In what ways can we ensure we are truly hearing God's message today? Core Verse “Who is blind but My Servant, or deaf like the messenger I send?” (Isaiah 42:19) Blind Messengers and Deaf Servants—The Heart of the Issue Isaiah exposes a startling reality: God’s own people can miss His voice even while carrying His name. The verse warns against spiritual senses dulled by routine, pride, or sin. If it happened to Israel, it can happen to us. Why Hearing Matters • John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” • Romans 10:17: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” • Hebrews 3:15: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” Six Practices That Sharpen Our Spiritual Hearing 1. Humble Submission to Scripture – Approach every passage as God’s infallible, literal word. – Psalm 119:105 reminds us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Read slowly, expectantly, asking, “Lord, what do You command here?” 2. Spirit-Led Prayer Before, During, After Reading – Invite the Holy Spirit to open your ears (John 14:26). – Confess any known sin that might clog the channel (Psalm 66:18). 3. Consistent, Unhurried Time with God – Daily rhythms train the ear. Sporadic listening breeds dullness. – Schedule Scripture first, not as leftovers. 4. Immediate Obedience to What You Hear – James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” – Obedience acts like volume control—each step of faith raises clarity. 5. Christ-Centered Lens – All revelation culminates in Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2). – Compare impressions or teachings with His words and character. 6. Community Accountability – Proverbs 11:14 teaches safety in counsel. – Share insights with mature believers; let iron sharpen iron. Clearing the Static—Common Hindrances • Unconfessed sin—blocks reception. • Distractions—endless media, cluttered schedules. • Cynicism—doubting God still speaks through His word. • Selective hearing—embracing comforting passages, ignoring convicting ones. Measuring Genuine Reception • Growing likeness to Christ (Galatians 5:22-23). • Increased appetite for Scripture. • Quickened conscience toward sin. • Visible acts of love and service flowing from faith. Encouragement to Keep Listening God has not stopped speaking; He speaks through His preserved, living word. Stay near the pages of Scripture, stay low in humility, and stay ready to act. The Servant who once struggled to hear has, in Christ, been given ears to listen—let’s use them. |
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