Hearing God: Cultivating a Relationship Through Prayer
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to partake in the Lord's Supper, a sacred act commanded by Jesus to remind us of His sacrifice and the promise of His return. This ritual is a profound reminder that our true home is not in this world but with Christ in eternity. As we prepared our hearts, we were encouraged to examine ourselves, confess our sins, and seek God's cleansing. This act of remembrance is not just about looking back at what Jesus did but also looking forward to His return and living in a way that reflects our eternal hope.
We then delved into the topic of hearing from God. Many of us struggle with the idea of clear communication with God, but the Bible reassures us that God is a talking God who desires to speak to us. Hebrews 1:1-3 tells us that God spoke through the prophets and now speaks through His Son, Jesus. Throughout history, God has used various means to communicate with His people, from face-to-face encounters with Adam and Eve to dreams and visions given to Joseph.
The key takeaway is that there is no formula for hearing from God. Instead, it requires a relationship with Him, cultivated through prayer, reading His Word, and being open to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Jesus, the living Word, speaks to us primarily through the written Word, the Bible. As we read and meditate on Scripture, the Holy Spirit helps us understand and apply it to our lives.
We were reminded that hearing from God often takes time and repeated conversations. It involves being still, listening, and being open to whatever God might say, even if it goes against our plans or desires. God speaks to us in various ways, including through circumstances, other people, and the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit. The ultimate goal is to align our lives with God's will and to trust Him completely.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Self-Examination: Before partaking in the Lord's Supper, we are called to examine our hearts and confess our sins. This act of self-examination is crucial for maintaining a pure and honest relationship with God. It allows us to approach Him with a clean heart, ready to receive His grace and forgiveness. [27:31]
2. God is a Talking God: The Bible repeatedly shows that God desires to communicate with His people. From the prophets to Jesus, God has always been speaking. The challenge for us is not whether God speaks but whether we are listening. Developing a relationship with God through prayer and Scripture is essential for hearing His voice. [52:16]
3. No Formula for Hearing God: There is no one-size-fits-all method for hearing from God. He speaks in various ways, including through Scripture, circumstances, and the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit. The key is to be open and attentive, seeking God with all our hearts and being willing to listen and obey. [54:59]
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping us understand and apply God's Word. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would teach us all things and remind us of everything He has said. This means we are never alone in our quest to hear from God; the Holy Spirit is our guide and helper. [01:04:13]
5. Persistent Prayer and Community: Hearing from God often requires persistent prayer and seeking confirmation through community. God speaks to us individually, but He also confirms His Word through the counsel of other believers. Engaging in community prayer and discernment helps us stay aligned with God's will and avoid being led astray by our feelings. [01:17:34]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:31] - Preparing for the Lord's Supper
[29:08] - The Significance of the Lord's Supper
[29:44] - Breaking the Bread
[30:25] - Drinking the Cup
[31:49] - Prayer for VBS
[47:40] - Introduction to Hearing from God
[48:56] - Personal Story: Waiting to Hear from Jolie
[52:16] - God is a Talking God
[54:59] - No Formula for Hearing God
[55:38] - God Speaks Through Jesus
[56:34] - Jesus as the Living Word
[57:30] - Oneness with God Through Jesus
[58:19] - Hearing God Through Scripture
[59:14] - The Living and Active Word
[01:00:08] - The Role of the Bible
[01:01:19] - Practical Example: Loving Your Enemies
[01:04:13] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[01:04:51] - Personal Story: Reading Through the Bible
[01:07:34] - Hearing from God Takes Time
[01:08:29] - Persistent Prayer
[01:09:41] - Being Still and Listening
[01:12:18] - Personal Story: Fasting and Prayer
[01:13:00] - Personal Story: Moving to a New Church
[01:15:24] - Personal Story: Confirming God's Call
[01:17:34] - God Speaks Through Community
[01:18:21] - The First Words from God
[01:19:35] - Recognizing God's Voice
[01:20:27] - George Mueller's Guidelines
[01:24:06] - Personal Story: Calling to Ministry
[01:27:25] - Final Prayer Exercise
[01:31:24] - Encouragement to Listen to God
[01:32:02] - Practical Steps for the Week
[01:33:17] - Announcements and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 1:1-3: "Long ago, God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son. God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact expression of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high."
2. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 1:1-3 tell us about the different ways God has communicated with His people throughout history?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, what are the key elements and purposes of the Lord's Supper?
3. In the sermon, what are some of the ways mentioned that God has communicated with people in the Bible? ([52:16])
4. How does the pastor describe the role of the Holy Spirit in helping us understand and apply God's Word? ([01:04:13])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that God has spoken to us through His Son, Jesus, as mentioned in Hebrews 1:1-3? How does this shape our understanding of God's communication with us?
