When the word of God is taught and or studied the heart plays a vital role in what the student of the scriptures will do (Romans 10:10, Romans 6:17, I Timothy 1:5, and Hebrews 4:12-13).  If one perceives the truth as something other than what it is and decides to receive it in the wrong way the word will never be conceived in that persons heart (I Peter 1:22-23 and Matthew 13:19).  If the word is not conceived one then rejects the word (Isaiah 6:9-10, Jeremiah 5:21, Matthew 13:13-15, and John 12:48).

I.  How one hears and perceives

A.  Some have the kill the messenger idea Acts 7:51-60.
B.  Others ignore the messenger Exodus 5:1-2.

1.  Ignoring God does not come without a price:
• Moses Issues the TEN Plaques of God on Pharaoh... 
a. Blood: Exodus 7:14-25 
b. Frogs: Exodus 8:1-15 
c. Lice: Exodus 8:16-19 
d. Flies: Exodus 8:20 
e. On cattle: Exodus 9:1-7 
f. Of boils and open sores: Exodus 9:8-12 
g. Hail: Exodus 9:18-34 
h. Locusts: Exodus 10:1-20 
i. Darkness: Exodus 10:21-23 
j. Death of the firstborn: Exodus 11:4-7; 12:17,29,30 

C. Some fail to place faith in the word Romans 10:17…

1.  They place it in men Colossians 2:4-8 and Acts 5:29.

A.  Conversion includes change Acts 3:19

1.  Change (repentance) is more than words it is action Matthew 3:7-8 and Acts 26:20.
2.  Repentance requires the proper attitude Acts 2:36-41.

B.  Those who will not repent are those who do not wish to change Acts 17:5-10.
C.  Others are to busy with their own desires Matthew 12:34-39, Matthew 23:28, and Matthew 15:7-9.

A.  Subjection requires:

1.  The right soil Luke 8:8;15
2.  The truth John 8:32
3.  Obedience Matthew 7:21 and John 14:15

B.  Rejection requires:

1.  The wrong soil Luke 8:5-7;12-14
2.  Disobedience to the truth I Kings 13:11-24

Copyright 2001 by Brian Yeager may be reproducted for non-commercial purposes at no cost to others.