Discerning God's Voice Amidst Life's Competing Noises
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the concept of spiritual voices and the importance of discerning God's voice amidst the cacophony of competing voices in our lives. We began by acknowledging the multitude of voices that we encounter daily, from our own thoughts to external influences like social media, television, and even well-meaning friends. These voices can often lead us astray if we are not careful and discerning.
We explored Psalm 46:10, which calls us to "Be still and know that I am God." This verse emphasizes the need for stillness and quietness in our lives to truly hear and recognize God's voice. In our fast-paced world, filled with constant noise and distractions, being still is a challenge but a necessary discipline for spiritual growth and clarity.
A significant part of the sermon focused on the metaphor of giving Jesus the key to our house. Many of us only allow Jesus into certain parts of our lives, keeping Him confined to a "guest room" rather than giving Him full access. When we give Jesus the key to our entire house, He becomes the owner, and we no longer have to fight our battles alone. Jesus will answer the door when the enemy comes knocking, providing us with protection and peace.
We also discussed the subtlety of Satan's voice, which often sounds reasonable and logical, making it easy to be deceived. Satan's temptations are not always blatant; they can be disguised as sensible suggestions that appeal to our natural needs and desires. This is why it is crucial to stay spiritually vigilant and grounded in God's Word.
Finally, we touched on the importance of fasting and spiritual discipline. Fasting weakens our physical body but strengthens our spirit, making us more attuned to God's voice. Jesus' example of fasting for 40 days and nights in the wilderness shows us that even in our weakest moments, we can be spiritually strong and resist the enemy's temptations.
### Key Takeaways
1. Discerning Competing Voices: In our daily lives, we are bombarded with numerous voices that can lead us astray. It is essential to discern which voice is from God by being still and quiet, as Psalm 46:10 instructs. This stillness allows us to hear God's voice clearly amidst the noise. [03:02]
2. Giving Jesus Full Access: Many of us only allow Jesus into certain parts of our lives, keeping Him confined to a "guest room." We must give Him the key to our entire house, symbolizing full access to every aspect of our lives. This way, Jesus can protect us and fight our battles, providing peace and security. [09:11]
3. Subtlety of Satan's Voice: Satan's voice often sounds reasonable and logical, making it easy to be deceived. His temptations appeal to our natural needs and desires, which is why we must stay spiritually vigilant and grounded in God's Word to recognize and resist his schemes. [40:11]
4. Importance of Fasting: Fasting weakens our physical body but strengthens our spirit, making us more attuned to God's voice. Jesus' example of fasting for 40 days and nights in the wilderness teaches us that even in our weakest moments, we can be spiritually strong and resist the enemy's temptations. [32:12]
5. Serving God in Freedom: We are set free from the bondage of sin to serve God. True freedom is found in serving God wholeheartedly, which includes worshiping, ministering, and living a life of obedience. Our freedom is not for self-indulgence but for fulfilling God's purpose in our lives. [57:40]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Introduction and Upcoming Event
[02:12] - The Prominent Voices We Hear
[03:02] - Competing Voices in Our Lives
[03:55] - Psalm 46:10 - Be Still and Know
[05:34] - The Challenge of Being Still
[07:29] - Giving Jesus Full Access
[09:11] - Jesus as the Owner of Our House
[12:59] - Discerning the Enemy's Voice
[14:27] - The Enemy in Media
[16:20] - Confusion in the Christian Community
[18:54] - Political Voices and Spiritual Discernment
[24:03] - Satan as the Great Deceiver
[28:22] - Vulnerability and Spiritual Strength
[32:12] - The Importance of Fasting
[40:11] - The Reasonable Sound of Satan's Voice
[47:16] - Doing God's Will in Pain and Suffering
[57:40] - Serving God in True Freedom
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God."
2. Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness
3. John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 46:10 instruct us to do, and why is this important in discerning God's voice? [03:55]
2. In Matthew 4:1-11, how did Jesus respond to Satan's temptations, and what can we learn from His responses?
3. According to John 10:10, what are the contrasting purposes of Satan and Jesus?
4. What metaphor did the pastor use to describe giving Jesus full access to our lives, and what does it signify? [07:29]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it challenging to be still in today's fast-paced world, and how does this affect our ability to hear God's voice? [05:34]
2. How does the metaphor of giving Jesus the key to our house illustrate our relationship with Him and our spiritual battles? [09:11]
3. What are some ways Satan's voice can sound reasonable and logical, and why is it important to stay spiritually vigilant? [40:11]
4. How does fasting strengthen our spirit and make us more attuned to God's voice, according to the sermon? [32:12]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. What specific steps can you take to create moments of stillness to hear God's voice more clearly? [05:34]
2. Are there areas in your life where you have only given Jesus partial access? What would it look like to give Him full access, and how might this change your spiritual battles? [09:11]
3. Think of a recent situation where you felt tempted by something that seemed reasonable. How can you better discern whether such thoughts align with God's will? [40:11]
4. Have you ever practiced fasting as a spiritual discipline? If so, how did it impact your spiritual life? If not, what might be a manageable way to start incorporating fasting into your spiritual practices? [32:12]
5. Identify one voice or influence in your life that often leads you away from God's will. What practical steps can you take to minimize this influence and stay grounded in God's Word? [14:27]
6. How can you serve God more wholeheartedly in your daily life? Are there specific areas where you feel called to serve but have been hesitant? [57:40]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually strong despite physical or emotional weakness. What practices or disciplines helped you stay spiritually vigilant during that time? [33:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Discerning God's Voice Amidst the Noise
In our daily lives, we are constantly bombarded with numerous voices that can lead us astray. These voices come from various sources, including our own thoughts, social media, television, and even well-meaning friends. It is essential to discern which voice is from God by being still and quiet, as Psalm 46:10 instructs. This stillness allows us to hear God's voice clearly amidst the noise. In a world filled with constant distractions, finding moments of stillness is a challenge but a necessary discipline for spiritual growth and clarity. By prioritizing quiet time with God, we can better recognize His guidance and direction in our lives. [03:02]
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: What specific steps can you take today to create moments of stillness in your life to better hear God's voice?
Day 2: Giving Jesus Full Access to Our Lives
Many of us only allow Jesus into certain parts of our lives, keeping Him confined to a "guest room." We must give Him the key to our entire house, symbolizing full access to every aspect of our lives. When we give Jesus full access, He becomes the owner, and we no longer have to fight our battles alone. Jesus will answer the door when the enemy comes knocking, providing us with protection and peace. This act of surrendering every part of our lives to Jesus allows Him to work fully in us and through us, bringing about transformation and spiritual growth. [09:11]
Revelation 3:20 (ESV): "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 3: Recognizing the Subtlety of Satan's Voice
Satan's voice often sounds reasonable and logical, making it easy to be deceived. His temptations appeal to our natural needs and desires, which is why we must stay spiritually vigilant and grounded in God's Word to recognize and resist his schemes. Satan's temptations are not always blatant; they can be disguised as sensible suggestions that lead us away from God's will. By immersing ourselves in Scripture and seeking God's wisdom, we can discern the enemy's voice and stand firm against his deceptions. [40:11]
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (ESV): "And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds."
Reflection: Can you identify a recent situation where you felt tempted by something that seemed reasonable but was not aligned with God's will? How can you better equip yourself to recognize and resist such temptations in the future?
Day 4: The Spiritual Strength Found in Fasting
Fasting weakens our physical body but strengthens our spirit, making us more attuned to God's voice. Jesus' example of fasting for 40 days and nights in the wilderness teaches us that even in our weakest moments, we can be spiritually strong and resist the enemy's temptations. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps us focus on God and rely on His strength rather than our own. By setting aside time for fasting and prayer, we can deepen our relationship with God and become more sensitive to His leading. [32:12]
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."
Reflection: Consider setting aside a specific time for fasting and prayer this week. What do you hope to gain spiritually from this experience, and how can it help you become more attuned to God's voice?
Day 5: Serving God in True Freedom
We are set free from the bondage of sin to serve God. True freedom is found in serving God wholeheartedly, which includes worshiping, ministering, and living a life of obedience. Our freedom is not for self-indulgence but for fulfilling God's purpose in our lives. By embracing our freedom in Christ, we can live a life that honors God and impacts others for His kingdom. Serving God with a heart of gratitude and love brings true fulfillment and joy. [57:40]
Galatians 5:13 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Reflection: How can you use your freedom in Christ to serve others in your community this week? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate God's love and grace to those around you?
