The Consequences Of Resistance To God’s Word
Three examples are:
I. Adam and Eve: The disobedience in Eden shows how temptation leads to rejecting God’s command.
II. Pharaoh: Hardened his heart against God’s word through Moses, illustrating pride and stubbornness.
III. Israelites in the Wilderness: Complaining and rebellion against God’s instructions despite His miracles.

How Do You Handle God’s Word
Is it with Positive Response? (Hearing and Doing); Which will:
Develops Faith: Hearing the word, especially through Christ, builds saving faith (Romans 10:17).
Brings Transformation: God’s Word, when kept, transforms believers to become more like Jesus.
Provides Guidance And Purpose: It reveals God’s plans, offers direction, and brings understanding.
Grants Blessings: Keeping God’s word leads to joy, freedom, comfort, and a happy heart.
Fosters Intimacy: It allows people to relate to God and hear Him directly, fostering friendship.
Empowers Action: Believers speak God’s word into situations, believing it will accomplish its purpose.
Or With Negative Response? (which is Hearing and Not Doing) Which will reflect:
Stony Ground: People receive the Word with joy but fall away when trouble or persecution arises because they lack deep roots (Matthew 13:20-21).

Thorns And Weeds: Others hear, but are choked by worldly worries, desires, or deceit, becoming unfruitful (Matthew 13:22).
Rejection/Resistance: Some, like religious leaders in John 8, reject God’s word because they don’t truly belong to Him or lack spiritual discernment.

How To Handle The Word Of God
Listen Actively: Quiet the mind and wait for God, not just in sermons, but daily devotion.
Meditate And Speak: Engage with the Bible, pray about it, and speak scriptures over your life.
Obey: The greatest blessing comes not just from hearing, but also from keeping (obeying/doing) the word (Luke 11:28).
Self-examination: Regularly check your heart for resistance or hidden sin that hinders reception.
Today if you will hear His word do not harden your heart. Do not live in rebellion.

• The Venerable Stephen Wolemonwu is Rector, The Ibru Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor (08035413812)