Definition and Context
Deadening, in a biblical context, refers to the process or state of becoming spiritually insensitive or unresponsive to God's voice and commands. It is often associated with a hardening of the heart, a dulling of spiritual senses, or a searing of the conscience. This condition can result from persistent sin, neglect of spiritual disciplines, or a willful rejection of God's truth.

Biblical References
The concept of deadening is closely related to the hardening of the heart, as seen in various passages throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, Pharaoh's heart is repeatedly described as hardened, preventing him from responding to God's commands delivered through Moses (Exodus 7:13: "Yet Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said").

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns against the dangers of a seared conscience, which can lead to spiritual deadening. In 1 Timothy 4:1-2 , Paul writes, "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron."

Spiritual Implications
Deadening of the heart or conscience is a serious spiritual condition that can hinder one's relationship with God. It can lead to a lack of discernment, an inability to perceive spiritual truths, and a resistance to the Holy Spirit's conviction. Hebrews 3:12-13 warns believers, "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God. But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness."

Causes of Deadening
Several factors can contribute to spiritual deadening:

1. Persistent Sin: Engaging in habitual sin without repentance can harden the heart and dull spiritual sensitivity. Romans 1:21 describes how people who knew God "neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts."

2. Neglect of Spiritual Disciplines: Failing to engage in prayer, Bible study, and fellowship can lead to spiritual lethargy. Hebrews 5:11-12 addresses this, saying, "We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing. Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word."

3. Rejection of Truth: Deliberately rejecting or ignoring God's truth can result in a hardened heart. In 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 , Paul speaks of those who "refused the love of the truth that would have saved them," leading to their delusion and condemnation.

Prevention and Remedy
To prevent or remedy spiritual deadening, believers are encouraged to:

· Repent and Seek Forgiveness: Confession and repentance are crucial for restoring spiritual sensitivity. 1 John 1:9 assures, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

· Engage in Spiritual Disciplines: Regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers help maintain spiritual vitality. Acts 2:42 highlights the early church's commitment to "the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

· Remain Open to the Holy Spirit: Being receptive to the Holy Spirit's guidance and conviction is essential. Ephesians 4:30 advises, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

Conclusion
While the Bible warns of the dangers of spiritual deadening, it also offers hope and guidance for those seeking to maintain a vibrant and responsive relationship with God. Through repentance, spiritual discipline, and openness to the Holy Spirit, believers can guard against the hardening of their hearts and remain sensitive to God's leading.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Deaden.

The Draw Net Let Down into the Sea
... Nevertheless, every missionary has ever to guard against a most subtle and deadening
influence which may be likened to poisonous gas in the enemy's country ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xvii the draw net.htm

Adjusting the Local Church to the Community
... The monotony of the plains is as deadening as is the lack of contact of the mountain
valley; and both fields offer fruitful ground for the spread of unsocial ...
/.../vogt/church cooperation in community life/chapter vii adjusting the local.htm

Spiritual Blindness.
... hand, that if we are altogether without any such feelings there is a risk, which
even amounts to a probability, that the hardening or deadening influences of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/xvi spiritual blindness.htm

Spiritual Power.
... outside is always with us and acting in this way, distracting thought, setting up
its own standards, drawing us into its channels, and deadening the Spirit in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/xviii spiritual power.htm

The Unitarian Theory.
... in the following remarkable passage, which we have a right to quote against his
own system: "I confess," he says, "when I can escape the deadening power of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the person of christ/i the unitarian theory.htm

The Angel of Death
... till the atmosphere was tense with stillness. A deadening hand seemed to
cover the night. The silence roused Kenkenes and he realized ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xli the angel of.htm

The Sower Cont.
... The deadening effect of habitual forgetfulness of God, treading the soil so hard
that no seed can enter it; the treacherous effect of secret love of earth, a ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 4 3-9 14-20 the sower 2.htm

The Traitor
... What an awful example of the deadening power, palsying the conscience, petrifying
the heart, of religious observances devoid of real trust and love. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 14 10-16 the traitor.htm

67689:67697 the Rebuke of Peter
... stumbled not. Jesus, let us repeat it again and again, endured not like a
Stoic, deadening the natural impulses of humanity. Whatever ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 8 32 - 9 1 the.htm

Unbroken Connection Above.
... Missionaries in foreign-mission lands speak much of the peculiar, deadening, moral
atmosphere there. There is a strange sense of depression in it. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/unbroken connection above.htm

Deadening (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Deaden. Multi-Version Concordance
Deadening (1 Occurrence). Romans 4:19 and not being ...
/d/deadening.htm - 6k

Deadly (31 Occurrences)

/d/deadly.htm - 17k

Deadened (1 Occurrence)

/d/deadened.htm - 6k

Crucifixion (4 Occurrences)
... Before the nailing to the cross took place, a medicated cup of vinegar mixed with
gall and myrrh (the sopor) was given, for the purpose of deadening the pangs ...
/c/crucifixion.htm - 11k

Ashamed (131 Occurrences)
... shame may be lost through long-continued sin (Jeremiah 6:15; Jeremiah 8:12; compare
Jeremiah 3:3), exceptionally striking passages on the deadening power of ...
/a/ashamed.htm - 42k

Drink (414 Occurrences)
... It is commended to the weak and perishing as a means of deadening their pain; but
not to princes, lest it might lead them to pervert justice (Proverbs 31:4-7 ...
/d/drink.htm - 45k

Strong (736 Occurrences)
... It is commended to the weak and perishing as a means of deadening their pain; but
not to princes, lest it might lead them to pervert justice (Proverbs 31:4-7 ...
/s/strong.htm - 44k

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