; Isaiah 35:3-4). (See PREACHING).
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McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Hearing the Word of God'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/h/hearing-the-word-of-god.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
