Are You Listening or Just Hearing?

This week, we concluded our journey through the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the final verses of Matthew 7, where Jesus makes a distinction between those who listen to His teachings and those who merely hear them. The key question was: Are you listening, or are you just hearing?

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.”  Matthew 7:24-29 NLT

Key Points:

1. Listening vs. Hearing (Matthew 7:24-27):

Jesus contrasts two kinds of people—those who listen to His teaching and follow it, and those who simply hear it without acting. Listening implies understanding, obeying, and applying what is heard, while hearing alone is superficial, like background noise. A wise person builds their life on the solid foundation of Christ’s teachings, while those who only hear but do not apply are like a house built on sand, vulnerable to collapse during life's storms.

2. Love as the Foundation:

Throughout scripture, Jesus emphasizes that love is the foundation of true discipleship. In John 13:34-35, we are commanded to love one another, and in Romans 13:8-10, Paul explains that loving our neighbour fulfils the requirements of God’s law. When we truly listen to Jesus' message, it becomes clear that love is the central call of the Christian life.

- Faith Expressed Through Love: Galatians 5:5-6 reminds us that what matters most is faith expressed through love. This love must come from a pure heart, clear conscience, and genuine faith (1 Timothy 1:5).

3. Being Faithful and Fruitful:

Bill challenged us to ask ourselves: Are we faithful (full of faith) and fruitful (producing the fruits of the Spirit)? John 15:8 says that true disciples produce much fruit, bringing glory to God. Fruitfulness is the evidence of God’s work in our lives, and this fruit—like love, joy, and peace—often ripens as we act in obedience to His word.

4. Desiring Spiritual Gifts:

The ultimate goal of the gifts of the Spirit is to help us grow in love and display that love to others. Bill encouraged us to earnestly desire the most helpful gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31) as tools to manifest God’s grace and love in our lives. These gifts—whether administration, prophecy, healing, or encouragement—are given to build up the body of Christ and express love in practical ways.

5. Active Listening Leads to Transformation:

In Greek, the word for "to listen" implies heeding, obeying, and understanding. We are called to actively listen to God’s word, allowing it to transform us. This means taking in His teachings, applying them, and living with love, compassion, and selflessness. If we simply hear without acting, we miss out on the deeper work God desires to do in us.

Conclusion:

The Sermon on the Mount centers on love, compassion, and selflessness—core elements of Jesus’ teachings. We must not merely hear the word but truly listen and live it out. As we do, the gifts of the Spirit will manifest in our lives, and we will become fruitful, glorifying God. Remember, some fruit only ripens once it’s picked—so step out in faith, seek God’s gifts, and live out His love in the world.