DEAF AND DUMB BY CHOICE By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” (Matthew 15:8)
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Introduction
God speaks to His people with a warning about spiritual deafness and ignorance. Many who claim to follow Him refuse to hear His voice and obey His commands. They choose to be deaf to His Spirit and dumb in their response to His purpose. This teaching highlights the dangers of living in rebellion, hypocrisy, and sin, and it calls the faithful to remain true to God’s calling.
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Deafness and Dumbness: A Choice Against God
Though many profess to be God’s people, they refuse to listen to Him or His messengers. Instead, they choose their own ways, becoming increasingly disconnected from His truth and purpose.
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” (1 Samuel 15:23)
These individuals speak of God with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him. They pursue the gods of the world and refuse to confess or turn from their sins.
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The Consequences of Spiritual Whoredom
Those who forsake God to follow the gods of the heathen will face the consequences of their actions. The very idols they pursue will become their oppressors.
“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” (1 Timothy 6:9)
God does not tolerate hypocrisy or false worship. He leaves such individuals to their choices, allowing them to reap the fruits of their rebellion.
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False Unity and Pretenders
Believers are not called to maintain unity with hypocrites and deceivers. False unity with pretenders who mock God and pursue their own lusts is not pleasing to Him.
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
True unity is found in fidelity to God and obedience to His Word.
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The Role of Discernment
God grants discernment to His people so they can recognize the deceivers and fakes among them. These individuals are driven by demonic influences and have no integrity before God.
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)
Discernment enables believers to avoid the traps of the rebellious and remain steadfast in their walk with God.
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The Danger of Spiritual Insanity
Those who try to serve both God and the world fall into spiritual madness. They become unstable, unable to fully commit to either master.
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)
This instability leads to darkness, deception, and ultimately, destruction.
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God’s Call to Repentance and Fidelity
True love for God is demonstrated through repentance and a commitment to His Word. Those who are faithful to Him will be transformed and renewed by His Spirit.
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
God desires a relationship with His people, not mere religious rituals or lip service.
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Summary
Spiritual deafness and dumbness are choices made by those who refuse to listen to God and follow His commands. These choices lead to hypocrisy, rebellion, and eventual destruction. However, God’s faithful remnant will remain true to Him, united in their love and obedience.
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Conclusion
God calls His people to fidelity and truth, rejecting the ways of the world and embracing His purpose. He grants discernment to protect His faithful from deception and delusion. Let us strive to remain steadfast, listening to His voice and obeying His Word, so that we may walk in the light of His truth.
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)
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Call to Action
Examine your heart and life today. Are you listening to God’s voice and walking in obedience? If not, repent and turn back to Him. Reject the false gods of the world and commit to a life of faithfulness and integrity before God.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Beloved, remain true to God, for He is faithful and just. In Him, there is life, light, and truth. Walk in His ways, and you will find peace and joy in His presence.
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” (James 4:8)
