Accessing God's Voice: Righteousness and Heart Condition
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound privilege we have as children of God to approach Him directly, much like the sons of a sovereign king who can enter his presence without waiting. This access is granted to us through Jesus Christ, allowing us to boldly approach the throne of grace. We continued our series on "Voices," focusing on discerning God's voice in our lives. Last week, we examined Satan's voice, and today, we delved into the voice of God, particularly through the stories of Cain and Noah.
In Genesis 4, we see God's interaction with Cain, even after Cain's offering was not accepted. Despite Cain's anger and subsequent sin of murdering his brother Abel, God continued to engage with him, offering guidance and protection. This illustrates God's enduring love and willingness to communicate with us, even in our failures. The story of Cain and Abel highlights the importance of the heart's condition in our offerings to God. Abel's offering was accepted because it was given from the best of what he had, while Cain's was not, as it was merely some of what he had.
We also examined the long period between God's communication with Cain and Noah, emphasizing the importance of righteousness and faithfulness in hearing God's voice. Noah's story in Genesis 6-9 shows that despite the corruption of the world, Noah's righteousness and blamelessness allowed him to hear God's instructions and be saved from the flood. This underscores the significance of living a life aligned with God's will to discern His voice.
The message concluded with a call to deepen our engagement with God's Word. By studying the Bible, we can better understand God's voice and His will for our lives. Whether through reading, listening, or discussing with others, immersing ourselves in Scripture is crucial for spiritual growth and discernment.
Key Takeaways:
- Access to God Through Jesus: As joint heirs with Christ, we have the privilege to approach God directly, much like the sons of a sovereign king. This access is a profound gift that allows us to seek God's presence and guidance without hesitation. [01:05]
- Heart Condition in Offerings: The story of Cain and Abel teaches us that the condition of our heart matters in our offerings to God. Abel's offering was accepted because it was given from the best of what he had, while Cain's was not. This challenges us to examine the sincerity and quality of our offerings to God. [06:40]
- God's Enduring Communication: Despite Cain's sin, God continued to engage with him, offering guidance and protection. This illustrates God's enduring love and willingness to communicate with us, even in our failures. It reassures us that God does not abandon us, even when we fall short. [09:57]
- Righteousness and Hearing God's Voice: Noah's story highlights the importance of righteousness and faithfulness in hearing God's voice. Despite the corruption of the world, Noah's alignment with God's will allowed him to receive divine instructions and be saved. This encourages us to live righteously to discern God's voice. [15:22]
- Engagement with God's Word: Immersing ourselves in Scripture is crucial for spiritual growth and discernment. Whether through reading, listening, or discussing with others, engaging with God's Word helps us understand His voice and will for our lives. This is a call to deepen our relationship with God through His Word. [32:35]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:05] - Introduction and Series Overview
- [01:50] - Mission Statement and Jokes
- [02:53] - Prayer and Reflection
- [04:40] - God's Voice in the Garden
- [06:40] - Cain and Abel's Offerings
- [08:26] - God's Continued Engagement with Cain
- [09:57] - Consequences and Hope for Cain
- [10:40] - The Spirit of Murder and Our Hearts
- [13:22] - The Silence Between Cain and Noah
- [15:22] - Noah's Righteousness and God's Voice
- [16:46] - Instructions for the Ark
- [17:34] - The Flood and God's Covenant
- [25:15] - The Importance of Studying God's Word
- [26:21] - Upcoming Topics and Encouragement
- [29:45] - God's Voice Throughout Scripture
- [32:35] - Call to Engage with God's Word
- [34:09] - Invitation and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Genesis 4:1-16
- Genesis 6:9-13
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Observation Questions:
1. In Genesis 4, what were the differences between Cain and Abel's offerings to God, and how did God respond to each? [06:40]
2. How did God continue to communicate with Cain after he committed the sin of murder? What does this reveal about God's character? [09:57]
3. According to Genesis 6, what characteristics of Noah allowed him to hear God's voice and receive instructions for the ark? [15:22]
4. What was the state of the world during Noah's time, and how did it contrast with Noah's life? [15:22]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the story of Cain and Abel teach about the importance of the heart's condition in our offerings to God? How might this apply to our own lives today? [06:40]
2. How does God's continued engagement with Cain, even after his sin, illustrate His enduring love and willingness to communicate with us? [09:57]
3. In what ways does Noah's righteousness and faithfulness serve as a model for discerning God's voice in a corrupt world? [15:22]
4. How does the long period of silence between God's communication with Cain and Noah emphasize the importance of living a life aligned with God's will? [13:22]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be offering God "some" rather than your best? How can you change this to ensure your offerings are sincere and wholehearted? [06:40]
2. Have you ever felt distant from God due to past mistakes or failures? How does Cain's story reassure you of God's willingness to engage with you despite your shortcomings? [09:57]
3. Noah was described as righteous and blameless. What specific steps can you take this week to align your life more closely with God's will, so you can better discern His voice? [15:22]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of engaging with God's Word. What is one practical way you can deepen your relationship with God through Scripture this week? [32:35]
5. Consider the distractions in your life that might prevent you from hearing God's voice. What changes can you make to minimize these distractions and focus more on spiritual growth? [32:35]
6. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to engage more deeply with God's Word and discern His voice in their lives? [32:35]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt God was silent. How did you maintain your faith and righteousness during that period, and what did you learn from it? [13:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Direct Access to God Through Jesus
As believers, we have the extraordinary privilege of approaching God directly, akin to the sons of a sovereign king who can enter his presence without waiting. This access is granted through Jesus Christ, who has made a way for us to boldly approach the throne of grace. This profound gift allows us to seek God's presence and guidance without hesitation, knowing that we are welcomed and loved. It is a reminder of the intimate relationship we are invited into, where we can communicate with God openly and honestly, bringing our joys, concerns, and requests before Him. [01:05]
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you hesitate to approach God? How can you remind yourself of the access you have through Jesus today?
