Hearing and Discerning the Voice of God
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound importance of hearing and discerning the voice of God. Many of us have experienced moments where we believe God has spoken to us, yet we often question whether it was truly His voice. The voice of God is the voice of truth, and Jesus Himself declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." This truth is singular and unchanging, unlike the lies that the enemy, the father of lies, perpetuates. Our sinful nature, inherited from the fall of man, often rebels against this truth, leading us to follow our own ways rather than God's.
We delved into the necessity of aligning ourselves with God's truth, which requires us to lay aside distractions, weights, and sins that hinder our spiritual progress. The voice of God often comes through various means—preaching, teaching, and even through the innocent words of a child. It is crucial to have a confirming witness in Scripture to ensure we are not misled by a single verse taken out of context.
The role of spiritual leaders, such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, is to equip the saints for ministry. True saints are those who have consecrated their lives to God's service, aligning their will with His. This alignment is essential for the body of Christ to function healthily, as each member is vital and must be in sync with the head, which is Christ.
We also discussed the dangers of rebellion and the importance of spiritual appetite. Just as a healthy physical diet is crucial, so is a healthy spiritual diet. Feeding on God's word and denying the fleshly desires strengthens our spiritual man. The enemy is always lurking, seeking to devour us, and it is our responsibility to rule over him by staying aligned with God's will.
Finally, we emphasized the importance of obedience to God's commands and the necessity of spiritual correction. God's voice often challenges us, corrects us, and leads us to repentance. This correction is a sign of His love and our sonship. We must be willing to hear and obey His voice, even when it is uncomfortable, to grow in our spiritual journey.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Voice of Truth: God's voice is the voice of truth, unchanging and singular. Unlike the lies of the enemy, God's truth is absolute and reliable. Aligning with this truth requires us to reject the lies and deceptions that our sinful nature is prone to believe. [02:18]
2. Spiritual Alignment: For the body of Christ to function healthily, each member must be in alignment with God's will. This means laying aside distractions, weights, and sins that hinder our spiritual progress. Misalignment leads to wasted energy and resources, while alignment brings spiritual growth and effectiveness. [15:22]
3. The Role of Spiritual Leaders: Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are given to equip the saints for ministry. True saints are those who have consecrated their lives to God's service, aligning their will with His. This alignment is essential for the body of Christ to be edified and function properly. [11:44]
4. The Danger of Rebellion: Rebellion against God's authority opens the door for the enemy to enter our lives. This rebellion can manifest in various ways, including our appetites and entertainment choices. We must be vigilant in closing these portals and ruling over our fleshly desires to stay aligned with God's will. [37:25]
5. The Necessity of Spiritual Correction: God's voice often comes as correction, challenging our sinful nature and leading us to repentance. This correction is a sign of His love and our sonship. We must be willing to hear and obey His voice, even when it is uncomfortable, to grow in our spiritual journey. [44:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:18] - The Voice of Truth
[04:04] - The Inconvenience of Truth
[05:08] - God's Word in Genesis
[06:13] - The Three Sides of Truth
[06:57] - Importance of Hearing God's Voice
[07:56] - Faith Comes by Hearing
[08:43] - Confirmation in Scripture
[09:40] - Prophecy and Confirmation
[10:45] - The Honor of Being a Saint
[11:44] - Equipping the Saints
[12:32] - Serving as Kings and Priests
[13:37] - The Importance of Every Member
[14:22] - Alignment with God's Gifts
[15:22] - Misalignment in the Church
[16:09] - Daily Spiritual Challenges
[17:32] - Laying Aside Weights and Sins
[18:32] - The Cost of Holding onto Weights
[19:13] - Glorifying God in Our Bodies
[20:20] - The Responsibility of Stewardship
[21:14] - The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
[22:12] - The Serpent's Deception
[22:59] - The Importance of Spiritual Appetite
[24:48] - The Determinant of Spiritual Success
[25:44] - Eve's Misinterpretation of God's Word
[26:57] - The Filter of Man
[28:04] - The Serpent's Lies
[28:48] - Undermining God's Love
[30:37] - The Attraction of Rebellion
[32:02] - The Value of God's Voice
[33:55] - The Crouching Lion
[35:35] - The Reality of Spiritual Danger
[37:25] - The Portals of Appetite
