What does "His voice you have never heard" imply about spiritual discernment? Immediate Context • John 5:37 — “And the Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me. You have never heard His voice nor seen His form.” • Jesus speaks to religious leaders who prided themselves on Scripture knowledge yet rejected Him. • The indictment: external religiosity without internal connection to God. What “His voice you have never heard” Says About Spiritual Discernment • Spiritual deafness exists even when Scripture is physically present. • True discernment is relational—rooted in knowing the One who speaks, not merely knowing words about Him. • Lack of hearing exposes an unregenerate heart: knowledge without conversion cannot perceive God’s testimony (1 Corinthians 2:14). • The statement underlines accountability; God has spoken clearly, but hardness of heart blocks perception (Hebrews 3:7-8). Marks of Those Who Truly Hear • Recognition of Christ as the One sent by the Father (John 10:27). • Internal witness of the Spirit confirming the Word (Romans 8:16). • Obedience that flows from hearing (James 1:22). • Growing love for Scripture because it is perceived as the living voice of God (Psalm 119:97). Implications for Personal Discernment Today • Evaluate not only Bible literacy but Spirit-enabled receptivity. • Cultivate silence before God; His voice is discerned by those who listen (1 Kings 19:12-13). • Test every impression by the written Word; God never contradicts Himself (Psalm 119:160). • Humility keeps ears open—pride deafens (Proverbs 1:7). Practical Steps to Sharpen Hearing 1. Daily, unhurried reading of Scripture, asking “What is God saying?” not merely “What does this mean academically?” 2. Immediate obedience to revealed commands, training the heart to recognize and respond. 3. Fellowship with believers who model tender, responsive spirits (Hebrews 10:24-25). 4. Confession of known sin, removing static on the line (Psalm 66:18). 5. Petition for illumination by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:17-18). Warning Against False Assurance • Proximity to religious activity cannot substitute for personal hearing. • Doctrinal correctness, though vital, must be accompanied by spiritual life (Revelation 3:1). • The ultimate test: does one embrace and honor the Son? Rejecting Him proves the Father’s voice is unheard (John 5:38). Summary “His voice you have never heard” exposes a heart untouched by God’s self-disclosure. Spiritual discernment begins the moment His voice is welcomed, continues as obedience deepens, and culminates in a life that unmistakably reflects the One speaking. |
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