How does John 9:31 emphasize the importance of living a righteous life? The Setting of John 9:31 - John 9 recounts Jesus healing a man born blind. - After the healing, the formerly blind man testifies before religious leaders who question Jesus’ authority. - In verse 31 the man draws a simple, time-honored conclusion about God’s response to people’s lives. What the Verse Actually Says “ We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He listens to the godly person who does His will.” (John 9:31) Two Sober Realities in One Sentence 1. God “does not listen to sinners.” • Persistent, unrepentant sin places a wall between a person and God’s attentive ear (Isaiah 59:2; Psalm 66:18). • This is not about occasional failure; it is about an ongoing, willful lifestyle that refuses God’s rule. 2. God “listens to the godly person who does His will.” • A life oriented toward obedience opens the channel of fellowship and answered prayer (1 John 3:22; Proverbs 15:29). • Righteous living is evidence of genuine relationship with Him. Why Righteous Living Matters - Access to God’s Ear • Prayer is not merely talking; it is being heard (1 Peter 3:12). • John 9:31 links righteous conduct directly to God’s willingness to respond. - Assurance of Fellowship • The verse affirms that those aligned with God’s will are truly known by Him (John 14:21). - Witness to the World • The healed man’s argument rests on a commonly accepted truth about God; moral consistency gives credibility to our testimony (Matthew 5:16). Practical Steps Toward a God-Listening Life • Confess quickly, repent thoroughly (1 John 1:9). • Cultivate a lifestyle of obedience, not occasional compliance (James 1:22). • Guard the heart—actions flow from inner devotion (Proverbs 4:23). • Keep short accounts with people; relational righteousness matters to God (Matthew 5:23-24). • Saturate life with Scripture so God’s will becomes clear (Psalm 119:11). Echoes from the Rest of Scripture - Psalm 34:15 – “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry.” - Proverbs 28:9 – “He who turns his ear away from listening to the law, even his prayer is detestable.” - 1 Peter 3:12 – “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Summing It Up John 9:31 lays down a clear principle: God’s attentive ear is tied to a life that embraces His will. Choosing righteousness isn’t about earning salvation; it’s about living in the open, unhindered communion God designed—where prayer is heard, fellowship is sweet, and our witness rings true. |
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