[39:19] - Becoming What You Consume
[40:41] - The Impact of Weights on Relationships
[42:14] - The Importance of Listening to God
[44:04] - The Necessity of Spiritual Correction
[45:41] - The Role of Spiritual Fathers
[47:18] - The Voice of God Before the Holy Ghost
[48:38] - The Challenge of Repentance
[50:34] - Obedience to God's Commands
[52:18] - Elijah's Still Small Voice
[53:43] - The Ministry of the Saints
[55:18] - The Importance of Spiritual Alignment
[56:50] - The Responsibility of Preaching
[58:40] - The Danger of Itching Ears
[01:00:27] - The Necessity of Truth in Preaching
[01:02:09] - The Role of Preachers in America
[01:02:54] - Waking Up Our Ears
[01:03:39] - The Process of Spiritual Growth
[01:04:36] - The Seriousness of God's Word
[01:05:56] - Building on the Right Foundation
[01:07:11] - Staying on the Right Path
[01:07:50] - Returning to Our Roots
[01:08:45] - The Importance of Hearing God's Voice
[01:09:33] - Seeking Sensitivity to God's Voice
[01:10:26] - The Thread of God's Word
[01:11:49] - Commitment to Hearing God
[01:12:41] - The Importance of Spiritual Hunger
[01:14:02] - The Voice of God in the Church
[01:14:37] - The Necessity of Spiritual Alignment
[01:15:23] - Seeking God's Voice in Decisions
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 14:6 (ESV): "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
2. Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
3. Genesis 3:1-6 (ESV): "Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, 'Did God actually say, "You shall not eat of any tree in the garden"?' And the woman said to the serpent, 'We may eat the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, "You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die."' But the serpent said to the woman, 'You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.' So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate."
### Observation Questions
1. According to John 14:6, what three things does Jesus declare Himself to be? How does this relate to the concept of truth discussed in the sermon? [02:18]
2. In Hebrews 12:1-2, what are believers encouraged to lay aside, and what are they encouraged to focus on? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on spiritual alignment? [15:22]
3. In Genesis 3:1-6, what tactic does the serpent use to deceive Eve? How does this illustrate the danger of rebellion mentioned in the sermon? [22:12]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus being "the way, the truth, and the life" provide a foundation for discerning God's voice in our lives? [02:18]
2. What are some practical ways believers can "lay aside every weight and sin" as mentioned in Hebrews 12:1-2? How does this help in aligning with God's will? [17:32]
3. How does the serpent's deception in Genesis 3:1-6 reflect the ongoing spiritual battle believers face today? What are some modern "serpents" that challenge our obedience to God? [22:12]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you questioned whether you were hearing God's voice. What steps can you take to discern His voice more clearly in the future? [02:18]
2. Identify a specific "weight" or distraction in your life that hinders your spiritual progress. What practical steps can you take this week to lay it aside? [17:32]
3. How can you ensure that you are aligning your will with God's will in your daily decisions? What role does regular Bible reading and prayer play in this alignment? [15:22]
4. Think about a recent situation where you felt tempted to rebel against God's authority. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience to handle future temptations better? [22:12]
5. How do you react to spiritual correction? Can you recall a time when God corrected you, and how did it impact your spiritual growth? [44:04]
6. What are some ways you can cultivate a healthy spiritual appetite? Identify one specific change you can make in your spiritual diet this week. [24:48]
7. How can you support and encourage others in your small group to stay aligned with God's will? What practical steps can you take to foster a community of accountability and growth? [11:44]
Devotional
Day 1: The Unchanging Voice of Truth
The voice of God is the voice of truth, unchanging and singular. Unlike the lies of the enemy, God's truth is absolute and reliable. Aligning with this truth requires us to reject the lies and deceptions that our sinful nature is prone to believe. Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," emphasizing that His truth is the only path to spiritual life and freedom. Our sinful nature, inherited from the fall of man, often rebels against this truth, leading us to follow our own ways rather than God's. To truly hear God's voice, we must be willing to lay aside our preconceived notions and align ourselves with His unchanging truth. [02:18]
John 17:17 (ESV): "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."
Reflection: What lies or deceptions have you been holding onto that you need to reject in order to align yourself with God's unchanging truth today?
