How can we ensure we are listening to God's prophets in our lives? Listening Begins with the Heart Jeremiah 35:15 sets the tone: “Again and again I have sent all My servants the prophets to you, proclaiming: ‘Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways, and amend your deeds…’ But you would not incline your ear or listen to Me.” • God speaks persistently; the issue is whether ears and hearts stay open. • A teachable spirit, quick to repent, keeps spiritual ears unclogged (Psalm 51:17). • John 10:27 reminds that Christ’s sheep recognize His voice and follow. Grounded in the Written Word • 2 Peter 1:19-21 affirms prophetic reliability: “We have the word of the prophets made more certain… men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” • Hebrews 1:1-2 shows all prophetic words must harmonize with the full revelation God gave in His Son. • Scripture forms the unchanging plumb line; modern impressions never outrank the written text. Testing Today’s Voices 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21: “Do not extinguish the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” Practical checkpoints: • Christ-centered content that exalts His lordship (1 Corinthians 12:3). • Consistency with the whole counsel of God—no contradictions. • Observable fruit displaying holiness and love (Matthew 7:15, 20). • Accuracy where specific predictions occur (Deuteronomy 18:22). • Conviction of sin and call to obedience rather than flattery (Jeremiah 23:22). Cultivating a Responsive Lifestyle • Immediate obedience cements hearing; delayed obedience dulls discernment (James 1:22). • Ongoing repentance keeps conscience tender to fresh correction. • Regular time in the Word and worship tunes the heart to the Spirit’s frequency. Walking in Community • Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for examining Scripture daily alongside apostolic teaching. • Godly leaders and mature believers help confirm or caution, providing safety from deception (Proverbs 11:14). • Shared accountability encourages action, not mere discussion. Living Out the Call • Inclining the ear involves humility, Scripture saturation, careful testing, obedient response, and communal discernment. • God still speaks through faithful messengers who echo the timeless call: turn, trust, and walk in His ways. |
    |