Mark 4:23-24 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.… The increase of spiritual knowledge is dependent upon the temper in which we approach the study of Christian truth. According to the measure of our faithfulness and diligence as hearers and students we shall receive illumination. 1. There must be intellectual preparedness. This is often wanting in those who listen to the teachings of Christianity. (1) Sometimes the world and its cares fill the mind and prevent illumination (Luke 12:13). (2) Sometimes our intellectual tastes unfit us for the reception of spiritual truth. This is an age of study and reading; but much of our reading unfits us for the reception of Divine light. Thousands cannot get at the truth because of the fiction, the heresy, the jest book, which is so constantly in their hand. Amid the "Vanity Fair" of the mind, with its leerings, jesters, and scorners, the voice of love, truth, purity, cannot be heard. To "him that hath" seriousness, sympathy, expectation, "it shall be given." 2. There must be moral preparedness. Men fail to receive truth because of the impurity of their hearts. (W. L. Watkinson.) Parallel Verses KJV: If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. |
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