How can we ensure we are truly listening to the Spirit's message today? A Call to Hear the Spirit Revelation 3:6: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” The Spirit is speaking right now; the only issue is whether our ears are open. Why the Ear Matters • God’s Word is perfect, true, and fully authoritative; when the Spirit speaks through it, we can trust every syllable. • The command “let him hear” assumes the ability to obey—hearing is a choice, not a talent. • “Churches” is plural: listening is personal, yet never isolated; the whole body is addressed. Four Foundations for Hearing 1. Scripture First • John 16:13—The Spirit “will guide you into all truth.” • 2 Timothy 3:16—All Scripture is “God-breathed,” the Spirit’s own words. 2. A Yielded Heart • Psalm 25:9—He “guides the humble in what is right.” 3. Ongoing Obedience • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” 4. Spirit-Led Community • Hebrews 3:13—We need daily encouragement lest we become “hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Practical Ways to Tune Your Ear • Daily, unhurried Bible intake—read until something grips you, then stop and ponder. • Pause to invite the Spirit: “Show me what You’re saying here.” • Journal impressions alongside chapter and verse; anchor every insight to the text. • Memorize key passages; the Spirit often speaks by bringing them to mind at just the right moment (John 14:26). • Fast from competing voices (media, noise) to let Scripture gain volume. • Act promptly on what you know; obedience fine-tunes spiritual hearing (John 7:17). Guardrails for Discernment • Consistency with the whole counsel of God (Acts 17:11). • The fruit test—does it promote love, joy, peace, and the other marks of Galatians 5:22-23? • Confirmation through mature believers (Proverbs 15:22). • Freedom from manipulation or fear (2 Timothy 1:7). • Patience—truth endures scrutiny; error demands haste. Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Isaiah 30:21—“Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” • Romans 8:14—“All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21—“Do not extinguish the Spirit… but test everything; hold fast to what is good.” • Hebrews 3:7—“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” Living Out What You Hear • Speak the verse aloud; let truth settle into your thinking and affections. • Share it—telling someone else often clarifies what the Spirit is emphasizing. • Align your calendar and wallet with what God just showed you; stewardship confirms sincerity. • Keep short accounts with God; confessed sin clears static from the line (Psalm 32:5). • Finish each day asking, “Did I obey what I heard?”—not to condemn, but to stay responsive. The Spirit still whispers through the living Word; ears trained by Scripture, humility, obedience, and fellowship will not miss His message. |
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