Discerning God's Voice: The Call to Intimacy
Summary
This morning, we explored the profound privilege and responsibility of hearing and discerning the voice of God. We began by acknowledging the fulfillment of the Old Testament offices of priest, prophet, and king in Jesus Christ, and how, through Him, we are called to walk in these roles. Today, we focused on the prophetic role, emphasizing the honor of hearing God's voice and the importance of discerning it amidst the many voices in our lives.
We delved into the misconception that hearing God's voice is difficult, when in fact, the challenge lies in discerning His voice from others. We examined the biblical truth that as children of God, we inherently have the ability to hear Him. This is not a question of capability but of discernment. We reflected on the story of Peter, who, despite initially discerning God's voice, quickly fell into error by listening to another source. This illustrates the need for vigilance and discernment in our spiritual walk.
The Word of God is our primary tool for discernment. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, able to divide soul and spirit, and judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Regular engagement with Scripture enhances our ability to discern God's voice. We also discussed the importance of intentionality in our relationship with God. Familiarity can lead to complacency, but intentionality fosters sensitivity to His voice.
Finally, we considered the timing of God's revelations. Understanding the "what" and the "when" is crucial for full obedience. Many biblical figures, like Moses and Abraham, struggled with timing, leading to premature actions. We must seek both the revelation and the timing from God to walk in His perfect will.
Key Takeaways:
- Hearing God's Voice: As believers, we have the inherent ability to hear God's voice. The challenge is not in hearing but in discerning His voice from others. This requires a heart attuned to His Spirit and a commitment to seeking His guidance. [51:53]
- The Role of Scripture: The Word of God is a powerful tool for discernment. It helps us distinguish between the voices of our flesh, the enemy, and the Spirit. Regular engagement with Scripture sharpens our spiritual discernment. [01:06:19]
- Intentionality in Relationship: Familiarity with God can lead to complacency, but intentionality fosters sensitivity. By intentionally seeking God, we become more attuned to His voice and guidance in our lives. [01:14:45]
- Timing and Obedience: Understanding both the "what" and the "when" of God's revelations is crucial. Many biblical figures struggled with timing, leading to premature actions. Full obedience requires both revelation and timing. [01:22:24]
- Friendship with God: Beyond the prophetic office, we are invited to be friends of God. This intimate relationship allows us to commune with Him and receive His guidance naturally. It is an invitation open to all believers. [01:30:40]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Opening Prayer
[01:15] - Introduction to Hearing God's Voice
[02:45] - Old Testament Offices Fulfilled in Christ
[05:00] - The Privilege of Hearing God
[08:30] - Misconceptions About Hearing God
[12:00] - The Role of Scripture in Discernment
[15:30] - Intentionality vs. Familiarity
[18:00] - Timing in God's Revelations
[22:00] - The Example of Peter
[25:00] - Personal Stories of Discernment
[30:00] - The Invitation to Friendship with God
[34:00] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 1:11-13
2. John 14:26
3. Hebrews 4:12
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Observation Questions:
1. According to John 1:11-13, what right is given to those who receive and believe in Jesus? How does this relate to our ability to hear God's voice? [51:53]
2. In John 14:26, what role does the Holy Spirit play in helping believers discern God's voice? [57:05]
3. Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word of God as sharper than any two-edged sword. What does this metaphor suggest about the power and purpose of Scripture in our lives? [01:06:19]
4. The sermon mentioned Peter's experience of hearing from God and then quickly falling into error. What does this story illustrate about the challenges of discerning God's voice? [01:02:34]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being a child of God, as mentioned in John 1:11-13, influence a believer's confidence in hearing God's voice? [51:53]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between familiarity with God and complacency in hearing His voice? How can intentionality change this dynamic? [01:14:45]
3. The sermon highlighted the importance of timing in God's revelations. How can understanding both the "what" and the "when" of God's guidance lead to full obedience? [01:22:24]
4. How does the role of Scripture, as described in Hebrews 4:12, assist believers in distinguishing between the voices of the flesh, the enemy, and the Spirit? [01:06:19]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt you heard God's voice. How did you discern it was from God, and what steps can you take to improve your discernment in the future? [01:02:34]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of intentionality in our relationship with God. What practical steps can you take this week to be more intentional in seeking God's voice? [01:14:45]
3. Consider the role of Scripture in your daily life. How can you incorporate more regular engagement with the Bible to enhance your spiritual discernment? [01:06:19]
4. Think about a decision you are currently facing. How can you seek both the revelation and the timing from God to ensure you are walking in His perfect will? [01:22:24]
5. The sermon mentioned the privilege of being a friend of God. What does being a friend of God mean to you, and how can you cultivate this intimate relationship in your daily life? [01:30:40]
6. Reflect on the story of Peter discerning God's voice and then quickly falling into error. How can you remain vigilant in your spiritual walk to avoid similar pitfalls? [01:02:34]
7. Identify one area in your life where familiarity with God might have led to complacency. What specific actions can you take to renew your sensitivity to His voice? [01:14:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Discerning God's Voice Amidst the Noise
In the journey of faith, believers are endowed with the inherent ability to hear God's voice. However, the real challenge lies in discerning His voice from the multitude of others that clamor for attention. This requires a heart that is attuned to the Spirit and a steadfast commitment to seeking His guidance. The story of Peter serves as a poignant reminder of this truth. Despite initially discerning God's voice, Peter quickly fell into error by listening to another source. This illustrates the need for vigilance and discernment in our spiritual walk. As believers, we must cultivate a sensitivity to God's voice, ensuring that we are not swayed by the distractions and deceptions that surround us. [51:53]
John 10:27-28 (ESV): "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand."
