How can we ensure we have "ears to hear" God's message today? The Call to Hear “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:9) Jesus places responsibility on every listener: possession of ears must be matched by a willing, receptive heart. Why Spiritual Hearing Matters - Romans 10:17 “Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” - John 10:27 “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” - Hebrews 3:7-8 “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” Hearing shapes faith, confirms identity, and guards against hard-heartedness. Blockages That Muffle God’s Voice - Cherished sin and unconfessed wrongdoing (Psalm 66:18) - Pride that treats Scripture as optional (Proverbs 16:18) - Constant noise and distraction (Luke 10:40-42) - Tradition or opinion elevated above the written Word (Mark 7:13) Preparing the Heart The surrounding Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23) shows that soil quality determines harvest. - Repent quickly when the Spirit convicts. - Cultivate humility: Isaiah 66:2 “…These are the ones I will esteem: the humble and contrite in spirit, who tremble at My word.” - Welcome the implanted Word: James 1:21-22. Daily Practices That Sharpen Listening - Consistent, unhurried Bible reading; aim to finish the entire counsel of God, not just favorite sections. - Meditative reflection: repeat a passage aloud, linger over verbs and promises. - Quiet, device-free moments that allow God’s Word to settle. - Immediate obedience to any clear instruction; obedience reinforces sensitivity. - Scripture memorization so truth can surface throughout the day (Psalm 119:11). - Singing or praying Scripture back to God, letting truth shape affections. Corporate Hearing - Faithful participation in a Bible-honoring local church where the Word is read, preached, and applied (1 Timothy 4:13). - Mutual exhortation: Hebrews 3:13 “Encourage one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” - Submission to godly elders and teachers who handle Scripture accurately (Hebrews 13:17). Testing and Confirming What We Hear - 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.” - Acts 17:11 The Bereans “examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.” - The Spirit never contradicts the written Word; impressions must align with Scripture’s plain meaning. Living Out the Message - James 1:22 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” - Ongoing obedience keeps the channel clear; disobedience dulls hearing. - Gratitude for each truth received fosters expectation for more. Key Passages at a Glance Matthew 13:9, 16 John 10:27 Romans 10:17 James 1:21-22 Hebrews 3:7-8 Proverbs 4:20-22 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 Takeaway Ears that truly hear are hearts continually softened by repentance, saturated with Scripture, stilled for God’s voice, tested by the Word, and quick to obey. |
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