In Acts 22:22, we read, “And they listened to him up to this statement, and then they raised their voices and said, ‘Away with such a man from the earth, for he should not be allowed to live!’” (NASB). Paul was given an audience—people were willing to listen—until he touched on a subject that offended their deeply held beliefs. The moment he spoke of the Gentiles being included in God’s plan, they shut their ears and cried out against him.
This reaction is not unique to Paul’s time. People today will listen to preaching—so long as it does not challenge their preconceived notions. Many will nod in agreement when a lesson aligns with their existing beliefs, but the moment truth steps on their toes, they react with hostility. This brings us to an important question: Are we truly listening to God’s word, or only to the parts we like?
The Religious World Will Listen—To a Point
It is common to hear people speak of belief in God, His attributes, and faith in Him. Many will even say “Amen” when Christ is spoken of—His divinity, His manhood, His teachings. But the real test comes when doctrine is pushed beyond generalities and into specifics.
- Preaching Christ Is Acceptable—Until It Calls for Obedience
People love to hear about Jesus—His kindness, His miracles, His love. But what about when the message calls for submission? In Matthew 7:21, Jesus declares, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” (NASB). True faith demands action, and this is where many turn away. - Speaking of the Church in a Vague Sense Is Acceptable
Many will agree that the church is important, but when it is taught as an exclusive body, containing the saved and having defining characteristics that separate it from denominationalism, the crowd grows restless. Jesus said, “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18, NASB). Not churches, but His church—singular, distinct, exclusive. - Baptism for Salvation Is an Unpopular Teaching
Many will accept baptism as an outward sign or a symbolic act, but when it is taught as necessary for salvation, they will resist. Yet, Scripture is clear: “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:21, NASB). We cannot alter God’s commands to make them more palatable.
Members of the Church Will Listen—To a Point
Even within the church, there is a tendency to embrace certain teachings while rejecting those that challenge comfort and tradition.
- Unity and Peace Are Desired—But What About the Hard Teachings?
Brethren desire unity and peace, which are indeed biblical values (Romans 12:18). However, peace at the expense of truth is no peace at all. Paul warned in Galatians 1:10, “For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” (NASB). We must be willing to stand for truth, even when it is unpopular. - Condemning Sin—But Only in General Terms
It is easy to condemn sin in a general sense, but what happens when the preacher starts naming specific sins? Paul did not hesitate to list them: “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21, NASB). Will we accept correction, or will we turn away when sin is named? - Worldliness in the Church—But Let’s Not Get Too Specific
Many will agree that Christians should avoid worldliness, but what about when the preacher speaks against immodest dress, social drinking, or sensual entertainment? James 4:4 warns, “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (NASB). Are we willing to be different, or do we only want to be somewhat set apart? - The Independence of the Local Church—Until Sponsoring Institutions Are Addressed
The concept of local church autonomy is widely accepted, yet when the issue of church-sponsored institutions and cooperation beyond biblical authority is raised, resistance emerges. Scripture upholds the independence of the local church, as seen in Acts 14:23, “When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” (NASB). Each congregation was self-governing, with no hierarchical structure beyond the local eldership.
Conclusion
The words of Eli to Samuel provide a sobering reminder: “And the Lord called Samuel again for the third time. And he got up and went to Eli and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. And Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.’’” (1 Samuel 3:8-9, NASB). Are we willing to listen when God speaks?
Cornelius provides another example in Acts 10:33: “So I immediately sent men to you, and you have been kind enough to come. Now then, we are all here present before God to hear everything that you have been commanded by the Lord.” (NASB). This should be our attitude—open hearts, ready to receive the full counsel of God.
The question remains: Are we truly listening to God’s word, or only to the parts that suit us? Will we accept the entirety of Scripture, or will we stop our ears when the truth becomes uncomfortable? The gospel is meant to transform, not to conform to our desires. If we desire to be true disciples, we must be willing to listen beyond our comfort zone. Let us examine ourselves, ensuring that when God speaks, we respond, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
The Simple Gospel 