2. What is the importance of self-examination before partaking in the Lord's Supper, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 and the sermon? ([27:31])
3. The pastor mentioned that there is no formula for hearing from God. Why might God choose to communicate in various ways rather than through a single method? ([54:59])
4. How does persistent prayer and community play a role in discerning God's voice, according to the sermon? ([01:17:34])
### Application Questions
1. Before partaking in the Lord's Supper, we are encouraged to examine our hearts and confess our sins. How can you incorporate regular self-examination and confession into your daily spiritual practices? ([27:31])
2. The sermon emphasized that God is a talking God who desires to communicate with us. What steps can you take this week to be more attentive and open to hearing God's voice? ([52:16])
3. Reflect on a time when you felt God was speaking to you through circumstances, other people, or the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([54:59])
4. The pastor shared personal stories about hearing from God through persistent prayer and community. How can you engage more deeply with your faith community to seek confirmation and discernment in your spiritual journey? ([01:17:34])
5. The role of the Holy Spirit is crucial in understanding and applying God's Word. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you as you read and meditate on Scripture this week? ([01:04:13])
6. The sermon mentioned that hearing from God often takes time and repeated conversations. What practical steps can you take to create more space in your life for stillness and listening to God? ([01:08:29])
7. Think about a specific area in your life where you need guidance or direction. How can you seek God's will through prayer, Scripture, and the counsel of other believers in this situation? ([01:17:34])
Devotional
Day 1: The Importance of Self-Examination
Before partaking in the Lord's Supper, we are called to examine our hearts and confess our sins. This act of self-examination is crucial for maintaining a pure and honest relationship with God. It allows us to approach Him with a clean heart, ready to receive His grace and forgiveness. Self-examination is not just a ritualistic practice but a profound spiritual discipline that helps us stay aligned with God's will. It involves looking inward, acknowledging our shortcomings, and seeking God's cleansing power.
This process of self-examination is a reminder that we are in constant need of God's grace. It is an opportunity to reflect on our actions, thoughts, and motives, and to bring them before God in humility. By doing so, we prepare ourselves to fully participate in the Lord's Supper, remembering Jesus' sacrifice and the promise of His return. This act of remembrance is both a look back at what Jesus did for us and a look forward to His return, encouraging us to live in a way that reflects our eternal hope. [27:31]
1 Corinthians 11:28-29 (ESV): "Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself."
Reflection: What specific sins or shortcomings do you need to confess to God today? How can you make self-examination a regular part of your spiritual practice?
Day 2: God is a Talking God
The Bible repeatedly shows that God desires to communicate with His people. From the prophets to Jesus, God has always been speaking. The challenge for us is not whether God speaks but whether we are listening. Developing a relationship with God through prayer and Scripture is essential for hearing His voice. God’s communication is not limited to the past; He continues to speak to us today through various means, including His Word, circumstances, and the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Understanding that God is a talking God changes our approach to our spiritual lives. It means that we should be actively listening and seeking His voice in our daily lives. This involves setting aside time for prayer, reading the Bible, and being attentive to the ways God might be speaking to us. It also means being open to the possibility that God might speak through other people or through the events in our lives. The key is to cultivate a heart that is receptive and willing to listen. [52:16]
Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV): "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world."
Reflection: How can you create more space in your daily routine to listen for God's voice? What steps can you take to be more attentive to the ways God might be speaking to you?
Day 3: No Formula for Hearing God
There is no one-size-fits-all method for hearing from God. He speaks in various ways, including through Scripture, circumstances, and the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit. The key is to be open and attentive, seeking God with all our hearts and being willing to listen and obey. Hearing from God is a relational process that requires time, patience, and a willingness to be still and listen.
God's communication with us is unique and personal. What works for one person might not work for another, and that's okay. The important thing is to be persistent in seeking God and to be open to the different ways He might choose to speak. This might involve spending time in prayer, meditating on Scripture, or simply being still and quiet before God. It also means being willing to act on what we hear, even if it goes against our plans or desires. [54:59]
1 Kings 19:11-12 (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."
Reflection: In what ways has God spoken to you in the past? How can you be more open and attentive to the different ways He might choose to speak to you now?
Day 4: The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping us understand and apply God's Word. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would teach us all things and remind us of everything He has said. This means we are never alone in our quest to hear from God; the Holy Spirit is our guide and helper. The Holy Spirit illuminates the Scriptures, helping us to see and understand the truths contained within them.
The Holy Spirit also works in our hearts, convicting us of sin, guiding us in righteousness, and helping us to live out God's will. This ongoing work of the Holy Spirit is essential for our spiritual growth and our ability to hear from God. By being open to the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can better understand God's Word and apply it to our lives. This requires a posture of humility and a willingness to be led by the Spirit in all areas of our lives. [01:04:13]
John 14:26 (ESV): "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
Reflection: How can you be more open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your daily life? What steps can you take to invite the Holy Spirit to help you understand and apply God's Word?
Day 5: Persistent Prayer and Community
Hearing from God often requires persistent prayer and seeking confirmation through community. God speaks to us individually, but He also confirms His Word through the counsel of other believers. Engaging in community prayer and discernment helps us stay aligned with God's will and avoid being led astray by our feelings. The support and wisdom of a faith community are invaluable in our journey to hear from God.
