listening/responsive
section 1
We hear, but do we truly listen? We react, but do we really respond? We hear each other, but do we understand? And even when we have had trouble understanding or paying attention, we can use helpful methods like repeating in our own words what someone else has said, but does that mean we are really listening? And when we answer another, is it from mere instinct or thoughtfulness of the other’s true need? To respond to another is to take up your RESPONSE-ibility, but to know your responsibility you must know what you are even responding to proverbs 18:13 .
my notes:
section 2
You cannot listen rightly to other people unless first you are truly listening to God i thessalonians 4:8-9 ii corinthians 5:14-16 . In the manner we listen to God’s message is how we will actually listen to others’ hearts i john 5:2 . So, first let us look at how we are to listen to God.
...whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, Who gives His Holy Spirit to you. Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another...
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him Who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey His commandments.
my notes:
section 3
There are many things that hinder us from truly listening to God, truly responding to Him, among them are: satanic hinderance matthew 13:19 ii corinthians 4:4 brought on from resistance to the Lord james 4:7 , non-resolute hearts that are easily self-excused by trouble and persecution matthew 13:20-21 , and distracted hearts that are diverted by selfish worries, riches, and pleasures matthew 13:22 luke 8:14 luke 21:34 . It is only those who truly listen, persevering in what they have heard james 1:25 to produce fruit (respond), who have listened as they ought luke 8:15 . They pay careful attention and resist distractions taking one from the knowledge needed hebrews 2:1 . So, we must consider carefully how we are actually listening luke 8:18 .
When anyone hears the Word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path.
In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, Who is the image of God.
As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the Word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the Word, immediately he falls away.
The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the Word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the Word, making it unfruitful.
And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.
...watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.
But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the Word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.
section 4
Hearing from God, even just from His written Word, is a sacred and amazing privilege that is not guaranteed to always be readily available amos 8:11-12 john 12:35-36 . So, it is a blessing to read or hear His Word romans 3:1-2 , but it is of no value to you if you do not take it to heart revelation 1:3 isaiah 28:9-13 . Yes, we read the Word and hear it, but if we do not respond to it beyond mere head nodding, amening, and amiable agreement then it is no better to us than the fleeting amusement of a TikTok matthew 11:15-19 ezekiel 33:30-32 .
"The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine through the land— not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the Words of the LORD. People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the Word of the LORD, but they will not find it.
So Jesus said to them, "The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." When Jesus had said these things, He departed and hid Himself from them.
What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very Words of God.
my notes:
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
"Who is it he is trying to teach? To whom is he explaining his message? To children weaned from their milk, to those just taken from the breast? For it is: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there."
Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people, to whom He said, "This is the resting place, let the weary rest"; and, "This is the place of repose"— but they would not listen.
So then, the word of the LORD to them will become: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there— so that as they go they will fall backward; they will be injured and snared and captured.
He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market places, who call out to the other children, and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.
my notes:
As for you, son of man, your people are talking about you near the city walls and in the doorways of their houses. One person speaks to another, each saying to his brother, ‘Come and hear what the message is that comes from the LORD!’ So my people come to you in crowds, sit in front of you, and hear your words, but they don’t obey them. Their mouths go on passionately, but their hearts pursue dishonest profit.
Yes, to them you are like a singer of passionate songs who has a beautiful voice and plays skillfully on an instrument. They hear your words, but they don’t obey them.
my notes:
section 5
Taking God’s rebukes to heart adds to the treasury of our life proverbs 25:12 proverbs 3:1-2 . If we actually respond to God, He pours out His heart to us proverbs 1:23 . The more we respond to Him, the more He is justly free to give us more of Himself luke 16:10-12 , but if we refuse to respond, even just through complacency, we suffer loss of His gracious blessings proverbs 1:32-33 . So, we need to develop the habit of careful listening unto true responsiveness so that we do not need to be treated like unreasoning animals psalm 32:8-10 .
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
Repent at My rebuke! Then I will pour out My thoughts to you, I will make known to you My teachings.
One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?
my notes:
For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to Me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster."
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
my notes:
section 6
When we learn to truly listen (respond appropriately) to God by PRACTICE hebrews 5:11-14 we find His blessings growing upon us proverbs 1:8-9 . For in view of His mercies romans 12:1 , the only proper response to God, if one has truly listened, is to make every effort to live a life of sacrificial worship psalm 40:6-8 by living a harmonious romans 12:2 , grateful psalm 119:7 , freely-obedient life with God exodus 21:5-6 i john 5:3 romans 7:6 psalm 119:173 . As we excel in this responsiveness i thessalonians 4:1, 9-10 we know we are actually listening to God i john 2:3 .
