Hearing, Seeing, and Obeying God’s Call By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.”
— John 6:63 (NIV)
Introduction
The call to hear, see, and obey the voice of God through His Holy Spirit is a divine invitation to live in alignment with His eternal purpose. The message delivered in the passage above confronts the spiritual dullness that blinds and deafens many to God’s truth, urging believers to remain alert, responsive, and obedient to His guidance. In a world shrouded in darkness and deception, God desires His people to walk in the light of His Spirit, free from the degradation of sin and the allure of worldly pleasures. This lesson explores the importance of maintaining spiritual sensitivity, resisting the pull of the world, and embracing the freedom that comes from obeying God’s commands. Through scriptural insights and practical applications, we will uncover how believers can live victoriously by keeping their focus on God, walking uprightly, and trusting in His vindication against the schemes of the enemy.
The passage highlights the tragic consequences of hardening one’s heart against God, leading to spiritual blindness, deafness, and separation from Him. Yet, it also offers hope, assuring believers that God’s Spirit provides guidance, protection, and the ability to discern truth from deception. By choosing to hear, see, and obey, believers can avoid the path of destruction and experience the abundant life God intends. This lesson will guide us through key principles to help us remain spiritually alert, reject worldly distractions, and walk in the freedom and purpose of God’s kingdom.
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The Call to Spiritual Sensitivity
God’s desire is for His people to be spiritually alert, with ears to hear and eyes to see the truth of His Word and the guidance of His Spirit. The passage warns against the spiritual dullness that results from hardening one’s heart, as described in Matthew 13:15: “For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.” Those who choose to ignore God’s voice become deaf and blind to His truth, falling prey to demonic deception and the darkness of sin.
To avoid this fate, believers must cultivate a heart that is teachable and responsive to the Holy Spirit. This requires intentional focus on God through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a willingness to obey His commands. By remaining sensitive to the Spirit, we can discern God’s will and avoid the confusion that engulfs those who prioritize the world over Him.
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The Danger of Worldly Distractions
The passage vividly describes the consequences of focusing on the world rather than God, leading to confusion, deception, and spiritual slavery. Those who chase worldly pleasures or align themselves with the kingdom of death become entangled in sin, losing their spiritual vitality. The passage warns against making friendship with the world, which is echoed in James 4:4: “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
Believers are called to reject the allure of worldly treasures and to keep their vision fixed on God. The world offers temporary pleasures that lead to destruction, but God offers eternal treasures that bring life and fulfillment. By choosing to walk in the straight and narrow way, believers can escape the bondage of sin and experience the freedom of God’s kingdom.
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God’s Vindication and Protection
The passage assures believers that God is their protector and vindicator against the schemes of the wicked. While evil forces plot to destroy the righteous, God promises to deliver His people and to bring vengeance upon their enemies. This truth is affirmed in Psalm 34:19: “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast, keeping their eyes fixed on God, who is the keeper of their souls.
This divine protection is not a passive promise but an active reality for those who walk uprightly. By maintaining God’s standard and trusting in His guidance, believers can face opposition with confidence, knowing that God will uphold them. The Holy Spirit directs their steps, ensuring that they are not overcome by the enemy’s plans but are instead brought into the realms of God’s blessings and miracles.
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The Freedom of Obedience
Obedience to God’s Spirit is the pathway to freedom and abundant life. The passage contrasts the slavery of sin with the liberty found in serving God. Those who refuse to repent are enslaved by demons, driven down the road to destruction, while those who obey God’s commands are set free to love, serve, and worship Him. This freedom is celebrated in John 8:36: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Obedience requires a heart of gratitude and a commitment to live for God’s glory. Believers are called to serve Him not with lip service but with their whole lives, rejecting the temptation to return to sinful ways. By walking uprightly and maintaining a single vision, believers can experience the joy of being redeemed and the privilege of advancing God’s kingdom.
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The Power of Repentance and Redemption
The passage emphasizes the transformative power of repentance, which enables believers to walk in God’s mercy and avoid the fate of those who remain in sin. Through Jesus Christ, God has provided salvation mercies that deliver us from the degradation of sin and restore us to a right relationship with Him. This truth is affirmed in Acts 3:19: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Believers are called to live in the awareness of God’s mercy, serving Him with gratitude and humility. The passage reminds us that our salvation is not based on our righteousness but on God’s grace, which empowers us to walk in freedom and to fulfill His purpose. By embracing repentance and obedience, we can remain on the freedom road, far from the slavery of sin.
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Summary
The call to hear, see, and obey God’s voice is a summons to live in spiritual sensitivity and alignment with His purpose. By rejecting worldly distractions, trusting in God’s vindication, and walking in obedience, believers can experience the freedom and abundant life He offers. The passage warns against the dangers of spiritual dullness and the consequences of choosing the world over God, urging us to remain alert and responsive to the Holy Spirit. Through repentance and redemption, we are set free to serve God with gratitude, advancing His kingdom and experiencing His miracles and blessings.
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Conclusion
Hearing, seeing, and obeying God’s call is the pathway to a life of purpose, freedom, and divine protection. By cultivating spiritual sensitivity, rejecting the world’s allure, and walking uprightly, believers can avoid the darkness of sin and embrace the light of God’s truth. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, protecting us from deception and leading us into the realms of God’s blessings. Let us choose to serve God with all our hearts, living in the freedom of His redemption and advancing His kingdom with joy and gratitude.
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Call to Action
Believers are called to actively pursue spiritual sensitivity by seeking God through prayer, studying His Word, and obeying the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Reject the distractions of the world and the temptation to return to sin, choosing instead to walk in the straight and narrow way. Embrace repentance as a daily practice, and serve God with gratitude, knowing that He has redeemed you for His purpose. Commit to being a messenger of His kingdom, advancing His truth with boldness and faith.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Be encouraged, for God has given you ears to hear, eyes to see, and a heart to obey. His Spirit is with you, guiding you through every trial and protecting you from the enemy’s schemes. Do not fear the darkness of this world, for God’s light shines in you, leading you to eternal life. Walk uprightly, serve Him with joy, and trust in His vindication. You are redeemed, set free, and destined for His glory!
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Prayer of Salvation
Heavenly Father, I come before You, acknowledging my need for Your mercy and grace. I confess that I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus Christ, Your Son, died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I repent of my sins and surrender my heart to You, asking for Your forgiveness and cleansing. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, guide me in Your truth, and help me to live a life that honors You. I choose You as my Savior and Lord, committing to follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