Day 2: Spiritual Alignment for Growth
For the body of Christ to function healthily, each member must be in alignment with God's will. This means laying aside distractions, weights, and sins that hinder our spiritual progress. Misalignment leads to wasted energy and resources, while alignment brings spiritual growth and effectiveness. When we are aligned with God's will, we are better equipped to serve and fulfill our roles within the body of Christ. This alignment requires intentional effort and a willingness to let go of anything that hinders our spiritual journey. [15:22]
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Reflection: What distractions or sins are currently hindering your spiritual progress, and how can you begin to lay them aside today?
Day 3: Equipping the Saints for Ministry
Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are given to equip the saints for ministry. True saints are those who have consecrated their lives to God's service, aligning their will with His. This alignment is essential for the body of Christ to be edified and function properly. Spiritual leaders play a crucial role in guiding and equipping believers to fulfill their God-given purposes. When each member of the body of Christ is equipped and aligned with God's will, the church can effectively carry out its mission and impact the world for Christ. [11:44]
Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."
Reflection: How can you support and encourage your spiritual leaders in their role of equipping the saints, and what steps can you take to align your will with God's service?
Day 4: Vigilance Against Rebellion
Rebellion against God's authority opens the door for the enemy to enter our lives. This rebellion can manifest in various ways, including our appetites and entertainment choices. We must be vigilant in closing these portals and ruling over our fleshly desires to stay aligned with God's will. The enemy is always seeking to devour us, and it is our responsibility to remain vigilant and guard our hearts against rebellion. By staying aligned with God's will and denying our fleshly desires, we can resist the enemy and maintain our spiritual health. [37:25]
1 Peter 5:8 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
Reflection: In what areas of your life have you allowed rebellion to creep in, and how can you take steps to close these portals and align yourself with God's will today?
Day 5: Embracing Spiritual Correction
God's voice often comes as correction, challenging our sinful nature and leading us to repentance. This correction is a sign of His love and our sonship. We must be willing to hear and obey His voice, even when it is uncomfortable, to grow in our spiritual journey. Embracing spiritual correction is essential for our growth and maturity in Christ. It requires humility and a willingness to submit to God's authority, trusting that His correction is for our ultimate good. [44:04]
Hebrews 12:6 (ESV): "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."
Reflection: How have you responded to God's correction in the past, and what steps can you take to embrace His correction and grow in your spiritual journey today?
Quotes
1. "The voice of God is the voice of truth. Can we establish one thing right now? God's voice is the voice of truth. He said, I am the way. You can be seated. He said, I am the way. Everybody say the way. said, I am the truth. And he said, I am. the life no man no man coming to the father except through me now jesus was speaking he is the way how many the ways can you have are there two the ways are there 15 the ways are there a million the way okay uh the truth how many truths are there can you can you have two things that are completely opposed to one another and and they both be truths did you know there is such a thing as a lie every parent in this room ought to know there is such a thing as a lie did you do that no i watched you do that is that a lie or is that truth" [02:18] (78 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When you tell the truth, not only do you shame the devil and tell him you're not my daddy, but when you tell the truth, you start listening to the voice of truth. Hallelujah. Somebody say amen. So, so the voice of God sounds like the voice of truth, the voice of truth. Amen. Uh, in the first book of the Bible in Genesis two and 16, the Lord God commanded the man saying of every tree of the garden, thou mayest freely eat, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it for in the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die. God spoke, he gave his word and this was truth." [05:08] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Hearing the voice of God is hearing the word of knowledge, a word of wisdom, the voice of God is going to give us information that helps us know what truth is. How many of you need to know what truth is? You know, in any situation, any given conversation, in any argument, in anything that happens in life, there's, there's pretty much, uh, at least three sides to the story. Everybody found this to be true. How many of you have, have gotten yourself in trouble because you assumed something about a situation. You assume that you knew what they were thinking. You as when they did that to you, you assumed something and it got you in trouble. That's because there's three sides to the story at minimum at best." [06:13] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God's word. We come through a word of faith. God's word elevates your faith. