XXXII. Слово Божие

“Search the Scriptures, for through them you think you have eternal life” (John 5:39). “He who is of God listens to the words of God” (John 8:47). “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17). The Word of God is not sown in vain, even if there are few who receive it (Word 4 about the earthquake). The Word of God never passes by (the Word against the Jews). It is fitting for listeners of the word of God to be thirsty (Conversation 2 on the Evangelist John, chapter 7). It is proper to listen to the Word of God with fear and trembling (Conversation 10 on Epistle to Hebrews, chapter 6). It is very necessary to either listen to or read the Holy Word of God, and often learn from it for the following reasons. 1) It is faith, without which “it is impossible to please God,” - according to the testimony of the apostle, it implants in us (Heb. 11:6). “How,” the same apostle says, “believe in Him of whom you have not heard? how to hear without a preacher? (Rom. 10:14). 2) It strengthens and grows the implanted faith. Faith, like a seed sown, is watered by the dew of the word of God, grows and bears fruit. 3) It affirms hope and makes it permanent to the end, for the word of God preaches eternal life and eternal blessings promised from the true God. 4) It plants and takes root love for the Creator; preaches Him as the Father, Provider and the highest benefactor, Whom we must certainly love. How can you not love the Father, the great provider and benefactor? The law of nature teaches and demands this. 5) The Word of God creates love for our neighbor, for it declares our neighbor to us as a brother, a member of the one church, and created in the image of God, and teaches us to love him in this way. 6) It affirms the pious in piety, as the Pritochnik says: “Having listened to the word of God, the wise will become wiser” (Proverbs 1:5). 7) It consoles in sorrows and sorrows. “I will rejoice... in your words, as one who has found great prey,” says the Psalmist (Ps. 119:162). 8) It excites the sad and careless, presenting God’s rebuke and future execution. 9) It turns sinners to repentance, as is written enough about this in the holy books. 10) By the Word of God the whole Holy Church abides in faith, is confirmed and saved with the help of Him who spoke through the prophets and apostles. A way to profitably hear God's word First. Pray to God to open your inner eyes. “Open my eyes, and I will understand the wonders of Your law,” says the Psalmist (Ps. 119:18). Second. Read or listen to it not only for the sake of knowledge, but in order to fulfill it and thus be saved. God, who knows the heart, knows the intention of everyone and therefore truly sends salvation to those who diligently seek it. Otherwise, there will be no benefit, and a person will not receive the consolation hidden in the word of God. Third. So that the heart does not go through various vain, harmful and passionate thoughts, on which the sown seed of the word of God is stolen by the birds of the air. Fourth. So that the heart does not become stony, for then the word of God will be fruitless. Fifth. So that the thorns of worldly cares do not engulf wealth and honor, for even here the word of God will be unfruitful. Sixth. So that the land is good, and then it will be fruitful. See the parable of the sower (Matthew 13). You might be interested in: