How can we ensure we are truly "listening to what the Spirit says" today? The Call to Hear “‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 2:29) Begin with a Spirit-quickened Heart • Saving faith places the Spirit within us (Romans 8:9). • Without new birth we lack the “ear” Jesus describes (John 3:3–6). • Examine whether you are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5); assurance of salvation is the first step to hearing. Anchor Every Moment in Scripture • The Spirit never contradicts the Word He inspired (2 Peter 1:20-21). • Daily reading trains the ear: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Memorize and meditate; the more Scripture saturates the mind, the clearer the Spirit’s promptings sound (Joshua 1:8). Cultivate a Quiet, Teachable Posture • Jesus often said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” after parables (Mark 4:9). The crowd heard sounds; disciples pressed in for meaning. • Silence distractions—phones, media, busyness—to give God unhurried attention (Psalm 46:10). • Approach with humility: “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10) Respond in Immediate Obedience • Revelation links hearing and overcoming (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26). The Spirit’s voice is confirmed in action. • Delayed obedience dulls hearing (James 1:22). • Small obediences train us for larger assignments (Luke 16:10). Test Every Impression • “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1) • Four filters: – Does it align with Scripture? – Does it exalt Christ (John 16:14)? – Is it affirmed by godly counsel (Proverbs 11:14)? – Does it produce the Spirit’s fruit—love, joy, peace… (Galatians 5:22-23)? Stay in Step through Unceasing Prayer • “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Continuous dialogue keeps the line open. • Ask specifically for illumination: “Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things from Your law.” (Psalm 119:18) • Confession clears interference (Psalm 66:18). Lean on the Church Body • The letters of Revelation were read to entire congregations; corporate hearing matters. • The Spirit distributes gifts for mutual upbuilding (1 Corinthians 12:7). • Submit impressions to elders and mature believers (Hebrews 13:17). Remain Alert and Repentant • Each message in Revelation 2-3 includes commendation, correction, and a call to repent. • Ongoing repentance sharpens spiritual perception (Hebrews 3:7-13). • Guard against hardening by daily responsiveness. Fix Eyes on the Coming King • Revelation’s context is Christ’s imminent return; listening keeps us ready (Luke 12:35-40). • Hope purifies: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:3). • The Spirit speaks to draw the church into faithful witness until the Lord says, “Come up here.” (Revelation 4:1). Putting It All Together 1. New birth gives spiritual ears. 2. Scripture provides the tuning fork. 3. Quiet humility creates space to hear. 4. Obedience proves the sound. 5. Testing guards against deception. 6. Prayer keeps the conversation alive. 7. Community supplies confirmation. 8. Repentance removes static. 9. Hope focuses the heart. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” May that be true of us—today, tomorrow, and until we see Him face to face. |
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