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. When God speaks, it changes your faith. Amen. Your faith becomes more secure, strong, built up, encouraged, hallelujah. How many of you are thankful for a word from God? Maybe that word from God wasn't spoken directly to you. But maybe it came through preaching. How many of you have heard a word from God through preaching? Amen. How many of you have heard a word from God? Maybe through a Bible study teaching. How many of you have heard a word from God from a child? They said something and something hit you and you realize that was God. That wasn't them spot. God was using them to speak to me." [07:56] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "A saint of God is somebody whose life is now committed, consecrated, sold out, dedicated to God's service. You say, well, that's a, that's a, uh, quite, quite an honor. It certainly is quite an honor. It's a privilege to be a saint. It's an honor to be a saint. In fact, true saints are people. They are people that have willingly laid their will down, laid their life down, sacrificed their opinions, their preferences, and their desires to align their will, desire, and passion with the heartbeat of God. And in doing so, the scripture says that they hear the voice of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. So that they can be." [11:44] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Let's quit wasting energy. Let's quit wasting resources. Let's quit wasting time and let's quit frustrating ourselves by pulling a direction God's not trying to lead us in. Why don't we? Why don't we start challenging ourselves every day and saying, am I in alignment? Am I focused on only what God needs me to be focused on? Or am I spending my resources, my time and my energy exhausting myself on something that's not even right for me or even in the Bible most of the time, just that one little practice would get you a whole lot farther down the road of your spiritual progression just by simply challenging yourself." [16:09] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The moment you let go of the weight, you know what you're going to feel like doing getting up and running again. Anybody, do I have any witnesses? I mean, what was it like when you started dropping weights in your walk with God? Can I get a, I know I'm preaching and teaching, but this is, you know, some of you, you had so many weights. You couldn't even know how to get up. Okay. It's not, you're not the problem. It's the weights you're hanging on to come on. You're not, you're not the sin. It's the sins you're hanging on to. And the moment we make a decision to let go of weight and let go of sin, all of a sudden we run again, lay aside the weights and the sins with Dutch. So easily be set us. You're always tripping and falling because you got weights and sins in your hands." [17:32] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Your appetite matters. Somebody say your appetite matters. Some of us got a bigger appetite than others, hallelujah. You know when you lose your appetite for food? You're dying. Do you know that? People that are dying, quit eating. They have no more to eat. They have no desire to eat. They lose their appetite. But a baby has a ferocious appetite. But as we grow older, I have a question. Would you want your children eating candy as their only source of nutrition? Just sucking on suckers 24-7? What kind of an appetite is that? It may be an appetite for something they enjoy, but it's not best for them. And as we learn maturity, we learn eat food that benefits your body. Don't just eat food that benefits your taste buds." [22:59] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The moment child that you rebel against your parents boom you open a door for satan to come into your home the moment that you rebel against spiritual authority boom you open a spiritual portal for an enemy to come in to your life i'm going to take it a step further your appetite can open a portal let's just go there this is church this is not high school amen and this is not your job this is church you came to church today you're going to hear a preacher hallelujah the video games you play can open a portal the movies you watch can open a portal oh it's harmless it's just entertainment your appetite the books you read can open a portal how do you think people get wrapped up in it how do you think they get wrapped up in dungeons and dragons and get wrapped up in in ouija boards and seance and get into wicked witchcraft and how do you think they get involved because your appetite is always luring your flesh a little farther from god's will for your life and somebody's got to learn at some point i got to shut the door to the enemy i got to rule over this or it will rule me i gotta at some point say no more of this appetite i gotta quit feeding my flesh" [37:25] (102 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "What you need is to hear the voice of Paul what you need is to hear the voice of Timothy what you need is to hear the voice that God has established as the voice for your life and when you do that you're going to all of a sudden hear the voice of God again some of y'all haven't heard the voice of God in so long if you were told to preach a message next week you'd be scared to death that you would not and you wouldn't know what to preach but if you're in alignment you can hear a word from God at any moment God can speak to you and there's no question whether you heard the voice of God or not it's absolutely in alignment with what Paul and Timothy was teaching and so he tells Timothy second Timothy chapter four verse two preach the word come on Timothy preach the word be instant in season out of season don't just be in season when it's in season be in season when it's out of season be ready with a word at any moment because somebody's going to need a word and it doesn't matter if you're on vacation or if you're in the in the uh in the restaurant or you're you're walking down the road you might have to speak a word at any moment be ready" [55:18] (79 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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