Before the sermon, one of the things that we should do is to prepare to hear God through his Word. Part of that has to do with our attitude. Part of that has to do with putting off what will distract us. It may mean going to bed earlier on Saturday night. What does James say? Lay apart, or lay aside, all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness. Put off, lay aside all forms of sin and all overflowing of wickedness. In particular, let us be aware of our heart's sins, that God in his grace prunes through the Word. Do we come to church with an agenda? What is that agenda? Hopefully, the agenda is you want to hear God speak. This is not just the words of the pastor; these are words of God. And if the preaching is faithful to the Bible, it is God speaking. Are you here to listen to God?1
Michael Voytek
21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.