Monday, January 26, 2009

God's Cure for Spiritual Deafness

Job 36:10 "He opens their ear to discipline, and commands that they return from iniquity." Spiritual deafness is one disease we all suffer from at times. A hard hearted man will not listen to the voice of God's glorious works, or to the voice of revealed truth, but by stubborn unbelief rejects the counsel of God. Note three aspects of spiritual hearing. First, there are many Biblical references to spiritual deafness. It is traceable to our unwillingness to listen to God. Pharaoh refused to hear moses and Aaron (see Exodus 7:16). Israel would not hear Moses: but acted with sinful presumption continually (see Deut. 1:43; II kings 17:14). Sinners and backsliders alike refuse to hear when God speaks. Thus God says "If any man has ears to hear, let him hear." These statements abound in the Bible to show the deafness of men with regard to holy things. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings. Second, the means God uses to open the ear. God my choose to use extraordinary means (see Job 33:14-16). Some ears are opened by disciplinary means. God my use poverty, afflictions, bereavements, judgments, calamity and storms. The rod of correction can break through the deafness of the soul. Ears are often opened by the preaching of the Word and by spiritual operations in the heart. "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." Third, the result of an open ear. Attention is given to Biblical truth. The one who hears becomes submissive to God given authority. He is obedient to God's commands. This involves faith, repentance, and turning to the Lord to do His gracious will. A hearing ear results in rejoicing in God's ways and living by Biblical truth. Have you been aware that God is speaking to you but you don't want to hear what He has to say. Spiritual deafness is cured by repentance from sin and an open heart to the Lord, this results in hearing His voice. "My sheep hear my voice and they follow me." Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.

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