Hearing But Not Listening to God's Word (Part 2 of 2)
Those who do not believe in God tend to be blinded by satan. As a result, they find it difficult to understand or obey the word of God in our generation. Similarly, Bro Eli made us know that even idolaters find it difficult to understand the word of God. Idolaters in this context according to Bro Eli is beyond those who bow to an unknown god. It is seen to be those who highly esteem themselves as beings over God. Also, in Colossians 3:5 there is a clear definition of whom they are
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Any earthly thing influencing your life needs to be killed, according to the above scripture; also, idolatry in the scripture does not only mean bowing down to idols. There are other forms of idolatry which are fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, etc. In Ephesians 5:5, an idolater is whoremongers, unclean persons, covetous persons, etc. and they have no place in the kingdom of God because they come from satan.
For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Following satan means following a strange god and that is seen to be idolatry. Mark 4:12 shares that the real meaning of hearing is to understand, assimilate, and receive; but people may hear but do not listen.
people may see but do not perceive, which is similar to what is happening on Earth.
That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.