In what ways can we ensure we are open to God's truth? Isaiah’s Warning about Selective Hearing “They say to the seers, ‘No more visions!’ and to the prophets, ‘Do not prophesy to us the truth. Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions.’” – Isaiah 30:10 • Judah wanted encouraging speeches, not divine correction. • The same impulse still tempts us: preferring comfort over conviction. Heart Checks That Keep Us Receptive • Admit our tendency to filter truth. (Jeremiah 17:9) • Pray daily for spiritual honesty: “Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law.” (Psalm 119:18) • Cultivate humility: “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.” (James 1:21) Saturate Your Mind with Scripture • Consistent reading renews thinking: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) • Diligent study guards accuracy: “Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) • Continuance brings freedom: “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) Lean on the Spirit’s Guidance • “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) • Stay sensitive: “Do not extinguish the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19) Choose Sound Teaching over Pleasant Words • Isaiah’s audience wanted “pleasant words”; Paul forecast the same trend: “For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4) • Measure sermons, podcasts, books, and conversations by Scripture rather than charisma or popularity. Test Everything • “Test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) • Follow the Berean example: “They received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.” (Acts 17:11) • Discern spirits: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1) Live What You Learn • Openness to truth is proved in obedience: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22) • Obedience deepens insight: “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” (John 14:21) Putting It All Together 1. Approach Scripture with confessed humility. 2. Read broadly, study deeply, and memorize faithfully. 3. Invite the Spirit’s illumination before, during, and after reading. 4. Evaluate every message—no matter the source—by the Word. 5. Act promptly on what God shows; light obeyed brings more light. |
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