Embracing Our Identity and Hearing God's Voice

Tonight, we gathered to exalt the name of the Lord, recognizing that there is nothing higher than His name and celebrating our adoption into His family through Jesus Christ. We are no longer defined by our past or our shortcomings, but by the righteousness that Christ has given us. Because of this, we have access to God’s wisdom and direction, and we can confidently call on Him in every situation. Whether facing health or financial challenges, or waiting for a dream to come to pass, God’s hand is at work, and His light is breaking through the darkness. The path of the righteous grows brighter, and even if the night has seemed long, the dawn is coming.

We also addressed the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness, especially within families. Carrying offense or strife blocks not only our relationships with others but also our relationship with God. Jesus taught us to forgive without limit, and humility is the key to restoration. When we humble ourselves, even if we don’t feel at fault, we open the door for God to work healing and unity.

A central theme tonight was learning to hear and discern the voice of God. We are not meant to stumble through life blindfolded, reacting to crises or relying solely on our own understanding. God desires to guide us daily by His Spirit. There are two sources of knowledge: rational knowledge, which comes through our mind and senses, and revelation knowledge, which comes from the Spirit. As believers, our spirit is made alive in Christ, and we can receive revelation that the natural mind cannot grasp.

To grow in hearing God’s voice, we must renew our minds with the Word of God, allowing it to separate soul from spirit. The more we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the sharper our discernment becomes. We test what we hear by asking: does it agree with Scripture, and what is its spiritual impact? True words from God bring life, even if they correct us. Obedience is essential; stepping out in faith, even at the risk of making mistakes, is how we learn and grow. God often speaks in a still, small voice, and we must make space in our busy lives to listen. As we do, we will walk in the Spirit, fulfill our destiny, and bring glory to God.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Our Identity and Access in Christ Through Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family and made righteous, not by our own merit but by His grace. This new identity gives us the privilege to approach God boldly, receive His wisdom, and trust that our future is secure in Him. No matter our past or present struggles, we are defined by what Christ has done for us, and we can live with hope and confidence. [24:36]
• 2. The Power of Forgiveness and Humility Unforgiveness and offense, especially within families, can hinder both our earthly relationships and our fellowship with God. Jesus calls us to forgive without limit, taking the higher road of humility even when we feel justified. True restoration often begins with a humble apology, opening the way for God’s healing and deeper unity. [32:42]
• 3. Hearing God’s Voice: Revelation vs. Reason There is a vital difference between knowledge gained through our senses and reasoning, and revelation that comes from the Spirit. As believers, our spirit is made alive to God, enabling us to receive divine guidance that surpasses natural understanding. Cultivating spiritual sensitivity requires intentional focus, practice, and a willingness to step out in faith, even if we risk making mistakes. [63:08]
• 4. The Word of God as the Ultimate Test Every impression or leading we receive must be tested against Scripture. The Word of God is the standard that divides soul from spirit, helping us discern whether what we hear is from God or from ourselves. The more we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the more accurately we can recognize God’s voice and avoid deception or error. [70:34]
• 5. Obedience and the Still, Small Voice God often speaks in quiet, unexpected moments, not always in dramatic ways. Obedience to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, even when they seem small or inconvenient, can have significant impact and protect us from harm. Making space in our lives to listen, and responding quickly to God’s direction, is essential for walking in the Spirit and fulfilling our God-given purpose. [83:55]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [24:36] - Exalting God’s Name and Our Adoption
• [25:26] - Word of Knowledge for Healing and Provision
• [27:41] - Encouragement for Delayed Dreams
• [28:32] - Moving from Night to Day: God’s Guidance
• [31:14] - Restoration in Family Relationships
• [32:42] - The Power of Forgiveness
• [52:11] - Review: Body, Soul, and Spirit
• [54:47] - Learning to Hear God’s Voice
• [56:44] - God’s Guidance: Solomon’s Example
• [57:37] - The Holy Spirit Guides into All Truth
• [59:17] - Walking Without Blindfolds: The Need for Divine Direction
• [60:05] - Rational vs. Revelation Knowledge
• [63:08] - Developing Spiritual Sensitivity
• [70:34] - Testing Leadings by Scripture
• [75:03] - The Importance of Obedience
• [83:55] - Hearing the Still, Small Voice
• [88:06] - Don’t Quench the Spirit: Growing in Obedience
• [91:05] - Seeking God’s Wisdom and Closing Prayer

Bible Reading

Proverbs 4:18 (ESV) — > But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.

2. 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.

3. Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV)
> For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Observation Questions

1. According to Proverbs 4:18, how is the journey of the righteous described? What imagery does the verse use to show the progression of their path?
2. In Hebrews 4:12, what does the Word of God do in the life of a believer? How does it help us distinguish between soul and spirit?
3. What does Jesus say about forgiveness in Matthew 6:14-15? What is the consequence of not forgiving others?
4. The sermon mentioned that God often speaks in a “still, small voice.” What biblical example was given to illustrate this, and what was the lesson? [[01:23:55]]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says our identity is no longer defined by our past or shortcomings, but by Christ’s righteousness. How does this new identity affect the way we approach God and our daily lives? [[24:36]]
2. Why is it important to test what we believe we are hearing from God against Scripture? What are some dangers of not doing this? [[01:10:34]]
3. The message emphasized the difference between rational knowledge and revelation knowledge. Why is it necessary for believers to develop spiritual sensitivity, and how does this impact decision-making? [[01:00:05]]
4. The sermon highlighted the role of humility in reconciliation and forgiveness, especially in families. Why is humility so crucial in restoring relationships, even when we feel we are not at fault? [[32:42]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon encouraged us to “declare and confess God’s word” over our situations instead of focusing on our problems. Is there a specific area in your life (health, finances, relationships, etc.) where you need to start speaking God’s promises instead of your worries? What would that look like this week? [[25:26]]
2. Think about a relationship in your family or close circle where there has been offense or distance. Are you carrying any unforgiveness or waiting for the other person to make the first move? What step of humility could you take to open the door for reconciliation? [[32:42]]
3. The sermon said, “God often speaks in quiet, unexpected moments.” When was the last time you intentionally made space to listen for God’s voice? What practical change can you make in your daily routine to create more space for this? [[01:23:55]]
4. Have you ever sensed a prompting from God that didn’t make sense to your natural mind, but later turned out to be important? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [[01:18:20]]
5. The message challenged us to test what we hear by asking if it agrees with Scripture and what its spiritual impact is. Is there something you believe God is saying to you right now? How can you use these two tests to discern if it’s truly from Him? [[01:10:34]]
6. The sermon described obedience as essential, even if it means risking mistakes. Is there an area where you feel God is prompting you to step out in faith, but fear of making a mistake is holding you back? What would it look like to obey anyway? [[01:05:05]]
7. The path of the righteous “grows brighter.” Are you in a season that feels like night or dawn? How can you hold onto hope and trust that God’s light is breaking through, even if you don’t see it yet? [[28:32]]