In what ways can we apply the principle of listening in our daily lives? Setting the Scene Matthew 13 records Jesus teaching in parables. After describing the sower, He pauses and says, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:9). It is an open invitation: if you have the God-given capacity to hear, then engage, absorb, and obey. The Call to Listen • “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:9) • “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 2:7) Scripture treats hearing as a gateway to faith, obedience, and fruitfulness. The command is not passive; it beckons us to attentive, responsive listening. Why Listening Matters • Faith is birthed through hearing: “Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) • True hearing leads to action: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22) • God prizes attentive obedience: “Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness better than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22) Practical Ways to Live Out the Principle 1. Listening to God’s Word – Set aside daily, unrushed time for Scripture. Read aloud if possible; hearing your own voice reinforces the message. – Use repeated readings. The parable of the sower shows truth sinking deeper each pass (cf. Luke 8:15). – Memorize key verses. Hiding the word in your heart sharpens spiritual hearing (Psalm 119:11). 2. Listening in Prayer – Balance petitions with silence. After speaking, remain still to let the Spirit impress His thoughts. – Journal impressions that align with Scripture; test them by the Word for confirmation. 3. Listening to the Holy Spirit’s Promptings – Keep a sensitive conscience. When convicted, respond quickly. Delayed obedience dulls spiritual ears. – Stay alert during sermons or Bible studies. Expect the Spirit to personalize truth for present decisions. 4. Listening to Others – Practice James 1:19: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” – Ask clarifying questions before offering advice; “He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.” (Proverbs 18:13) – View conversations as opportunities to reflect Christ’s humility (Philippians 2:3-4). 5. Listening in a Noisy World – Limit digital clutter. Schedule “unplugged” hours to keep inner ears tuned to God. – Replace background noise with worship music or Scripture audio to saturate the environment with truth. 6. Listening that Leads to Obedience – After every Bible reading, identify one concrete step to apply. – Share insights with a trusted believer for accountability. – Celebrate small obediences; they cultivate readiness for larger assignments. Guarding Against Selective Hearing • Beware of hearing only what affirms existing preferences. Jesus’ audience heard the same parable, yet responses varied with heart condition (Matthew 13:18-23). • Pray regularly: “Search me, O God… see if there is any offensive way in me.” (Psalm 139:23-24). Encouragement for the Journey The Lord never commands without empowering. When He says, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear,” He supplies the grace to sharpen spiritual ears. As we listen—truly listen—His word takes root, our faith deepens, and our lives bear fruit that brings Him glory. |
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