How does this verse encourage personal growth in your faith journey? A Standing Invitation to Hear “ ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ” — Revelation 3:22 Why This Call Matters for Personal Growth • The words come from the risen Christ, carrying absolute authority and urgency. • “He who has an ear” includes every believer; no one is excluded from the privilege or responsibility of listening. • Present-tense “says” shows the Spirit is still speaking; growth requires an ongoing posture of attention, not a one-time decision. Learning to Discern the Spirit’s Voice • Saturate your mind with Scripture: John 14:26 promises the Spirit will “remind you of all I have told you.” He uses the written Word to speak. • Maintain a yielded heart in prayer, listening as much as talking (Psalm 25:4-5). • Stay connected to the body of Christ; the message is addressed “to the churches,” underscoring that corporate worship, teaching, and counsel sharpen discernment (Ephesians 4:11-16). • Walk in ongoing repentance; a tender conscience keeps spiritual ears unclogged (Hebrews 3:7-8). Obedience: Proof That We Have Heard • True hearing moves beyond information to action (James 1:22). • Jesus links hearing and following: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). • Each step of obedience strengthens spiritual sensitivity, while neglect dulls it (Mark 4:24-25). Shared Growth, Shared Accountability • The plural “churches” reminds believers they are part of something larger than themselves; mutual encouragement fuels personal progress (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Test perceived guidance with Scripture and trusted believers to avoid deception (1 John 4:1). Practical Takeaways for Today • Set aside daily, unhurried time for Scripture reading, asking, “Spirit, what are You saying to me right now?” • Keep a journal of insights and promptings to track patterns of the Spirit’s leading. • Act quickly on clear convictions; delayed obedience often cools spiritual fervor. • Share what you’re learning with a mature believer, inviting feedback and prayer support. Echoes in Other Passages • Matthew 11:15; Revelation 2:7, 11, 17—Jesus repeats the same line, underscoring its importance. • Proverbs 15:31—“He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.” • Romans 10:17—“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Listening leads to learning, and learning leads to living out what the Spirit says. Personal growth blossoms in the soil of attentive, obedient hearing. |
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