How can we ensure we are "able to listen" to Jesus today? The Foundational Verse “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” — John 10:27 Why This Matters Jesus assumes His followers can still hear Him. That means today’s believers are not left guessing; we can genuinely discern His voice and direction. Clearing the Way to Hear • Trust the Speaker: Take Jesus’ words at face value, believing He still speaks (John 10:27). • Eliminate Competing Noise: Guard the heart from constant media, frantic schedules, and unconfessed sin that drown out His voice (Psalm 46:10; Hebrews 12:1). • Approach Expectantly: Come to Scripture and prayer prepared to receive, not merely to perform a duty (Jeremiah 29:13). Primary Channel—Scripture • Living and Active: “For the word of God is living and active...” (Hebrews 4:12). • Spirit-Breathed: “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable...” (2 Timothy 3:16). Practical steps: — Read systematically, not randomly, so you hear the full counsel of God. — Meditate slowly; ask, “What does Jesus plainly say here, and how do I respond?” — Memorize key passages; the Spirit recalls them at crucial moments (John 14:26). Indwelling Guide—The Holy Spirit • Promise of Guidance: “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) • Inner Witness: As Scripture is read, the Spirit illumines meaning and convicts toward obedience (1 Corinthians 2:12-13). Practical steps: — Begin each reading time asking the Spirit to open your understanding. — Stay sensitive throughout the day; nudges that align with Scripture are often His prompts. Conversational Prayer • Two-Way Fellowship: Prayer is more than speaking; it’s listening (Philippians 4:6-7). Practical steps: — Include moments of silence after you pray. — Keep a journal: record impressions that harmonize with the Bible. Obedience Amplifies Hearing • “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22) When we act on what we’ve heard, our spiritual hearing sharpens; disobedience dulls it (John 14:21). Community Confirmation • God places us in a body so we’re not lone interpreters (Hebrews 10:24-25). Practical steps: — Submit insights to mature believers; humility protects from error. — Receive sound teaching; Christ speaks through faithful pastors (Ephesians 4:11-12). Everyday Circumstances • Providence speaks: open doors, closed doors, and divine appointments echo His voice (Acts 16:6-10). Filter events through Scripture to avoid misreading coincidences. Putting It All Together 1. Daily Scripture intake with a surrendered heart. 2. Ongoing dialogue with the Spirit in prayerful stillness. 3. Immediate obedience to what Jesus reveals. 4. Regular fellowship that confirms and corrects. Those rhythms keep our spiritual ears tuned, ensuring we remain the sheep who truly listen—and follow—our Shepherd’s voice. |
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