Why is it important for each church to heed the Spirit's message? The Spirit’s Call to Attentive Ears “ ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ” (Revelation 3:13) Why Every Church Must Listen • The command is universal—addressed “to the churches,” not just one assembly. • The verb “hear” implies active obedience, not passive awareness (James 1:22). • The message comes from the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Godhead; to ignore Him is to resist God Himself (Acts 7:51). Immediate Consequences Highlighted in Revelation • Each of the seven churches receives either commendation, correction, or warning (Revelation 2–3). • Blessing follows obedience: – Ephesus: promised access to “the tree of life” (2:7). – Philadelphia: guaranteed a place “in the temple of My God” (3:12). • Judgment follows neglect: – Sardis: threatened with Christ’s coming “like a thief” (3:3). – Laodicea: warned of being “spit out” as lukewarm (3:16). Biblical Patterns Reinforcing the Principle • Old Testament precedent: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Psalm 95:7-8; quoted in Hebrews 3:7-8). • Prophetic ministry relied on the Spirit’s voice (2 Peter 1:21). • New Testament church decisions sought the Spirit’s leading (Acts 13:2; 15:28). What Happens When We Do Listen 1. Direction—John 16:13: “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” 2. Unity—Ephesians 4:3: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” 3. Power—Acts 1:8: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” 4. Assurance—Romans 8:16: “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” What Happens When We Don’t • Spiritual deafness leads to drift (Hebrews 2:1). • Tradition replaces revelation (Mark 7:13). • Churches lose their lampstand—visible witness removed (Revelation 2:5). Practical Ways a Congregation Can Heed the Spirit • Saturate gatherings with Scripture; the Spirit authored it (2 Timothy 3:16). • Test every teaching against the Word (1 John 4:1). • Seek corporate discernment—“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us” (Acts 15:28). • Maintain sensitivity through repentance and yielded obedience (Acts 5:32). • Guard against quenching or grieving the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19; Ephesians 4:30). Encouragement to Stay Responsive The Spirit’s messages are not relics of the past; they are living words for today’s congregations. Churches that cultivate listening hearts become vibrant lampstands, shining Christ’s light to a dark world. “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it” (Revelation 1:3). |
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