Heeding the Word
Luke 8:16-21

11 “But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. 12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels. 13 Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways! Psalm 81:11-13 (ESV)

1. The illumination for one who heeds God’s Word
16 “No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. Luke 8:16 (ESV)

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)

2. The exposure of one who heeds God’s Word
17 For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Luke 8:17 (ESV)

26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Matthew 10:26 (ESV)

36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, Matthew 12:36 (ESV)

God “will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. . .” 1 Corinthians 4:5 (ESV)

14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:14 (ESV)

3. The responsibility for one who heeds God’s Word
18 Take care then how you hear . . . Luke 8:18 (ESV)

4. The growth of one who heeds God’s Word
18  . . .  for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away. Luke 8:18 (ESV)

9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:9 (ESV)

5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, 6 to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:5-7 (ESV)

5. The allegiance of one who heeds God’s Word
19 Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. 20 And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” 21 But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” Luke 8:19-21 (ESV)