How can we apply the call to "listen to the word of the LORD"? Our Starting Point “Stand in the gate of the house of the LORD and proclaim this message: ‘Hear the word of the LORD, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the LORD.’” – Jeremiah 7:2 Why Hearing Matters • God’s voice carries absolute authority; ignoring it courts disaster (Jeremiah 7:3–15). • His words accomplish what He sends them to do (Isaiah 55:10-11). • Christ identifies true family as “those who hear the word of God and do it” (Luke 8:21). Cultivating a Listening Heart • Set aside distractions. Turn off media, silence the phone, and give God unhurried space (Psalm 46:10). • Open the Bible daily, expecting God to speak; treat every line as living and active (Hebrews 4:12). • Pray briefly before reading: “Lord, I am listening; show me Your ways” (1 Samuel 3:10). • Read aloud when possible; hearing with your ears reinforces truth (Romans 10:17). Testing What We Hear • Compare impressions to Scripture; God never contradicts Himself (Galatians 1:8). • Seek counsel from mature believers if uncertain (Proverbs 11:14). • Watch for the peace of Christ ruling in your heart (Colossians 3:15). Moving from Hearing to Doing • Write down specific actions the passage calls for. • Obey promptly; delayed obedience is disobedience (James 1:22-25). • Revisit your notes and track progress. Accountability fuels perseverance (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Share what you’re learning; teaching others cements truth in your own life (2 Timothy 2:2). Guarding Against Selective Hearing • Refuse to cherry-pick comfortable verses; embrace the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). • Invite the Spirit to expose hidden sin; conviction precedes cleansing (Psalm 139:23-24). • Remember that hearing without repentance hardens the heart (Hebrews 3:7-13). Enjoying the Blessings of Listening • Greater intimacy with God’s heart (John 15:15). • Wisdom for daily choices (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Fruitful, steadfast living even in drought (Jeremiah 17:7-8). Let’s be people who don’t merely skim God’s words but truly listen—then watch how He transforms every corner of life. |
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