Jump Start # 3974
1 Timothy 1:5 “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
It was a question that was asked at the end of a class that I was teaching. No one had ever asked me that question before. It wasn’t a deep Biblical question, but one of reflection, observation and insight. When the invitation song ends, after I have preached, I always walk to the back of the auditorium. I do that so I can try to catch most of the audience, encourage them, answer questions and be there for them. I’ve done this since I started preaching.
The question was, “What do you think about when you are walking to the back after you have preached?” Interesting. I had to think about that, because I don’t normally think about that. There isn’t just one thing and it isn’t the same each time.
Sometimes I wonder what more I could have said that might have helped the audience. There are some that are right on the edge of making a decision to be a disciple. Could I have said something that would have helped them make that decision? There are some who are sitting there with broken hearts. Life has been hard for them. Could I have said something that would have helped them see how much the Lord cares?
Sometimes I analyze my sermon. I think of verses that I wish I had used. I think about the illustrations I shared. Sometimes I think, that sermon wasn’t so hot. Sometimes I feel that I rushed through a point. Sometimes I think I should have explained a passage in more detail. Sometimes I’m glad that sermon was over.
Sometimes I say a little prayer as I’m walking. I thank the Lord that He allows people like me to preach His Gospel and I hope that I showed honor and glory to Him. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever get the hang of this preaching stuff.
Sometimes I am already thinking of what’s coming next. The way our Sundays are structured, our Bible classes follow the worship period. So, sermon is over, next comes the class. Many times I’m thinking about that.
Sometimes I see someone that came in after we started. I really want to talk to that person so I’m thinking about that.
Through all of this, you can see that there isn’t one continually thought I have. I wonder what Jesus thought after he finished His incredible sermon on the mount. He was sitting down. He didn’t walk to the back of a church building. I wonder if the crowds asked Him more details. I wonder if He saw some people walking away, unmoved and unchanged.
But, then, I wonder what the Lord thinks when He sees me after I’ve listened to a sermon. Has it helped me? Has it changed me? Was I distracted by others? Am I none the different?
Thoughts after a sermon—what should one think?
First, if the sermon was true to the book, one ought to be thankful for being reminded of God’s amazing grace and love. One must not be blinded by the preacher and be unable to see the Lord through the passages. Learn. Grow. See. Become.
Second, like the Bereans of Acts, one ought to examine what was said with the word of God. Think about it. Compare. Consider. If it was not true, steps ought to be taken to make it correct. If it was true, what will I do with it?
Third, blessed are the ears that hear, is one of the opening statements in Revelation. A blessing upon the one who reads as well as a blessing upon the one who hears. Listen joyfully. Listen with faith. Listen with the intent of becoming. Listen to be better.
Some sermons we remember for a lifetime. Some sermons we forget before the week is out. Like droplets of rain, the good that the sermon does is based upon the condition of my heart. Is it open? Is it ready to be molded by the hands of the Lord?
Thoughts after a sermon—great question. Something for all of us to think about.
Roger