Listen Up

  Not all sermons are humdingers. Some bible classes could also be used for general anesthesia. There are lessons that make watching paint dry seem more entertaining. That doesn’t however mean we can’t get something out of them.

 Greek philosopher Plutarch is credited with saying, “Know how to listen and you will profit even from those who talk badly.”

 So, what are some ways we can make the less-than-ideal lesson one we get something out of?

1. Ask questions

  Even if the teacher isn't letting you, you can still come up with your own questions for you to study. I know I have gotten some good learning just trying to figure out what some folks have said. Check out if what the person has said is true is a good practice, even for good lessons (Acts 17:11)

2. Consider the source

  If a Bible class has any Bible in it, it has real learning potential. Read the scripture and see what you can pull from them on your own.

3. Exercise patience

  We live in a quick ‘give it to me now’ world. There are times we give up on a lesson too soon. Our quick tuning out may make us miss the point that the teacher had been slowly building on.

4. Do it for Yourself

  If you don’t like what the teacher is doing, consider in your own thoughts how it could be done better. Maybe it will change your perception of what they are doing or it might help you along in stepping up and teaching on your own. (Hebrew 5:12)

 Don’t let one dud ruin the whole display. There is always something you can gain in even the weakest learning opportunity. Listen to gain for yourself not just to look down on someone else.  If you are actively trying to gain something you will always be listening up.