Sensitivity, Stillness & The Spirit 040525
Stillness, Sensitivity & The Spirit 040525
The New Testament emphasises the importance of listening to Holy Spirit, as He is the Spirit of Truth. The seven churches in Revelation faced problems due to their neglect of the Holy Spirit’s guidance. By listening and obeying the Holy Spirit, Christians can overcome challenges and live in accordance with God’s will.
In the N. T. Jesus is very clear on teaching us of the need to be listening to the voice of Holy Spirit, because He is the ‘Spirit of Truth’ John 14:15-17; John 16:12-15
16 times the words ‘He that has an ear, let him hear’ is stated in the N.T. In the Revelation of Jesus the Christ it adds: ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches’. For a statement to be repeated 16 times in Scripture means it’s extremely important.
Our Christian life stands or falls on our ability to recognise how and when God is speaking to us. Easter reminds us that Jesus is alive and speaks to those who are listening.
The Bible tells us that God’s true sons and daughters are those who are ‘led by the Spirit of God’ Romans 8:14
Jesus gave clear teaching and instruction to His followers, emphasising the importance of being empowered by Holy Spirit.
When Jesus left this earth, He sent the promised Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit came powerfully on the Day of Pentecost, filling the waiting believers with a power they had never experienced before Luke 24:49 Behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4 Christianity without Holy Spirit is a powerless faith .
‘He that has an ear, let him hear’ Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; Revelation 3:6, 13, 22
Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Revelation 3:3
The word ‘hear’ comes from the Greek word “akouo” and means: ‘to hear’, to have the faculty of hearing; to hear, perceive with the ears; to give ear, listen; to learn by hearing, be informed” And Jesus instructed His followers that they must be filled with the Holy Spirit of Truth. He has been sent to ‘guide us into all truth’ John 16:13
Every problem in those seven churches was the direct result of their not hearing ~ or not heeding ~ what the Holy Spirit was saying to them! Every one of those problems can be avoided in our lives and churches today if we will listen to, and obey, the voice of the Holy Spirit of Truth! He (Holy Spirit) does not lead us into sin and neglect.
How important it is that we know the voice of the Holy Spirit in each of our lives and churches today! Knowing the principles of the Scriptures is vitally important, because Holy Spirit does not contradict the Scriptures.
It is also important that we develop a sensitive heart and ear to listening, by taking time to ‘be still and know that He is God’ Psalm 46:10 Jesus’ sheep hear and know His voice John 10
When He speaks our responsibility is to obey; to step out and do what He has spoken to us. That is what faith is: obedience to the voice of the Lord Jesus through the Holy Spirit of Truth! Romans 10:17 ‘so faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of God.’
Are you listening? Are you hearing?
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Ephesians 5:8-10