What does "hear what the Spirit says" imply about spiritual attentiveness? Setting the Scene in Revelation 3:6 • “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:6) • Spoken by the risen Christ to the church in Sardis—and to every congregation that would read the letter afterward. • The phrase is repeated to all seven churches (Revelation 2–3), underlining its universal importance. What “Hear” Really Means • More than catching sound; it is receiving and obeying. • Greek term akouō carries the sense of listening with intent to respond. • James 1:22 echoes this: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” The Holy Spirit’s Active Voice • The Spirit is presently addressing believers; His words are not relics but living directives (Hebrews 3:7). • John 16:13: “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” • Romans 8:14: “All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Signs of Spiritual Attentiveness • Quick sensitivity to conviction of sin. • Readiness to adjust attitudes and actions to Scripture. • Eagerness to test everything by God’s Word (1 Thessalonians 5:21). • Persevering in prayer, expecting guidance (Colossians 4:2). • Aligning personal and congregational decisions with biblical revelation. Dangers of Spiritual Deafness • Hardening of the heart—“Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15) • Self-reliance that quenches the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19). • Drifting into dead works, like Sardis, which had “a reputation for being alive, but… are dead.” (Revelation 3:1) Encouragements and Promises • Revelation 3:5 links hearing with overcoming: attentive believers are clothed in white and confessed before the Father. • John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” • Isaiah 30:21 assures guidance: “Your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way. Walk in it.’ ” Living It Out Today • Daily Scripture intake—tuning the ear through consistent, prayerful reading. • Humble responsiveness—acting promptly on what the Spirit highlights. • Corporate listening—gathering with the church to discern together (Acts 13:2). • Continual evaluation—asking, “Am I hearing and obeying, or merely listening?” Hearing what the Spirit says is a call to alert, obedient hearts—ears that translate revelation into faithful living. |
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