Truth Ignored: How Hearts Grow Dull

[bdavidc]

And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. ~ Acts 28:24

At the conclusion of Acts we can find something relevant today that was written almost two millennia ago: when Paul, under house arrest in Rome, had not given up on his mission. He had been wrongfully imprisoned, falsely accused, and shackled for proclaiming the truth about Jesus Christ. But that didn’t stop him. Instead, he called together the Jewish leaders in Rome and explained why he was there—not to attack his own people, but because of “the hope of Israel” (Acts 28:20). That hope, of course, was the Messiah, the very One the Scriptures had always pointed to.

Paul then sets up an epic scene. Spending all day explaining Jesus is Christ through Law and Prophets, from morning until night he presented Scripture after Scripture that clearly demonstrated this point; though some were convinced while others disbelieved despite Paul quoting Isaiah’s sobering prophecy: “This people’s hearts have grown dull…” (Acts 28:27).

That phrase should stop us in our tracks. A dull heart may not be dead, but it can certainly be dangerous. People might hear or see truth; they just didn’t want to listen; their ears had been hardened from years of resisting God due to pride or tradition or sin – further hardening their hearts against recognizing truth when presented right before their very eyes. The more often people pushed it aside the harder it became for them to recognize it when presented right in their faces.

As in times past, spiritual darkness is spreading like an epidemic today. People ignore truths they don’t fully grasp and embrace lies to feel at ease. There isn’t a lack of evidence; Scripture still speaks and the Holy Spirit still convicts. Instead, many no longer want to be challenged: their hearts have become dull to the repentance message while eyes become distracted from eternity altogether.

But Scripture warns us of an even graver consequence if you continue to reject truth: your conviction will no longer feel powerfully compelling; sermons won’t move or shake you, verses won’t pierce and your spirit becomes dulled by rejection of its teachings – which doesn’t mean God went silent, rather it means your heart was deadened to truth!

Jesus forewarned of this same danger when He said, “Blessed are your eyes for seeing and your ears for hearing” (Matthew 13:16). Receiving truth can be a gift; yet stubbornness may interfere and lead us down an irreligious path. Paul presented them with Scripture (Law and Prophets), an Apostle himself as well as live examples explaining these truths yet many still walked away in unbelief and many still do today.

So where are we today?

Have our hearts become hardened over time, no longer seeking truth but simply going through the motions? Have we turned away from God because His voice confronts comfort or habits or sin in us? To truly hear what the Scripture says “Today if ye would hear his voice do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15) it must become part of your everyday living: that phrase serves not as advice but as warning!

Paul concluded his discussion by declaring that God would bring salvation to Gentiles–if only they listened. God continues this ministry today and awaits those willing to listen humbly before turning toward Him before it’s too late.

Do not let your heart become dull; respond now! Truth is being presented for listening and can transform lives if only they respond by hearing it and accepting its teachings. Now is the time for action, don’t delay responding!

 

[Sue J Love]

And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. ~ Acts 28:24

At the conclusion of Acts we can find something relevant today that was written almost two millennia ago: when Paul, under house arrest in Rome, had not given up on his mission. He had been wrongfully imprisoned, falsely accused, and shackled for proclaiming the truth about Jesus Christ. But that didn’t stop him. Instead, he called together the Jewish leaders in Rome and explained why he was there—not to attack his own people, but because of “the hope of Israel” (Acts 28:20). That hope, of course, was the Messiah, the very One the Scriptures had always pointed to.

Paul then sets up an epic scene. Spending all day explaining Jesus is Christ through Law and Prophets, from morning until night he presented Scripture after Scripture that clearly demonstrated this point; though some were convinced while others disbelieved despite Paul quoting Isaiah’s sobering prophecy: “This people’s hearts have grown dull…” (Acts 28:27).

That phrase should stop us in our tracks. A dull heart may not be dead, but it can certainly be dangerous. People might hear or see truth; they just didn’t want to listen; their ears had been hardened from years of resisting God due to pride or tradition or sin – further hardening their hearts against recognizing truth when presented right before their very eyes. The more often people pushed it aside the harder it became for them to recognize it when presented right in their faces.

As in times past, spiritual darkness is spreading like an epidemic today. People ignore truths they don’t fully grasp and embrace lies to feel at ease. There isn’t a lack of evidence; Scripture still speaks and the Holy Spirit still convicts. Instead, many no longer want to be challenged: their hearts have become dull to the repentance message while eyes become distracted from eternity altogether.

But Scripture warns us of an even graver consequence if you continue to reject truth: your conviction will no longer feel powerfully compelling; sermons won’t move or shake you, verses won’t pierce and your spirit becomes dulled by rejection of its teachings – which doesn’t mean God went silent, rather it means your heart was deadened to truth!

Jesus forewarned of this same danger when He said, “Blessed are your eyes for seeing and your ears for hearing” (Matthew 13:16). Receiving truth can be a gift; yet stubbornness may interfere and lead us down an irreligious path. Paul presented them with Scripture (Law and Prophets), an Apostle himself as well as live examples explaining these truths yet many still walked away in unbelief and many still do today.

So where are we today?

Have our hearts become hardened over time, no longer seeking truth but simply going through the motions? Have we turned away from God because His voice confronts comfort or habits or sin in us? To truly hear what the Scripture says “Today if ye would hear his voice do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15) it must become part of your everyday living: that phrase serves not as advice but as warning!

Paul concluded his discussion by declaring that God would bring salvation to Gentiles–if only they listened. God continues this ministry today and awaits those willing to listen humbly before turning toward Him before it’s too late.

Do not let your heart become dull; respond now! Truth is being presented for listening and can transform lives if only they respond by hearing it and accepting its teachings. Now is the time for action, don’t delay responding!

Amen!! Thank you, David, for speaking the truth of God's word for all who will listen and who will respond. Yes, it is a very sad and grievous situation that so many have become so dull of hearing that they just close their ears and hearts to the truth. I pray for a biblical revival.