How can we "hear" what the Spirit says to the churches today? The Command to Listen “Whoever has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:13) • The invitation is universal—“whoever.” If you have an ear, you are included. • The verb “hear” means more than catching sound; it calls for attentive, responsive listening. • “The churches” were seven historical congregations in Asia Minor (Revelation 2–3) yet represent God’s people in every era. Scripture: The Spirit’s Primary Voice • The Spirit who inspired the Bible (2 Peter 1:21) now illuminates what He once breathed out (2 Timothy 3:16). • Because Scripture is complete, accurate, and sufficient, every fresh prompting or impression is weighed against its fixed truth (Isaiah 8:20). • John 16:13—“When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.” The promise still operates as we open the written Word. Daily Practices That Tune the Ear • Intentional reading: set aside unhurried time to read whole passages, not just isolated verses (Psalm 119:105). • Meditation: linger over the text, letting phrases echo in your mind (Psalm 1:2). • Spirit‐dependence: ask for illumination before, during, and after reading (1 Corinthians 2:12–13). • Immediate obedience: respond quickly to whatever the Lord highlights (James 1:22). • Conversation with believers: share insights in small groups and worship services where “the word of Christ dwells richly” (Colossians 3:16). • Sound preaching: value pastors and teachers Christ gives to equip His people (Ephesians 4:11–13). • Regular self‐examination: invite the Spirit to search hidden motives (Psalm 139:23–24). Keeping the Heart Soft • Hebrews 3:7–8—“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” • Ongoing repentance keeps spiritual hearing sharp (Revelation 3:19). • A stubborn or distracted heart grows dull; a humble heart stays receptive (Isaiah 66:2). Testing Every Impression • 1 John 4:1—“Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits.” • Acts 17:11—Bereans examined “the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” Checklist for discernment: – Is it consistent with clear biblical teaching? – Does it exalt Christ, not self? (John 16:14) – Is it affirmed by mature believers walking in the Word? (Proverbs 11:14) – Does it produce the Spirit’s fruit rather than confusion? (Galatians 5:22–23; 1 Corinthians 14:33) Evidence That We Have Heard • John 10:27—“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” • Obedience proves genuine listening (John 14:15). • Romans 8:14—“All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Direction, not perfection, marks a Spirit‐led life. Why It Matters • Hearing leads to overcoming: each message to the seven churches ends with a promise for those who conquer (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). • Present blessing: guidance, comfort, conviction, assurance (Acts 9:31). • Eternal stakes: readiness for Christ’s return (Revelation 3:11). Living the Verse Today • Open the Bible daily, expecting the Spirit to speak. • Cultivate a responsive heart, ready to obey the first time. • Filter every notion through the unchanging Word. • Walk in fellowship with believers who sharpen spiritual hearing. • Keep listening—until faith becomes sight and the voice of the Spirit merges with the voice of the Savior we will soon see face to face. |
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