Day 2: The Heart's Condition in Offerings
The story of Cain and Abel teaches us that the condition of our heart matters in our offerings to God. Abel's offering was accepted because it was given from the best of what he had, while Cain's was not, as it was merely some of what he had. This challenges us to examine the sincerity and quality of our offerings to God, whether they are our time, resources, or talents. It is not just about what we give, but how and why we give it. Our offerings should reflect a heart that is fully devoted to God, seeking to honor Him with the best we have. [06:40]
1 Samuel 16:7b (ESV): "For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can offer God your best today? How can you ensure your heart is in the right place when you give?
Day 3: God's Enduring Communication
Despite Cain's sin, God continued to engage with him, offering guidance and protection. This illustrates God's enduring love and willingness to communicate with us, even in our failures. It reassures us that God does not abandon us, even when we fall short. His love is steadfast, and He desires to guide us back to the right path. This understanding should encourage us to remain open to God's voice, especially in times of failure or disappointment, trusting that He is always ready to lead us with grace and mercy. [09:57]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: When have you felt distant from God due to failure? How can you open yourself to His guidance and communication today?
Day 4: Righteousness and Hearing God's Voice
Noah's story highlights the importance of righteousness and faithfulness in hearing God's voice. Despite the corruption of the world, Noah's alignment with God's will allowed him to receive divine instructions and be saved. This encourages us to live righteously, seeking to align our lives with God's will so that we can discern His voice more clearly. Righteousness is not about perfection but about a sincere commitment to follow God's ways, trusting that He will guide us through life's challenges and uncertainties. [15:22]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to align your life more closely with God's will? How might this help you hear His voice more clearly?
Day 5: Engagement with God's Word
Immersing ourselves in Scripture is crucial for spiritual growth and discernment. Whether through reading, listening, or discussing with others, engaging with God's Word helps us understand His voice and will for our lives. This is a call to deepen our relationship with God through His Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions. By prioritizing time in Scripture, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's truth, equipping us to navigate life's complexities with wisdom and grace. [32:35]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more time in God's Word into your daily routine? What specific steps will you take to ensure Scripture is a guiding force in your life?
Quotes
And when we are joint heirs with Jesus, children of the king, we don't have to, it doesn't matter who's, that prince, whoever's meeting with the king, whatever foreign leader, whatever meetings, whatever council, whatever he's in, his sons don't have to wait. They can go right in to the sovereign and have a conversation with him. We are children of the king. [00:00:19]
We can go boldly to the very throne of grace. We have access to God himself. We have access to God himself because of what Jesus did for us. [00:00:50]
Cain brought some of the fruits. I think that's important to hang on to that. Some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord and Abel also brought an offering fat portions from some of the first born of his flock. And so Cain brought some. Abel brought some of his best. [00:06:23]
So the Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering, he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry and his face was downcast. Then the Lord said to Cain, why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right. Will you not be accepted? [00:06:40]
So if you study the word, look at the timing, look where it is that God's telling him this. This is after his sacrifice wasn't accepted. He was angry and his face was downcast. But God isn't rejecting Cain because of that. He's still spending time with him. He's still speaking with him. [00:07:31]
I want to point out again, even after Cain has murdered Abel, God still goes to Cain and counsels him. He's still with him. The Lord said, what have you done? Listen. Your brother's blood. Cries out to me. Cries out to me from the ground. Now you're under a curse driven from, driven from the ground. [00:08:26]
Still talking to him, still having a relationship with him, but consequences for his sin. Okay. I believe this entire thing is an illustration of many things, but one of the things is heart condition. So Cain made an offering of some, Abel made an offering of some of his best. [00:09:11]
God still brought hope to the one who had the bad heart, the one that gave the less than offering. The one who was downcast and angry. The one who killed his brother. God still gave him hope and protection. He put his mark on him and said, no, it's not going to be so. They're not going to kill you. [00:10:40]
Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. Noah had three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Okay. That doesn't mean that he was the only one that walked as a righteous man. But him and his family were the only ones that got on the ark. [00:14:51]
So do you think that being righteous and blameless and walking faithfully with God is important to being able to hear God's voice? Absolutely it is. That's how Noah got the attention. That's how God came to Noah because he was doing just that. [00:15:53]
I want to hear more of God's voice. I want to know more about what it is he wants me to know. And the best way to do it is spend time here. Now, we can also contribute to our hearing abilities by doing what Noah did. To be righteous, to be godly, to try to follow God in all our ways. [00:28:47]
I believe he's still speaking to us right now through this. Through his word. Through his written word. Now, I believe he still speaks by the Holy Spirit too. We'll talk about some of that. I believe there's other voices that try to convince us that it's God trying to direct us, lead us, whatever. [00:30:15]
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