Quotes
1. "See, some of y'all got Jesus in your house as a guest. And a guest don't answer your door. The owner. The owner. Answers the door. You don't let nobody just come visiting. You answer the door. That's not their responsibility. See, y'all just been giving him a key. I mean, a room. Excuse me. You just been giving him a key. You just been giving him a room. You got Jesus. You stay. God, you stay in that room. You get the master room. You can have the master room." [07:29] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Stop holding on to that key. Give Jesus the key to your house. To your house. To your house. Now, y'all got him in one room. Now, in fact, y'all get, this is what they'll do. I'll give you the whole upstairs. Now, he still ain't have access to the whole house. You still got the key. Only the person who got my key must be owning the house. Y'all all right? I mean, I'm trying to talk to you in parables so you can get it. Go on, give him the key." [09:50] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "A lot of Christians, or I should say, the Christian community, we're walking around in a state of confusion because of, watch this, all of these competing voices. Y'all all right? Okay. A lot of the Christian community is walking around in a state of confusion because of all of these competing voices. I'll tell you something in here. You go. You go online and listen to it, and it's contrary to what I told you. Or you talk to a person, and it's contrary to what I told you. They're not your shepherd." [15:19] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "One of the major problems that causes so much confusion in the body of Christ is that we simply are not discerning. was talking to my armor bearer in the room, and I was talking to him and telling him about. You know, we, you know, the, oh, Jesus, what did I get into today, man? They're going to, they're going to. No, I was talking about what's the Democratic-Republican battle." [16:20] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When your eyes are open about God, you'll see the real government. You'll see the government that Jesus said is on his shoulders, not the one that's being manipulated by all these voices. And all those voices at that party are being controlled by a voice. And it's, it is crazy how we as humans accept easily had God said, don't vote for Donald Trump. He is destroying democracy. First, we are a republic that practices democracy." [17:26] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Satan is constantly trying to put. Watch this. His thoughts into our hearts. And to our souls and to our mind. And ultimately in our will. Prophetess and I. How can I be? How can I better discern the voice of Satan? All right. There you go. Y'all see this. You just keep listening to your parents. You'll be able to discern them real good. Amen. You got no problem with her. How can I better? Don't y'all want to know this? How can I? Because he's been speaking to you all day. He's been contending all day. My goodness." [25:51] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Satan voice will come to you. In your moment. Watch this of vulnerability. So if you stay vulnerable, you will be an expert. You will be an expert at discerning the voice of God. So y'all thought I was going to say Satan, but no, you'll be an expert at discerning the voice of I'm going to help. I'm going to help you. I'm going to help you. I'm going to help you. I'm going to help you. At the point teacher, Jesus was in a weakened condition. Inflammation and in starvation, right? This is Matthew four and two. Y'all know the story, right? Y'all sure? You don't. Okay." [28:22] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Jesus was more concerned about doing the will of God than halting the starvation process. Jesus was saying, I want my life to radiate my disobedience. This is what he was making the statement when he said, when he said, it is written. You know, you can do that too for your life. You can write down something. I will not fornicate. I And you can hold it up to them and say, it is written. It is written. I'm the word. You can use that. I'm not depressed today anymore. It is written, Satan. For the spirit of heaviness, I've given you the garment of praise. See, it is written already. It's written already." [53:37] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Jesus was more concerned about doing the will of God. Watch this. Then halting the process of starvation. Jesus was saying, I want my life to radiate obedience to God and faith. Watch this. In his provision, Jesus was saying, I want my life to radiate obedience to God and faith in his provision. Not my job. That's what he was saying when he said, it is written. Man, I can't get to this one right now because the teacher is standing up. The third one would have been this one. Satan's voice will usually appeal to your flesh. That's what he was doing. He was appealing to your, watch this, your need." [53:37] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "You were set free to serve God and if you don't serve God guess what you're not free still struggling it's hard pastor i'm trying i'm doing my best are you free because if you're free you will serve your servitude is here worshiping praising god ministering evangelizing cleaning the bathrooms cleaning the car that's servitude paying your offering your time that serve you are free you came out with great wealth why we ain't got it when you came out you came out with great wealth it said when they when they were free they came out with their own economy give and then sell be given to you but we don't we don't operate in that we don't operate in our thing oh it's the truth you are free to serve" [57:40] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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