Hearing and Discernment: Following God's Voice
Summary
Hearing the voice of God is both a privilege and a responsibility for every believer. God desires a relationship with us, not just a one-way communication where He gives instructions, but a living, ongoing conversation. Just as sheep know the voice of their shepherd, we are called to know, recognize, and follow God’s voice. This requires not only the willingness to listen but also the courage to act on what we hear. Throughout Scripture, God speaks in many ways—sometimes audibly, sometimes through extraordinary events, sometimes in a gentle whisper, and often through His Word, the Holy Spirit, prayer, and wise counsel.
Biblical examples show us that God’s voice can come in different forms. Samuel heard God’s audible call, Moses encountered God through a burning bush, Elijah recognized God in a gentle whisper, and Paul was confronted by Christ Himself. In the New Testament, Philip responded immediately to the Spirit’s prompting, showing us the importance of not hesitating when God speaks. But hearing is only half the journey; discernment is essential. Not every voice we hear is from God—sometimes it’s our own desires, sometimes it’s the enemy, and sometimes it’s the world around us. The gift of discernment helps us distinguish God’s voice from all others.
Discernment is more than logic or intellect; it’s a spiritual perception that allows us to test what we hear against the truth of Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Solomon, Peter, Paul, and Jesus Himself demonstrated discernment in their ministries, recognizing truth from deception and responding accordingly. Today, discernment is crucial to avoid being misled by false teachings, worldly influences, or our own biases. We are called to be like the Bereans, who checked everything against Scripture, and to seek wise, godly counsel.
To cultivate discernment, we must stay rooted in God’s Word, maintain a quiet and attentive spirit, ask God for wisdom, and be quick to obey when He speaks. Listening to God is an intentional act, requiring us to slow down, be still, and open our hearts. When we do, God’s voice brings peace and clarity, guiding us to make wise decisions and to live in alignment with His will. Ultimately, knowing and following God’s voice is the foundation of a vibrant, obedient, and discerning Christian life.
Key Takeaways
- God’s voice is relational, not just informational. He desires an ongoing conversation with us, where we not only receive direction but also grow in intimacy with Him. The more we know God, the more naturally we recognize His voice and respond in trust and obedience. [02:30]
- God speaks in diverse ways, tailored to our circumstances and readiness to listen. Whether through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, prayer, wise counsel, or extraordinary events, God knows how to get our attention. Our responsibility is to cultivate a posture of intentional listening, not just passive hearing. [05:25]
- Discernment is essential because not every voice we hear is from God. We must distinguish between God’s voice, our own desires, the enemy’s deception, and worldly influences. True discernment tests every message against Scripture and the character of God, refusing to settle for partial truths or convenient answers. [16:04]
- Spiritual discernment goes beyond logic; it is a gift that enables us to perceive truth even when it defies human reasoning. Like Solomon, Peter, and Jesus, we are called to see beyond appearances and motives, relying on the Holy Spirit to reveal what is genuine and what is counterfeit. [20:15]
- Obedience is the fruit of hearing and discerning God’s voice. When God speaks, we are called to respond promptly and wholeheartedly, trusting that His guidance leads to peace and clarity. Staying rooted in Scripture, seeking wisdom, and maintaining a quiet spirit are practical ways to nurture a discerning heart that is quick to obey. [25:50]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:48] - Foundations: Hearing and Following God’s Voice
[02:30] - God’s Voice: Relational, Not Just Informational
[03:45] - Samuel: Hearing God’s Audible Call
[05:25] - Moses and Elijah: Extraordinary Encounters
[07:40] - Elijah: The Power of Stillness
[08:50] - Paul: Confronted by Christ
[10:25] - Philip: Immediate Obedience to the Spirit
[11:34] - Running Toward God’s Direction
[12:50] - Hearing God Today: Scripture and Intentional Listening
[13:52] - The Role of Wise Counsel
[15:19] - Distinguishing Voices: Self, Satan, World, and God
[16:55] - The Gift of Discernment
[20:15] - Biblical Examples of Discernment
[22:33] - Discernment in Decision-Making
[24:59] - Cultivating Discernment: Practical Steps
[25:50] - Obedience: Running to Do God’s Will
[27:56] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Hearing the Voice of God & the Gift of Discernment
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### Bible Reading
1. John 10:27 (ESV)
> "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
2. 1 Kings 3:16-28 (ESV)
(Solomon’s discernment with the two women and the baby)
3. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
> "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
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### Observation Questions
1. In John 10:27, what does Jesus say about His relationship with His sheep? What two actions are mentioned?
2. According to the sermon, what are some different ways God spoke to people in the Bible? Name at least three examples. [[05:25]]
3. In the story of Solomon and the two women (1 Kings 3:16-28), what did Solomon do to reveal the truth about the real mother?
