Revelation 13:9

If anyone has an ear, let him hear.

Seven times in Revelation in chapters 2 and 3, we see a similar phrase:  “He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the church.”  This command tells us there is something important to notice. 

James 1:19-20 – Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.  For man’s anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires.

• Why do we question instead of listen?

• We want to know – this is a legitimate reason

• We want to be heard and/or seen

• We want to manipulate the topic of discussion to get our point of view across

• We want to show everyone we know more than others

• We just want to hog the conversation

• Why do we judge instead of listen?

• We feel superior to others (self-righteous)

• We want to show how good we are

• We think we know more than others

Matthew 7:1-2 – Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves.  For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you.

• Why are we so quick to answer or respond, to “set the record straight,” to make a defense?

• We think we know it all

• We think our opinion is more important than others

• Maybe we are guilty and are uncomfortable with topic

We never want to suppress or discourage questions – genuine questions.  But maybe our questions would be answered if we would but listen.  God gave us one mouth, two ears.  Maybe He was trying to tell us something. 

• We want God to hear us when we pray

Psalm 5:1 – Listen to my words, O Lord, give heed to my sighing and groaning.

Psalm 17:6 – I have called upon You, O God, for You will hear me; incline Your ear to me and hear my speech.

Psalm 54:2 – Hear my pleading and my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.

• If we indeed want God to hear us, we should listen to

• His Word

• His commands

• His ministers

• There are some very definite commands to the New Testament Church

• Take up your cross daily

• Deny yourself

• Submit one to another

• Submit to God

• Before partaking of communion, “examine yourself.”  We spend a lot of time examining everybody else, then we take two minutes examining our self before communion.  We take communion feeling all is okay – then we go back and repeat the cycle all over again.

• If we go back into sin, turning from God, we are to “repent and do our first works over again.”

• Make restitution when we have failed someone

• Ask forgiveness when we have offended someone

• Pay our debts

• Love one another

These are only a few of the commands in the Word of God, but we need to study His Word and obey His word.

If you can hear, then listen!!!!!!!!