Concerning Him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the Word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
my notes:
In sacrifice and offering You have not delighted, but You have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required. Then I said, "Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart."
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.
But if the slave plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,’ then his master shall bring him to God, and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall be his slave forever.
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
my notes:
But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.
Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.
Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more...
my notes:
section 7
When we are habitually listening to God, we are equipped to respond to each other graciously ephesians 4:22-25 colossians 4:5-6 , for your godly answer comes directly from your responsiveness to His Word in your life psalm 119:41-48 . How can you answer with grace-filled wisdom if you yourself have forsaken the wisdom God has graciously given jeremiah 8:4-12 ?
...put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
May Your lovingkindnesses also come to me, O LORD, Your salvation according to Your Word; So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word. And do not take the Word of Truth utterly out of my mouth, For I wait for Your ordinances. So I will keep Your law continually, Forever and ever. And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts. I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings And shall not be ashamed. I shall delight in Your commandments, Which I love. And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments, Which I love; And I will meditate on Your statutes.
You shall say to them, Thus says the LORD: When men fall, do they not rise again? If one turns away, does he not return? Why then has this people turned away in perpetual backsliding? They hold fast to deceit; they refuse to return. I have paid attention and listened, but they have not spoken rightly; no man relents of his evil, saying, ‘What have I done?’
Everyone turns to his own course, like a horse plunging headlong into battle. Even the stork in the heavens knows her times, and the turtledove, swallow, and crane keep the time of their coming, but My people know not the rules of the LORD.
How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us’? But behold, the lying pen of the scribes has made it into a lie.
notes:
section 8
But when we are consistently listening to God you will be softened by God to desire relationships over your own protection john 15:13 . You will protect your relationships philippians 2:3-5 over the harboring of your own pride and selfishness job 36:13 . Even going as far as to initiate communication when the problem is not of your making matthew 18:15 . While most desire to express themselves rather than understand others proverbs 18:2 , one who is desirous of genuine relationships in Truth and Love will seek out knowledge to best help others specifically by listening intently, paying attention to where others are coming from, and opening one’s own mouth more to ask questions for understanding than opening the mouth to be understood proverbs 18:15 .
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
my notes:
"The godless in heart harbor resentment; even when He fetters them, they do not cry for help.
"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.
my notes:
section 9
A godly listener is reasonable james 3:17 knowing that their initial take on anything is subject to examination and further information, usually found by asking questions and a lot of listening proverbs 18:17 . Those worse than fools value fast, instinctual responses proverbs 29:20 , but the godly listener purposely slows down to weigh the RESPONSE-ibility one has in the relationship proverbs 15:28 by listening as an integral part of interpersonal communication proverbs 18:13 so to bring life not death to the relationship proverbs 18:21 proverbs 19:2 . We should take great pains and make every effort to pay attention to another’s communication isaiah 28:23 ; avoiding distractions of: our environment, own agenda, random thoughts, etc. Instead, we need to practice being active listeners job 33:31-33 , making every effort to pay attention by guarding the wandering of our own hearts proverbs 4:20-27 .
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.
The one who gives an answer before he listens— this is foolishness and disgrace for him.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Pay attention, O Job, listen to me; be silent, and I will speak. If you have any words, answer me; speak, for I desire to justify you. If not, listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom."
My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
my notes:
section 10
This is exactly why we are commanded to be eager to listen to each other with our two always-open ears psalm 119:60 , contingently minded to speak with our one, gated mouth ezekiel 3:26-27 psalm 141:3 ephesians 4:29 i peter 4:11 , and hesitant to give way to anger, as our anger is not naturally beneficial ecclesiastes 7:9 james 1:19-20 . For whoever listens well is bound to find corrective measures in their thoughts, assumptions, words, plan, course, etc., and will through that correction find a home of fellowship proverbs 15:31 walking in wisdom with Jesus and others who also are truly listening to God and each other proverbs 13:20 i john 1:7 . For when we are careful to listen correctly luke 8:18 we are enabled by God’s grace to rightly love each other more and more i thessalonians 4:9-10 and also enabled to be fruitful in our response to impart grace to each other ephesians 4:15 ephesians 4:29 colossians 4:6 i peter 4:11 .
And I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth so that you will be speechless and unable to rebuke them, for they are rebels. But when I give you a message, I will loosen your tongue and let you speak. Then you will say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says!’
Those who choose to listen will listen, but those who refuse will refuse, for they are rebels.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more...
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, Who is the head of His body, the church.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
my notes:
Scripture quotations taken from one or more of the following versions as noted:
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