------------We have so much error rampant through this forum. Hopefully every believer listens.------------
Believers have a responsibility to point out error and guide others towards truth as part of their commitment to love, truth, and the spiritual well-being of the community. This responsibility is rooted in the broader biblical commands to love one's neighbor, to pursue righteousness, and to be agents of reconciliation and truth in the world. Several passages throughout the New Testament underscore this aspect of Christian duty:
Galatians 6:1 (NKJV): "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." This verse emphasizes the responsibility of believers to help restore those who have fallen into sin. The approach should be characterized by gentleness and self-awareness, highlighting the importance of humility and care in correcting others.
Matthew 18:15-17 (NKJV): "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector." Here, Jesus provides a process for addressing sin within the community, emphasizing the importance of private correction and the goal of reconciliation. It shows a structured approach to pointing out error, with the ultimate aim of restoration.
2 Timothy 4:2 (NKJV): "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." Paul instructs Timothy—and by extension, all believers—to be diligent in teaching the truth of God's Word, which includes correcting errors and encouraging right living. This exhortation underscores the role of Scripture in guiding the process of correction and the need for patience and dedication in this task.
James 5:19-20 (NKJV): "Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins." James highlights the life-saving impact of correcting error and guiding someone back to the truth. It presents the act of pointing out error as an expression of care and concern for the spiritual state of others.
with meekness and fear: The manner in which believers are to defend their faith is critically important. "Meekness" suggests gentleness and humility, indicating that our defense should not be aggressive or confrontational but characterized by the humility that comes from understanding that our faith is a gift from God. "Fear" in this context refers to a deep respect or reverence for God, reminding believers that their ultimate accountability is to Him. This respectful approach ensures that the conversation about faith honors God and respects the dignity of the person asking.
These passages collectively illustrate that believers are indeed called to lovingly and carefully address error within the community, always aiming for the restoration and spiritual health of the individual. This responsibility is carried out within the context of a commitment to truth, love, humility, and the ultimate goal of salvation. It's important that such correction is done in a spirit of gentleness, respect, and love, reflecting the character of Christ.
I am only presenting the truth of God's word it is up to you to have ears to hear.
"those who have ears to hear, let them hear" ties directly into the varied responses individuals have to hearing the same sermon or the gospel message. This phrase, used by Jesus, emphasizes the role of spiritual receptivity in understanding and responding to divine truth. It holds the idea that not everyone will perceive or accept the message of the kingdom of God, not because the message itself lacks power or clarity, but because the condition of the hearers' hearts affects their ability to truly "hear" and respond.
In the context of the Parable of the Sower, which Jesus explains to His disciples, the different types of soil represent the various states of the human heart and its receptiveness to the word of God. The seed that falls on good soil and produces a harvest symbolizes those who "hear the word and understand it" (Matthew 13:23). These are the individuals who have "ears to hear" in the spiritual sense; they are open and responsive to the Holy Spirit's work, leading to genuine faith and transformation.
Conversely, the seed that falls on the path, rocky ground, or among thorns illustrates various reasons people fail to respond fruitfully to the gospel. These scenarios can be seen as examples of those who do not have "ears to hear." Whether it's due to a hardened heart, superficial acceptance, or the distractions and cares of this world, these individuals are unable to truly hear and embrace the message of salvation.
The phrase "those who have ears to hear, let them hear" serves as a call to self-examination and openness to the Holy Spirit. It's an invitation for individuals to consider their own receptiveness to God's word. Are they allowing the message of the gospel to penetrate deeply and produce change in their lives, or are they merely hearing without understanding or responding? This call underscores the importance of a prepared heart—one that is humble, receptive, and ready to be transformed by the truth.
Jesus explains that His use of parables serves both to reveal and to conceal truth (Matthew 13:10-17). To those with "ears to hear," parables unveil the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. However, for those with hardened hearts, the same parables obscure the truth. This dual function of parables fulfills prophecy and illustrates the sovereign work of God in salvation, where spiritual understanding is granted to some while being withheld from others based on their responsiveness to God's word.
In summary, the varied responses to hearing the word of God, as illustrated in the Parable of the Sower, are intimately connected to Jesus' admonition to have ears to hear. It highlights the necessity of spiritual openness and readiness to not only hear but also to truly listen and respond to the divine message, acknowledging the crucial role of the condition of one's heart in the process of receiving and living out the gospel. Without "ears to hear"—without spiritual openness and readiness to receive God's truth—individuals will struggle to discern the meaning behind Jesus' parables and the deeper truths of the gospel. The call to have "ears to hear" is a call to spiritual attentiveness and a receptive heart, which are crucial for understanding and embracing the truths of God's Kingdom as revealed in Scripture.
