When he was speaking of "those people" before he turned it around most (if not all) of us were thinking about other people... not ourselves. But when he turned it around it hit everyone in the face and we all knew it was true.
In light of this I though it might be beneficial to share some suggestions that have helped me become better at listening to sermons. Hopefully they will help some of you.
1. Pray before the sermon
Not out loud... but just a silent, short prayer. Ask God to give you an open heart to understand and open eyes to see the truth. Ask the Holy Spirit to help enlighten you to the mystery of the gospel and the depth of teaching in the Word. Ask God to keep you humble - so that you're willing to admit your sins - so that you aren't tempted to think you know it all already - so that you can acknowledge your weaknesses and strive to become better.
2. When you hear the preacher talk about sin... always examine yourself... don't think about others.
We're all guilty of this one. The minute the preacher or pastor starts talking about judging others we start thinking about that one person we know who's the worst at that. When they talk about gossip a list of acquaintances pops up in our minds. It takes discipline, but each time you hear anything about sin try hard not to think of others and try even harder to apply it to yourself. No matter how confident you feel in your ability to avoid that sin there's still probably room for growth if you search your heart deep enough.
3. Say small prayers when you feel convicted
If you're heart is soft and the preacher is preaching the Word, this will likely happen every sermon. You'll feel convicted about something in your life... a nagging sin, an issue with a brother or sister in Christ, a friend who needs the gospel. When you feel this, say a short prayer asking God, right then and there, to work in that situation for his glory.
4. Take some notes but not a ton
Taking notes is good. In fact it's great, especially if you go back later and search through Scripture to find more verses on a topic, or if you write yourself a reminder about something in your life to change, or if you want to talk to a friend or spouse about what was said after the service. But incessant note-taking during the sermon can rob you of a worship experience. That's right... listening to a sermon is a worship experience! It's a chance for you to learn something new about our amazing God and to marvel at Him for it. This not only takes paying attention, but also investing your emotions into what is being said. You will miss out on this if your head is down and you're writing the entire sermon.
5. Listen critically
Hopefully you go to a church where the preacher is committed to the authority of Scripture and refuses to speak any words that would go against God's inspired word. But human beings are fallible. I'm not trying to talk you into losing trust in your minister or pastor. I'm simply challenging you to become like the Bereans in Acts 17:11 who, "examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Luke calls this "noble character" and it is something we should practice as well.
6. Turn "distractions" into thanksgiving
Many people hate when babies start to cry during a sermon, or when a child behind you is acting up and a parent is trying to deal with them. In these moments don't let Satan use these moments to draw you away from God. Instead use them to draw near to God in thanksgiving. Thank God in your heart for babies being present in your congregation and the fact that they are healthy enough to cry. Thank God for children and parents who are persevering through the battle of parenthood trying to shape their child in the will of God.
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