Date: October 23, 2022
Hear God’s Word
The Point: Seize opportunities to hear God’s Word proclaimed and explained.
Get Into the Study
Use the following information to introduce Question #1.
The New York Times recently published an article about misophonia, a little-known syndrome where a person has strong negative emotional reactions to certain sounds. For people with misophonia, hearing the triggering sounds causes strong reactions of anger and anxiety. The most common sounds that trigger misophonia include chewing, crunching, sniffling, snoring, sneezing, and throat clearing. Eric Storch, a clinical psychologist at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, explains that while chewing and sniffling sounds could annoy anyone, for the person with misophonia, it’s the intensity of their reaction. If the sound of someone chewing is mildly annoying, Storch explains, you are a human being. But if that sounds makes you feel so angry you want to hurt someone, that reaction could be misophonia.
Say: Whether certain sounds are a little annoying or a lot annoying, we can all name some sounds we do not want to hear. But what about the sounds we do enjoy. Then call attention to Question #1 (What are some things you love to listen to?) and invite volunteers to respond.
Information for this post was gleaned from:
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/08/well/misophonia-chewing-noise-treatment.html
Get Into the Study [Option from Adult Leader Guide, p. 93]
In advance, play a medley of songs. Invite group members to guess the name of each new tune. Then ask Question #1.
Study the Bible
Use the following information to introduce Question #4.
Ken Fritz died a few months ago. For almost the last 30 years of his life, Fritz had been devoted to one goal—to build the best stereo system in the world. Fritz devoted a room in his home in Virginia to this dream. He researched the geometry and construction of the finest music halls and theaters to build a room where his speakers could reach their maximum potential. The room was custom designed to look like a concert hall. His speakers and turntable were hand built. The turntable Fritz built weighed 1,500 pounds and was valued at over $100,000. Journalist Colin Marshall wrote about Fritz’s project to build the best stereo system, saying, “Fritz’s music room stands as a testament to his determination not to lie to himself—as well as to his love of music and will to give that love a concrete form.” About a year before his death, Fritz said, “I just cannot go day after day without accomplishing something. They say that when you’re retired, you shouldn’t have to do anything. I don’t buy that at all. Fortunately, all my goals have been fulfilled. I’ve built everything I’ve wanted to build.”
Say: Ken Fritz made it his life work to build the best stereo system in the best room, so he could achieve the best sounds possible when he played his music. Through his hard work, he put himself in the best position to hear “Swan Lake,” his favorite classical work. Then call attention to Question #4 (How can we better position ourselves to hear God’s Word?) and invite volunteers to respond.
Information for this post was gleaned from:
- https://acousticsfirst.info/tag/ken-fritz/
- https://www.openculture.com/2021/05/one-mans-quest-to-build-the-best-stereo-system-in-the-world.html
- https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/timesdispatch/name/kenneth-fritz-obituary?id=35283112
Donna McKinney wrote these Leader Extras. Donna is retired from a career with the federal government of the United States. She is a veteran Bible study group leader living in North Carolina.
Study the Bible (Option from the Daily Discipleship Guide Leader Guide, p. 147)
Use the following teaching idea prior to your study of the Nehemiah 8:1-3 section.
Play Nehemiah 8:1-12 using this link to an audio version of the Bible: click here. Ask, “How does it feel to hear the Word of God read aloud like this?” Allow time for discussion.
Study the Bible (Option from the Advanced Bible Study Teacher Guide, p. 42)
For the optional idea, here are two forms of instructions for how to build a wall.
Option 1: Set of instructions for how to build a wall (words only, no pictures): https://www.hometips.com/diy-how-to/build-a-wall.html
Option 2: Set of instructions for how to build a wall (instructional video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGJaA5u9Yj8
Additional Questions
Session 2 – Hear God’s Word
Icebreaker
- When has a powerful word really influenced your life?
- In what situations have you found it necessary to listen very carefully?
- What are some things you love to listen to?
Nehemiah 8:1-3
- What opportunities do we have here (or through the internet) to hear godly people teach and share God’s Word?
- What are some obstacles to hearing God’s Word?
- Who or what are some trusted sources you turn to for listening to God’s Word?
Nehemiah 8:7 -8
- What activity has been fruitful in helping you to understand the Word of God?
- When have you gained deeper understanding by hearing Scripture explained?
- How have you benefited from studying God’s Word in a group setting?
Nehemiah 8:9-12
- What are some common reactions you’ve seen to reading God’s Word?
- What opportunities do we have to celebrate God’s forgiveness together?
- What are some reasons we have for celebration when hearing God’s Word?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
What Does God’s Word Sound Like to You?
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
Everything is so very helpful in studying each weeks lessons. I really enjoy listening to the podcasts. They help me to remember what I have read. Thank you so much.
Thank you for your encouraging words!