How should we respond when God sends guidance or correction into our lives? Listening for the Servant’s Knock Luke 20:10 sets the scene: “At harvest time, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed.” Whenever God sends a “servant” into our lives—His Word, His Spirit, a pastor, a friend—He is seeking the fruit of obedience. How we answer the knock matters. Recognizing the Source • Scripture: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). • Spirit: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). • God-sent People: Prophets, mentors, parents, or even unexpected strangers (cf. 2 Samuel 12:1-13; Nathan confronting David). When the message aligns with the Bible and exalts Christ, we can be confident it is the Master’s servant at the door. Heart Postures God Honors • Humility—“He mocks the mockers but gives grace to the humble” (Proverbs 3:34). • Teachability—“Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding” (Psalm 32:9). • Submission—“We have had earthly fathers who disciplined us… will we not much more submit to the Father of spirits and live?” (Hebrews 12:9). Specific Responses to Embrace 1. Listen Fully – Pause other voices; open the Bible alongside the correction. 2. Examine Honestly – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). Ask, What fruit is the Master rightly seeking? 3. Repent Quickly – Where sin is exposed, confess and turn (1 John 1:9). 4. Adjust Practically – Change schedules, relationships, habits—whatever is necessary to bear good fruit (John 15:2). 5. Persevere Joyfully – “For the moment all discipline seems painful… yet later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Hebrews 12:11). Consequences of Refusal • Hardened hearts—“You stiff-necked people… you always resist the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51). • Lost fruitfulness—The tenants kept the harvest but lost the vineyard (Luke 20:16). • Diminished witness—Beating the servant broadcasts rebellion to onlookers. • Escalating discipline—God’s love will not abandon His children to sin (Hebrews 12:6). Fruitful Outcomes of Obedience • Deeper intimacy with God—“Those who love Me will keep My word, and My Father will love them” (John 14:23). • Growing righteousness—“Peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Hebrews 12:11). • Useful service—Corrected vessels become instruments “prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21). Quick Self-Check List □ Am I hearing a biblical call to change? □ Is pride or fear making me defensive? □ Have I thanked God for caring enough to correct me? □ What concrete step will I take today? When the Master sends a servant to our door, welcoming him with humble obedience transforms correction into a harvest of lasting fruit. |
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