With podcasts of sermons of famous preachers like John Piper now accessible on the internet or a smartphone, listening to sermons is no longer tied to a specific location or time. It has also become an alternative to actually reading the Word for some of us. Hearing the Word of God preached has almost become too easy for us. It requires almost no effort.

On the flip side, there are people who “work” hard as a Christian by attending church weekly (attending Wednesday evening service and Friday evening service on top of the Sunday service if you’re Korean), going to seminary, or by attending Bible studies regularly.

None of the “Christian” things mentioned above is wrong or bad. In fact, they ought to do more good than harm. However, Jesus makes it clear in Luke 24:13-32 that no one can fully understand the Bible unless Jesus himself reveals it to us. Instead of revealing himself first, “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” Jesus walked his disciples through the Scriptures to help them see him more clearly.

He has done likewise for us by giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit and the Bible, allowing us to know and learn about him directly. Spend some alone time daily in the Word and ask God to teach you directly. Do not replace that time with sermons or Bible studies, because that time is simply irreplaceable and God deserves more than that.

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