Persistent prayer is about continually seeking God and being patient in waiting for His response. It involves bringing our requests and concerns before God repeatedly and trusting that He will answer in His perfect timing. Community plays a vital role in this process, as other believers can provide encouragement, accountability, and discernment. By praying together and seeking God's will as a community, we can better understand and follow His guidance. [01:17:34]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: How can you incorporate persistent prayer into your daily routine? Who in your faith community can you turn to for prayer and discernment as you seek to hear from God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The Lord's Supper was given to us on the night that Jesus was betrayed. And He did it so that we could have something to do on a regular basis. To remind us of this simple but important fact. That this world is not our home. This is where we currently are. This is where we exist now. But there's coming a day when Jesus will come back to take us to our permanent home. And right now it's easy to get confused in the midst of that. To become despondent and to be fearful. And to be worried about all the things that happen in the world. Listen, I hate to break it to you. But people have been worrying about that since time began. And God's got it in His hands." [29:08](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God is a talking God. He's a God that wants to talk to us, that has talked to us and will talk to us. The big question for us is can we hear from God? The answer is yes. That's the end of the sermon. We can now go home. No, let's talk about how that works and what that looks like." [51:30](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you're in me and I'm in the father, then if you're in me, you are in the father. And so we think it's this crazy complicated thing. How do I get to know God? And it's like, man, if you're in relationship with Jesus, you're in relationship with the father through Jesus already. You have the only way you have the ability to even approach God is because you are in Jesus. So listen, if Jesus can hear God and we're in Jesus, what can we do? We can hear God." [58:19](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Everyone can hear from God. Because if you couldn't hear from God, there's no way you would respond to him in salvation. Because scripture says that no one comes to the Father unless the Spirit draws them through Jesus. So God speaks to every one of us." [01:18:21](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You, as you are, have everything you need to hear from God at any time. That's not me saying that. That's what the Bible says. That through Jesus and through what he's done, you have access directly into God. Into the throne room of God. To encounter him, to hear him, and to engage with him. And make the most of that. No one else gets that invitation. Draw near to him. Listen to him. And obey what he says. You won't be sad that you did." [01:31:24](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I think you guys struggle with that. I think I struggle with that. We all want to have this really clear communication with God and we wish it would be simple and easy, but we don't think that it is. But maybe it is. I woke up this Wednesday morning and I was just laying in bed praying and thinking about today. I was thinking about what we're going to talk about because the next thing that we put on our list of things that we said that we want to talk about was how do I hear from God? What do I do with hearing from God? And I thought, man, how do I explain hearing God to people when it's not like a step-by-step checklist thing? Do A, then B, then C. And yet I know that everywhere I look in Scripture, I have encountered the same thing that God wants us to be intimate with him and that he has spoken to us in the past, that he is speaking to us in the past. He has spoken to us now and he will speak to us in the future." [50:00](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So listen, here's the key that you can figure out from all these different things. There is no formula for hearing God. Right. It's not like ride a donkey. You'll hear from God. It's not like find a burning bush. You'll hear from God. That's not the way that it works. And there's a reason that God doesn't give us a formula. I love how Henry Blackaby puts an experience in God. If there was a formula to hearing from God, you would not have to see God with all your heart. You could mindlessly use the formula and neglect your relationship with God. And we would do that in a heartbeat. We do that in a heartbeat. We would do a formula to avoid God to hear what God wants to say, because we are peculiar, peculiar people. But one thing is certain. And I love this and all of this. We can be sure of this. God is not silent. God is always talking to his creation and sometimes through his creation." [55:38](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So we don't read the Bible to gain knowledge. I mean, that will happen if you do read it. But we read the word so that we can align our lives to the living word. Right? This is how we bring ourselves as disciples into alignment with the heart and the mind of God. And some of you, I think that worries you a little bit. Because you're like, I don't know, man. That Bible's complicated. I mean, it's hard to understand. And if I can't understand the Bible, how can I hear from God? And I would say, it's all cool. God's actually big enough. He thought about that maybe as a problem. And listen to what Jesus says in John 14, 26. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, who the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I've told you. How many things will He teach you? All things. Right? One of the main roles of the Holy Spirit is to teach us and to remind us the things of God." [01:03:33](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So you can imagine Easter ten and a half years later when I'm closing the doors of that church that I love deeply. That we're thinking about retiring at. And have this strange feeling that God said, that's your last Easter here. I went home and I told Jolie and Gentry. I said, man, I think that was maybe our last Sunday there. Isn't that a weird thought? And Gentry goes, no, because during service I had the same thought. And Jolie went, I did too. And we just looked at each other and went, oh, no. But we don't want to go. We don't want to do something different. This is home. And over the next couple months, God just continued to move until he moved us to the new place." [01:15:24](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Listen, God speaks and it takes time. That was a two-year process. It had feelings involved with it, but they weren't the determining factor. It had a lot of prayer. It had God's word. It was done in community. And listen, here's why this really matters. Because I've had some really dark days in ministry that if I wasn't convinced that God would speak, spoken directly to me and called me directly to that course of action, I'd have been like, I'm out of here. Forget this. But because I'm convinced that God said that, you couldn't drag me away with wild horses, although some have tried. And I'm telling you that it can be the same thing for you." [01:26:18](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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