The primary work of the word is to bring the message to the unbeliever that he can receive the word and receive Jesus Christ.  Good preaching in effect divides the soul and spirit and the person can repent and accept the good news of salvation.  When the person receives Christ three distinct faculties come into operation: body, soul, and spirit and getting the word which is spirit to the spirit brings life. Thus once a person is saved it is important for them to hear sound, fundamental preaching and teaching in order for them to grow.  Sound, fundamental preaching and teaching is the word spoken from the heart and spirit of the preacher to the heart and spirit of the believer.  Yet if the Christian is not properly disposed to hear, the word will have less than full impact.  So what is the proper disposition of the hearer?  That is the question.

            We know from medicine that when a person's body is in homeostasis, in harmonious balance, the body will heal itself.  Thus we promote exercise and health to achieve homeostasis.  If a person is living with anxiety, stress, pain, or fatigue, the body can not achieve its goal of sound health and the mind becomes preoccupied with the message the body is giving and cannot hear the word or message.  So it is important to have a sound body to hear.  Now if the body is sound but the mind is distracted by fear, worry, attachments to people, places, things, and idols like money, sex, alcohol, work, or sports the mind is not open to receive the word and effective hearing is diminished.  In order for the word which is spirit and life to reach the spirit of the believer, the mind or soul must be still and quiet.  Only by having the proper disposition can the word be heard, but if the word can pass through the body and mind of the believer then the word can become spirit and life , then the word can bring healing, wisdom, understanding, knowledge, faith, and all the other fruit and gifts of the Spirit.  By cultivating a spiritual life the word can become effective and what Jesus promised in scripture can become true.  “If you abide in me, and my word abides in you, you shall ask what you will and it will be done unto you.” Jn15:7 When the body and mind are in homeostasis, the word will do more than the believer can ask or imagine (Eph.3:20)  and the believer will be led by the Spirit and not by law, rules, or regulations, rationality, or logic.  To forsake all and follow Christ, is nothing more than changing one's lifestyle from what is worldly to what is spiritual and to do it will bring an eternal harvest and a life that is pleasing to God.  Walk in the Spirit and crucify the flesh.  Be holy for I am holy.  Fight the good fight of faith.  Be doers of the word not hearers only.  Have faith in God. 

 May God bless the hearing of the word  amen