In what ways can we ensure we are not ignoring God's instructions today? Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 32:33 “They have turned their backs to Me and not their faces; though I taught them again and again, they would not listen or respond to discipline.” What Ignoring God Looked Like Then—and Now • Turning backs instead of faces: keeping distance from His presence • Repeated teaching dismissed: hearing sermons, studies, podcasts—yet unchanged habits • Resistance to discipline: shrugging off conviction, explaining away Scripture that calls for repentance • Settling for ritual: outward worship without heart-level obedience (cf. Isaiah 29:13; Ezekiel 33:31-32) Ways to Ensure We Are Not Ignoring God’s Instructions 1. Immerse in the Word Daily • Deuteronomy 6:6-9—write, talk, bind, post • Psalm 119:11—store the Word in the heart to prevent sin • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—Scripture equips “for every good work” 2. Practice Immediate Obedience • James 1:22—be doers, not hearers only • Luke 6:46—“Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” • Small, prompt steps train the will for larger acts of faithfulness 3. Cultivate Prayerful Listening • Psalm 119:18—“Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things” • Psalm 139:23-24—invite searching and correction • 1 Samuel 3:10—“Speak, for Your servant is listening” becomes a lifestyle 4. Stay Tender to the Holy Spirit • John 14:26—He reminds and teaches all things Christ commanded • Ephesians 4:30—do not grieve Him through stubborn sin • 1 Thessalonians 5:19—do not quench His promptings 5. Embrace Loving Accountability • Hebrews 3:13—encourage one another daily so none are hardened by sin’s deceit • Proverbs 27:17—iron sharpening iron keeps edges keen • Galatians 6:1—restore one another gently when someone stumbles 6. Respond with Rapid Repentance • Hebrews 4:7—“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” • 1 John 1:9—confession brings immediate cleansing and restored fellowship 7. Teach and Model Obedience to Others • Matthew 28:20—making disciples includes “teaching them to observe all” Christ commanded • 2 Timothy 2:2—truth entrusted to faithful believers multiplies vigilance against neglect 8. Keep Consequences and Promises in View • Deuteronomy 30:15-20—life and blessing follow obedience; death and curse follow disregard • Proverbs 13:13—“He who despises the word will be destroyed, but he who fears the command will be rewarded” Everyday Habits that Turn Faces Toward God • Begin mornings with unhurried Scripture before screens and schedules • Memorize one verse each week; recite during commutes or chores • Pause at decision points—ask, “What has God already said about this in His Word?” • End days with thanksgiving and review: where was obedience clear, where was it delayed? Encouragement for the Journey Ignoring God’s voice is not inevitable. By keeping Scripture central, responding quickly, depending on the Spirit, and walking with accountable believers, hearts remain soft, faces stay turned toward the Father, and His instructions become the joyful pathway to life. |
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