Topical Bible: Character of Saints: Attentive to Christ's Voice

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The character of saints, as depicted in the Holy Scriptures, is marked by a profound attentiveness to the voice of Christ. This attentiveness is not merely a passive listening but an active, discerning, and obedient response to the call and teachings of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.

Biblical Foundation

The foundation for this characteristic is found in the words of Jesus Himself. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27). This passage underscores the intimate relationship between Christ and His followers, where listening to His voice is a defining trait of true discipleship.

Discernment and Obedience

Attentiveness to Christ's voice involves discernment, as believers are called to distinguish His voice from the myriad of other voices in the world. The Apostle Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to "test all things; hold fast to what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21), highlighting the need for spiritual discernment. This attentiveness is coupled with obedience, as James reminds us, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22).

Examples from Scripture

Throughout the Bible, we find examples of saints who exemplified this attentiveness. Samuel, as a young boy, responded to God's call with the words, "Speak, for Your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10). His readiness to hear and obey God's voice set the course for his prophetic ministry.

In the New Testament, Mary, the sister of Martha, is commended for choosing "what is better" by sitting at the Lord's feet and listening to His teaching (Luke 10:39, 42). Her attentiveness to Christ's words is contrasted with Martha's distraction by many tasks, illustrating the priority of listening to Jesus.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enabling believers to hear and understand Christ's voice. Jesus promised that the Spirit of truth would guide His followers into all truth (John 16:13). The Spirit illuminates the Scriptures, helping believers to hear Christ's voice through His Word and apply it to their lives.

Practical Implications

For the saints, being attentive to Christ's voice means prioritizing time in prayer and Scripture, seeking His guidance in all aspects of life. It involves a heart posture of humility and readiness to respond to His leading. This attentiveness is cultivated through regular communion with God, fostering a deep and abiding relationship with the Savior.

In summary, the character of saints is marked by a vigilant and responsive attentiveness to the voice of Christ, as they seek to follow Him faithfully in every aspect of their lives.

Nave's Topical Index

John 10:3,4
To him the porter opens; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Prayer and vigilance
... Knowing, therefore, something of the character of the enemy ... The cause of God, His
saints, their woes ... to keep awake, circumspect, attentive, constant, vigilant. ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xi prayer and vigilance.htm

John Calvin. His Life and Character.
... philosophy, which Cop delivered on All-Saints' Day, in 1533 ... and purity, gravity and
kindliness of character, reminded me ... the ear should be more attentive to the ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 56 john calvin his.htm

The Scales of Judgment
... requireth; that she has been more attentive to the ... your past life; scan carefully
your present character and your ... yourself less than the least of all saints? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the scales of judgment.htm

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... [229] And His spotless character is gathered from ... says that Messiah "shall give unto
the saints to eat ... it may justly claim the most attentive consideration, as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

The one Thing Needful
... very diligent in your religion, you are attentive to all ... vineyard have I not kept.'"
To the saints, as well as ... a long grass of so clinging a character that, if ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the one thing needful.htm

The French Reformation.
... the king of France appeared "in the character of a ... preached, and what all the company
of saints believed ... until the schoolroom was filled with attentive listeners ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /12 the french reformation.htm

The French Reformation
... the king of France appeared "in the character of a ... preached, and what all the company
of saints believed ... until the schoolroom was filled with attentive listeners ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 12 the french reformation.htm

Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision
... doctrine of the security of the saints leading to ... its fulfilment, and the
everlastingness of its character. ... precept upon baptism, as well as attentive to the ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/consecration to godillustrated by abrahams.htm

An American Reformer.
... of God, the prophets and saints, and them ... and esteem wherever integrity of character
and moral ... crowded houses of intelligent and attentive hearers, Miller's ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /18 an american reformer.htm

An American Reformer
... of God, the prophets and saints, and them ... and esteem wherever integrity of character
and moral ... crowded houses of intelligent and attentive hearers, Miller's ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 18 an american reformer.htm