Audio deception!

V23 n2

For the Christian, hearing is a vital function of the spirit being, that when it is properly utilized and applied, is essential and necessary for spiritual growth and maturity. Faith (the ability to believe and trust God, and His Word) is developed by hearing the Message delivered by the Word of God, Christ. The key is, what exactly is it, that you have been listening to. How sure are you, of all that has been presented to you as the Word of God, is in all reality and fact, the pure Word of God? Is this an area where one can take the risk of speculating?

The Word tells us plainly, that man is not to only live by the physical bread alone, but rather by each and every Word that proceeds forth from the mouth of God almighty! Yet, how much of what you hear and purport to be from God, is in truth and reality from God?

James in his epistle, talks about or gives reference to people who are forgetful hears of the Word. (The word forgetful translates to mean negligent or neglectful.) They hear the Word of God, but they never apply to their lives, that which they hear from the Word of God. They start many a project within themselves, by the messages that they have heard, but seldom allow any of the Word to take root in their life, or any completion. Who, or what are they listening to, or following for an example?

Matthew 7: 21 "Not every one who says to me, `Master, Master,' will enter the Kingdom of the Heavens, but only those who are obedient to my Father who is in Heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, "`Master, Master, have we not prophesied in Thy name, and in Thy name expelled demons, and in Thy name performed many mighty works?' 23 "And then I will tell them plainly, "`I never knew you: begone from me, you doers of wickedness.'24 "Every one who hears these my teachings and acts upon them will be found to resemble a wise man who builds his house upon rock; (Weymouth)

The verses above appropriately describe many of the so called Christian ministries in the world today. These ministries continue to grow, and appear to be flourishing when worldly standards are applied. Can you tell me why this is? The carnal or milk Christians have little or no discernment, thus they believe almost anything that is put before them, and take in just about anything that is taught, as long as the teacher refers to the Word of God in the context of the message. Their hearing has become dull or lazy, their study habits if any are pure foolishness, as they judge buildings or ministries by the signs and wonders that they observe, or the numbers of people they see flocking to these places, and then wonder why they act as blockheads when put in the proper perspective with the Word. When they should be growing up into Him in all things, and maturing, they are still running around looking for the truth, but do not have any idea of where to find it.
They pick and chose their teachers, by who they hear that will most effectively minister to their wants, instead of that which the spirit man needs and craves for. Peter gives us a vivid description of this in the following verses.

2Peter 2: 7, These people are wells without water, mists driven along by a storm, men for whom the dense darkness has been reserved. 18 For, while they pour out their frivolous and arrogant talk, they use earthly cravings--every kind of immorality--as a bait to entrap men who are just escaping from the influence of those who live in error. 19 And they promise them freedom, although they are themselves the slaves of what is corrupt. For a man is the slave of any one by whom he has been worsted in fight. 20 For if, after escaping from the pollutions of the world through a full knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, people are once more entangled in these pollutions and are overcome, their last state has become worse than their first. (Weymouth)

Unless one is rooted and grounded in the Word of truth, how can they know or discern what is right or wrong? How can they tell or differentiate the difference between words of life, or words of death? And, the only way that one can have sound Biblical judicial estimation (discernment), is by having a firm or sound understanding of the mystery of the Gospel. (Even though I have had many teachers tell me that it is not given for us to know the mystery, in direct contradiction to that which the Word plainly tells us. Ref. Mark 4:11). One needs to have a clear and concise understanding of who you (the believer) are in Christ, the Rock, the stone the builders rejected, the foundation which the Church is to be built upon.

We have several instances recorded in the Word, of people that were swayed or led by deceptive words, which they had to hear, in order to be misled. In Matthew chapter twenty five, the Lord talks about the foolish virgins, who heard what they wanted, (for they were dull of hearing: NT:3576 nothros ;from a derivative of NT:3541; sluggish, i.e. (literally) lazy, or (figuratively) stupid: blockheads.) and then prepared themselves accordingly; and ignored that which they had need of. Thus, when the call went out, they were not prepared to go out and meet the Bridegroom, but instead were looking for someone to try to buy their way into the marriage feast. (Have you forgot, that it only takes a little leaven to affect, effect and infect the whole of the lump?)

Paul in writing to the Hebrews, talks about those who have to return to first grade again for the basics of Christianity, because they too had become lazy, foolish or dull in their hearing. They had reverted to the milk of the Word, instead of staying in and on a meat diet. Now, instead of being the teachers or instructors that God wanted them to be in the way of righteousness (John 14:6), they were having to start over.

Ever learning, but never able to arrive at the fullness of the truth, because they are being taught and led by men, instead of by the Spirit of God. They may indeed have a zeal for God, however, it is not according to His wisdom and knowledge, for these are hid in Christ. Having their ears tickled with all those things that sound good to the flesh, yet ignoring that which will guide them into living a godly life in Christ Jesus.

Forgetful hearers! Neglecting the gift that God has given them! Negligent of God’s Word, but quick to hear and respond to the traditions and doctrines of man. They have a form of godliness, but in fact deny the very power of God! (1Cor 1:24). Ever learning, but never able to arrive at the truth of God’s Word.

Being the example of the believers! Allowing the light of the glorious gospel of Christ to shine forth from us, that one more might find their way to safety. Established in and on the Rock, that they might come to Father through Christ. How clear is your hearing this day?

That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ.

Larry Gazelka