The Ear Gate

INTRODUCTION

The ear is a sensory/sensitive organ of the human body with two main functions: hearing and balance. It is mainly concerned with detecting, transmitting and transducing sound while the semicircular canals and vestibule of the inner ear work together to keep the body balanced.

The ear is one of the means we receive information from the world around us. A gate is any means of access. The ear gate is thus a censor to be used to select what we allow into our soul and what we do with the information received; to run with or discard it.

OUTLINE

1. “Dull Ears”

2. “Obedient Ears”

“DULL EARS”

Hebrews 5:11 discloses that some people have dull ears. These people lack interest in yielding to divine instructions and have difficulty in running with God's command because their hearts are not cultivated (Matthew 13:15).

They exhibit a lack of understanding about the things of Christ and are not excited to take heed to the voice of the living God (Matthew 19:16–22).

Other traits displayed by people who are dull of hearing include:

1. Rebellion: They willingly revolt against divine instructions (Ezekiel 12:2).

2. Refusal to Hearken: They do not listen attentively so they find it difficult to comprehend and follow directions (Zechariah 7:8–11).

3. Immaturity: They are undeveloped and cannot handle hard and sound teachings (Hebrews 5:11–12).

4. They prefer to listen to fables instead of the truth of God's word (2 Timothy 4:4).

5. Their ears are not “circumcised” — not refined — so they hear slowly (Acts 7:51; Acts 28:27).

“OBEDIENT EARS”

A major trait of people with obedient ears is that they completely obey the undiluted word of God without holding anything back (Exodus 24:7) and believe in divine doings (Psalm 44:1). They take to corrections (Proverbs 25:12) and their obedience helps them to eat the good of the land as stated in Isaiah 1:19.

Furthermore, they hold tenaciously to the truth of God's word and run away from the lusts in the world (Joshua 24:24–25; 1 Peter 1:14). They are not hypocrites (Ephesians 6:5–6). They take delight in doing the will of God (Psalm 40:8). They are quick to hear (James 1:19). They cleave to God (Deuteronomy 13:4) and they are His people (Psalm 100:3).

It is a blessing to obey God's commandments (Deuteronomy 11:26–27). Jesus also comes into the lives of those who hear His voice (John 10:27) and gives the Holy Ghost to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32).

CONCLUSION

Although the reception of information is voluntary and within our power to choose, we must intentionally give heed to godly instructions to prosper and record success in life.

QUESTIONS

What are the characteristics of a “dull ear”?

What are the qualities of “obedient ears”?

FURTHER READINGS

SUN: Deuteronomy 11:26–27

MON: Psalm 100:3

TUE: Acts 5:32

WED: Psalm 44:1

THUR: Zechariah 7:8–11

FRI: Matthew 19:16–22

SAT: 2 Timothy 4:4

ASSIGNMENT

Students should mention five (5) ways to develop “obedient ears”.

(2×5 = 10 marks)