Hearing, Seeing, and Obeying God’s Call By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” — Matthew 11:15 (NKJV)
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Introduction
In this era of great spiritual confusion and moral decay, the call of God remains ever clear: to hear His voice, to see His truth, and to obey His commands. Yet, a vast multitude claim to have ears and eyes but are spiritually deaf and blind because their hearts are hardened. This lesson addresses the solemn invitation from God for His people to awaken from spiritual lethargy, to discern His direction through the Holy Spirit, and to live uprightly in a world beset by darkness.
God’s desire is not for His children to languish in sin or to be overwhelmed by the spiritual darkness surrounding them. Rather, He calls them to a life of holiness, vigilance, and faithfulness—a path that leads to life eternal. This message seeks to inspire believers to break free from the chains of spiritual sloth and worldly entanglements and to stand firm in the freedom and joy that salvation in Christ provides.
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Spiritual Deafness and Blindness: The Hardening of Hearts
Many today possess physical senses but lack spiritual perception. Jesus’ words remind us that having ears and eyes is insufficient if hearts are closed to God’s voice and vision. The consequences of such spiritual dullness are severe: a life marked by sin, deception, and ultimate separation from God.
“They have ears, but hear not; and there is no understanding in their eyes.” — Jeremiah 5:21 (KJV)
Spiritual hardness leads to embracing sinful pleasures and bragging about enterprises rooted in rebellion against God. Such rebellion draws demonic influences, which further blind and deceive the individual. The path they walk leads to death and damnation. Christians are exhorted not to emulate these patterns but to awaken to the urgency of repentance and spiritual sensitivity.
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The Danger of Spiritual Sloth and Demonic Infiltration
Spiritual sloth is a grave danger—it is the state of complacency and neglect in one’s walk with God. It opens the door for demonic forces to infiltrate the mind and spirit, leading the believer away from vigilance and into destruction.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)
Those who fail to maintain spiritual alertness find themselves overwhelmed by confusion, despair, and moral failure. The believer’s call is to maintain sobriety, stay alert, and walk in obedience to God’s Word and Spirit.
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Rejecting Worldly Friendship: Choosing God’s Kingdom
Friendship with the world brings enmity with God. The Bible warns that those who embrace worldly values place themselves in the kingdom of death, destined for destruction.
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” — 1 John 2:15 (NKJV)
Followers of Christ are called to separate themselves from worldly influences and to walk in holiness. The narrow path is not always popular or easy, but it is the path to eternal life.
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The Call to Uprightness and Vengeance of God
God’s justice ensures that evil will not prevail indefinitely. He will vindicate His people and execute vengeance on the wicked who seek their destruction.
“Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; their foot shall slip in due time.” — Deuteronomy 32:35 (NKJV)
Believers are called to keep their eyes fixed on God, to trust His deliverance, and to continue in faithful service without despair. God is the Keeper of souls and the defender of the righteous.
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The Tragedy of Those Who Forsake Their First Estate
Many who once sincerely served God have fallen into temptation, enticed by the pleasures and treasures of this world. Their hearts grow cold, and they become enemies to God.
“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works.” — Revelation 2:5 (NKJV)
Such falling away is tragic because it leads to spiritual death and loss of eternal reward. The call is to remain steadfast and to cherish the heavenly treasures that far outweigh any earthly gain.
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Walking the Narrow Way: The Road to Freedom
Christians are invited to walk the narrow way, a path characterized by obedience, faith, and holiness. This journey is a life of freedom from sin’s bondage and darkness.
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.” — Matthew 7:13 (NKJV)
Believers who keep their focus on God will not be easily deceived but will enjoy the peace and miracles God provides daily.
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Gratitude for Spiritual Sight and Hearing
To have ears to hear and eyes to see is a divine gift that should inspire gratitude and obedience. Repentance and a willing heart are marks of true freedom in Christ.
“Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.” — Psalm 119:18 (NKJV)
Those who choose freedom in Christ walk in the light and are no longer slaves to sin and spiritual darkness.
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Summary
This lesson reminds believers of the importance of spiritual perception—hearing God’s voice, seeing His truth, and obeying His commands. Spiritual deafness and blindness, caused by hard hearts and worldly entanglements, lead to destruction. Christians must reject the friendship of the world, embrace holiness, and remain vigilant against spiritual sloth and demonic infiltration.
The call is to steadfast faithfulness, to rejoice in God’s mercies, and to walk the narrow path that leads to eternal life. God’s justice will prevail, and His people will be vindicated. Gratitude for salvation and spiritual insight must characterize the believer’s life.
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Conclusion
In the face of moral decay and spiritual confusion, God calls His people to awaken and walk in His light. The journey is not easy, but it is the way of life and freedom. Believers are urged to remain faithful, vigilant, and thankful for the mercies of God. To turn back to the world is to choose destruction; to continue with God is to be assured of eternal life.
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Call to Action
Do not harden your hearts. Be quick to repent, to seek God’s guidance daily, and to walk uprightly before Him. Surround yourself with the company of the redeemed who encourage and strengthen your faith. Reject the worldly influences that lead to despair and destruction. Instead, fix your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith.
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Final Word of Encouragement
You have been given the priceless gift of salvation and spiritual sight. Rejoice daily in this freedom, and live a life marked by obedience and gratitude. Though the world grows darker, your light in Christ will shine ever brighter. Stand firm, beloved, for the Lord your God is with you, and His grace is sufficient.
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Salvation Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of Jesus, confessing my sins and asking for Your mercy. I repent of all my wrongdoings and turn from the paths of darkness. Thank You for the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to walk uprightly, to hear Your voice, to see Your truth, and to obey Your commands. Strengthen me by Your Holy Spirit to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes. Keep me from spiritual blindness and deafness, and lead me in the path of eternal life. I receive Your grace and mercy today and commit my life fully to You. In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray. Amen.
