“So then, faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” —Romans 10:17

What is a sermon? The sermon is a message based on a passage of Scripture that tells the meaning of it and what we should do or how we should live. Its purpose is to reveal sin and strengthen those who believe in Christ, or to lead people to Him.

Sometimes the minister will select a few verses, a chapter, or even a book from the Bible and preach about it. Other times he chooses a subject and then uses verses from different parts of the Bible to show what God says about it.

The minister is ordained to speak the whole truth as it is contained in the Bible. He is to prepare the sermon after much study of the Word of God. Through prayer, he seeks the aid of the Holy Spirit in the choice, preparation, and delivery of the sermon.

What should be our part as hearers in this part of the worship service? You can gain much from listening carefully to what the minister has to say. As you do this, you will please God, and form a good habit for the rest of your life. It is a good example to others who see young people listening well or taking notes on the sermon.

Did you ever talk about the sermon after church with your friends or family? This is a good way to see if you really learned. You must listen in order to take notes. It’s also a good way to review the sermon again.

The Scriptures make several requirements for a church. The first is the preaching of the Word of God. When in church we should ask ourselves: Do we know more about the Bible? Have we come to see more clearly our sin and God’s glory through the preaching? Has our faith been strengthened, our love deepened? We cannot live a life in love with God in our own strength. Christ warned, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, ESV)

The chief means that God has provided for our spiritual food and growth is His Word. If we are to grow in grace, it is highly important that we be faithful in the reading and studying of God’s Word and in our attendance at the preaching of God’s Word.

—Excerpted from When We Worship God by Max and Fran Mann.