How can we ensure we "listen to their judges" in our spiritual lives? Setting the Scene “Yet they did not listen to their judges, but prostituted themselves with other gods and bowed down to them. They quickly turned from the way of their fathers, who had walked in obedience to the LORD’s commandments; they failed to do as their fathers had done.” (Judges 2:17) Israel’s judges were divinely appointed deliverers who spoke the LORD’s word and provided righteous leadership. Ignoring them opened the door to idolatry, national defeat, and personal misery. The same danger lurks today if we shrug off the godly authorities God graciously provides. Why Listening Matters • God chooses to work through human servants (Hebrews 13:17; Ephesians 4:11–12). • Rejecting sound counsel inevitably leads to spiritual compromise (Proverbs 12:15; 2 Timothy 4:3–4). • Obedience protects us from the snares of a culture hostile to truth (James 1:22–25). Identifying “Judges” in Our Lives • Scripture itself—the final, infallible standard (2 Timothy 3:16–17). • Pastors, elders, and teachers who faithfully handle the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13). • Wise, mature believers God places around us (Proverbs 19:20). • The Holy Spirit who illuminates and applies the Word (John 16:13). All must align with the clear teaching of Scripture; God never contradicts Himself. Practical Steps to Ensure We Listen Well 1. Cultivate a Scripture-Saturated Mind – Schedule daily reading; prioritize quality over quantity. – Memorize key passages that anchor you in truth (Psalm 119:11). 2. Test Every Voice Against the Word – Acts 17:11 praises the Bereans for examining “the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” – Compare sermons, podcasts, and advice with the plain meaning of Scripture. 3. Embrace Humble Teachability – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). – Invite correction; thank those who speak truth in love. 4. Stay Connected to a Healthy Local Church – Corporate worship keeps the heart soft and the ears open (Hebrews 10:24–25). – Submit to biblically qualified leaders who watch over your soul (Hebrews 13:17). 5. Practice Immediate Obedience – Delayed obedience often becomes disobedience. – John 14:23: “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.” 6. Guard Against Competing Voices – Limit media that normalizes sin or mocks righteousness (Psalm 1:1). – Replace worldly noise with worship, prayer, and fellowship. 7. Keep Short Accounts with God – Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). Unrepentant hearts grow dull to godly counsel. 8. Pray for Discernment – James 1:5 promises wisdom to those who ask in faith. – The Spirit delights to confirm truth and expose error. Signs We Are Listening Well • Growing love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37–40). • Increasing alignment of attitudes and actions with Scripture (Galatians 5:22–23). • Willingness to adjust plans when confronted with biblical truth (Proverbs 3:5–6). • Steady, resilient faith even when culture pulls the other way (Romans 12:2). Warning Lights When We Aren’t • Frequent rationalizing of sin. • Neglect of corporate worship and fellowship. • Hyper-critical spirit toward spiritual leaders. • Attraction to teaching that minimizes repentance or exalts self. Encouragement for the Journey “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). He has not left us guessing. As we honor His Word, heed the voices He raises up, and stay sensitive to His Spirit, we will enjoy the safety, fruitfulness, and joy Israel forfeited when they “did not listen to their judges.” |
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