Reflection: Think of a recent decision you made. How did you discern whether it was God's voice guiding you, and what steps can you take to improve your discernment in the future?
Day 2: Scripture as a Tool for Spiritual Discernment
The Word of God stands as a powerful tool for discernment, helping believers distinguish between the voices of the flesh, the enemy, and the Spirit. Regular engagement with Scripture sharpens our spiritual discernment, enabling us to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and clarity. The Bible is described as sharper than any two-edged sword, capable of dividing soul and spirit and judging the thoughts and intentions of the heart. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we equip ourselves with the knowledge and understanding necessary to discern God's voice amidst the noise. This practice not only strengthens our faith but also deepens our relationship with God. [01:06:19]
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to discern God's guidance. How can you incorporate regular Scripture reading to gain clarity and direction in this area?
Day 3: Intentionality in Our Relationship with God
Familiarity with God can sometimes lead to complacency, but intentionality fosters sensitivity to His voice. By intentionally seeking God, believers become more attuned to His guidance and presence in their lives. This intentional pursuit of God requires a conscious effort to prioritize our relationship with Him, setting aside time for prayer, worship, and reflection. As we cultivate this intentionality, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of His will and purpose for our lives. It is through this intentional relationship that we experience the fullness of God's love and guidance. [01:14:45]
James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to intentionally draw closer to God and become more sensitive to His voice?
Day 4: Understanding God's Timing and Obedience
Understanding both the "what" and the "when" of God's revelations is crucial for full obedience. Many biblical figures, such as Moses and Abraham, struggled with timing, leading to premature actions. This highlights the importance of seeking both the revelation and the timing from God to walk in His perfect will. As believers, we must learn to trust in God's timing, even when it seems contrary to our own plans and desires. By aligning ourselves with His timing, we demonstrate our faith and obedience, allowing God to work in and through us according to His divine purpose. [01:22:24]
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV): "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you acted prematurely. How can you better align yourself with God's timing in future decisions?
Day 5: Embracing Friendship with God
Beyond the prophetic office, believers are invited to be friends of God. This intimate relationship allows us to commune with Him and receive His guidance naturally. It is an invitation open to all believers, offering a deeper connection with the Creator. Friendship with God is characterized by mutual love, trust, and communication. As we embrace this friendship, we find ourselves drawn into a closer relationship with Him, experiencing His presence and guidance in every aspect of our lives. This friendship is not only a privilege but also a source of strength and encouragement in our spiritual journey. [01:30:40]
James 2:23 (ESV): "And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness'—and he was called a friend of God."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper friendship with God this week, and what changes might you need to make in your daily routine to prioritize this relationship?
Quotes
Realize this, that God is glorified when he speaks to you. Amen? When he speaks and you receive from him, he's glorified in that. Then jumping down to verse 23, it says, And on that day, you will not question me about anything. Truly I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in my name, he will give it to you. [00:59:36] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
So, if we establish that you can hear God's voice, then why do so many of us struggle? This is why, and I truly believe this, because the hard part is not hearing God's voice. The hard part is discerning the voice of God from other voices. [01:00:25] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And I'll take that a step further on the revelation that you are, he is the son of the living God, right? We teach on that, but can I take it a step further? Then maybe Jesus is even saying that on this, on you, you picking up on this revelation from the far from the spirit in your spirit. That's what I will build my church on saying, you know, we, we, the church, I mean, how are we supposed to function? We're supposed to function by hearing from God. [01:03:34] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And let me flip that phrase around. And this is what I came up with. Intentionality causes sensitivity. Familiarity causes complacency. Intentionality causes sensitivity. Amen? Can you say amen? Can you? Can you? Here's the scripture. John 12, 28, 29. [01:15:35] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
What a powerful example that God can speak out of heaven audibly. And there can be a crowd standing there and says, well, that's just natural. That's just thunder. That's just, that's complacency. That's familiarity and complacency. They took Jesus for granted, standing there in the midst of him. And God speaks to them audibly. And they took it for thunder. [01:16:32] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And what I underline from that, the what, searching what, and the what manner of time. Searching what and the what manner of time. You know why that struck me? Obviously here it's talking about a prophetic word. It's a prophetic word. There's Jesus coming and the prophets searching the what and the what manner of time. But in your life, in my life, you know, it's not enough to just get the what. [01:20:25] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
So it's very sobering for myself as well. That. Let me say it this way. Getting the what right, that's health obedience. Getting the when right, that's fully obedience. Amen? Can you say amen? And guess what? If you look at the Bible, you can almost make an argument that most of the people who walk with God have dealt with this. [01:22:32] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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