4. What does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 say about the purpose of Scripture in our lives?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus compare His followers to sheep who know and follow His voice? What does this say about the kind of relationship He wants with us? [[02:30]]
2. The sermon mentions that God’s voice is not just informational, but relational. What does it mean for God to want an ongoing conversation with us, not just to give us instructions? [[02:30]]
3. Why is discernment necessary when we think we are hearing from God? What are some of the other “voices” that can influence us, according to the sermon? [[16:04]]
4. How did Solomon’s discernment in 1 Kings 3 help him make a wise decision? What can we learn from his example about seeking God’s wisdom in difficult situations? [[20:15]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says that listening to God is an intentional act, not just something that happens by accident. What are some practical ways you can slow down and make space to listen for God’s voice this week? [[24:59]]
2. Think about a time when you felt God was prompting you to do something. Did you respond right away, like Philip, or did you hesitate? What made it easy or hard to obey? [[11:34]]
3. The pastor talked about the importance of testing what we hear against Scripture and seeking wise, godly counsel. Is there a decision or situation in your life right now where you need to do this? Who could you ask for wise counsel? [[13:52]]
4. The sermon mentioned that not every voice we hear is from God—sometimes it’s our own desires, the enemy, or the world. How can you tell the difference in your own life? Are there any “voices” you need to be more careful about listening to? [[16:04]]
5. Staying rooted in God’s Word is one way to grow in discernment. What is one step you can take this week to spend more time in Scripture, not just reading but really listening for God’s guidance? [[24:59]]
6. The pastor said that when God speaks, we are called to respond promptly and wholeheartedly. Is there something you sense God is asking you to do right now? What would it look like to “run” toward obedience instead of hesitating? [[25:50]]
7. The sermon encourages us to pray for a hearing heart and a discerning spirit. What would you like to ask God for in this area? How can the group pray for you specifically? [[27:56]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help each person in the group to hear His voice clearly, to grow in discernment, and to have the courage to obey whatever He says.
Devotional
Day 1: Hearing and Following the Shepherd’s Voice
To truly hear God’s voice is to recognize His call and respond with obedience, not just passive listening. Jesus describes His followers as sheep who both hear and follow Him, emphasizing that relationship with God is not just about receiving information but about responding in faith and action. It is not enough to simply hear God’s words; we are called to act on them, trusting that He knows us intimately and leads us with care. The depth of our relationship with God is revealed in our willingness to follow where He leads, even when it requires courage or change. [01:48]
John 10:27 (ESV)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to follow Him more closely, and what specific step of obedience can you take today in response to His voice?
Day 2: God Speaks in Many Ways—Be Attentive
God communicates with His people in diverse ways—sometimes through an audible voice, sometimes through extraordinary events, and sometimes in a gentle whisper—so it is vital to cultivate attentiveness and quietness to discern His guidance. The stories of Samuel, Moses, and Elijah show that God may use different methods to get our attention, but He always desires a relationship where we listen and respond. Whether God speaks loudly or quietly, He invites us to slow down, be still, and intentionally listen for His direction, trusting that He knows how best to reach each of us. [05:25]
1 Kings 19:11-13 (ESV)
“And he said, ‘Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.’ And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’”
Reflection: When was the last time you intentionally set aside time to be still and listen for God’s voice, and how can you create space for that today?
Day 3: Discernment—Distinguishing God’s Voice from Others
Not every voice we hear is from God; discernment is essential to distinguish between God’s voice, our own desires, the enemy’s deception, and worldly influences. The Bible teaches us to “test the spirits” and to seek wisdom so that we are not led astray by partial truths or false teachings. Discernment is a spiritual gift that enables us to recognize what is truly from God, especially when faced with decisions or teachings that sound convincing but may not align with Scripture. By staying rooted in God’s Word and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can avoid deception and walk in truth. [16:55]
1 John 4:1 (ESV)
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Reflection: Think of a recent decision or message you’ve encountered—how can you test it against God’s Word and seek the Holy Spirit’s discernment before accepting it as truth?
Day 4: God’s Word and Wise Counsel—Intentional Listening
God speaks to us today through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, prayer, and wise counsel, but we must intentionally listen with our hearts, not just our minds. Reading the Bible is not a race; it is an opportunity to hear God’s heart and receive His guidance for our lives. The Holy Spirit leads us when we are willing to follow, and God often uses godly people around us to confirm His direction. By slowing down, praying, and seeking wise counsel, we open ourselves to God’s voice and avoid the pitfalls of relying solely on our own understanding. [13:52]
Proverbs 11:14 (ESV)
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
Reflection: Who is a godly person you can seek out for wise counsel this week, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide your time in Scripture and prayer?
Day 5: Obeying God’s Voice with Faith and Urgency
When God speaks, He calls us not only to listen but to obey promptly and wholeheartedly, trusting that His ways are best even when they defy logic or comfort. Biblical examples like Philip running to the chariot and David running toward Goliath show that faith-filled obedience is marked by urgency and trust in God’s leading. True discernment leads to action; when we know God is speaking, we are to respond without hesitation, confident that He will provide what we need to fulfill His will. [25:50]
James 1:22 (ESV)
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
Reflection: What is one thing you sense God asking you to do that you have been hesitant about, and how can you take a concrete step of obedience today?
Quotes
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