The Hearing of the Gospel

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.  (Mat 13:11)

Hearing with the faith to believe lies many times with the condition of our heart (Matt 13:15). This is one thing we cannot fault God, it is His desire that none perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet 3:9).  Sadly there can be selective hearing, not receiving the whole Gospel truth, accepting only what is convenient. This phenomenon of accepting what we desire is probably because we do not like to be challenged. If our standards or beliefs are challenged and requires a complete change of our minds an automatic wall of resistance appears.

From the parable of the sower it warns us of only a quarter of listeners will be saved to live fruitful Christian lives. Half the listeners received the Gospel but were disqualified; listening but not hearing. Hearing goes very deep into the spirit and birthing forth faith (Rom 10:17). It is purely the grace of God that we been given all the opportunity to hear the mysteries of salvation and of the Kingdom of God. Mysteries are meant to be hidden from those who are hard at hearing. The test of whether we have heard clearly is when testing of what our faith is grounded on and on what affections lies deep within our hearts (Matt 21:21, 22).

We have to deal with two issues that can potentially disqualify us. Firstly, have we been ‘rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving’ (Col 2:7)? The abounding fruit is practicing the will of God (1 Thess 5:18).  Secondly, have we laid down our affections down, whatever that hinders our love for the Savior and love for the brethren (1 John 3:15, 16)?

Have we truly heard the Gospel? Check for evidence and demonstration of the righteous fruit and affections in our daily living.