Hearing God's Voice: A Journey of Faith
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we are diving into the profound topic of hearing God's voice. Many of us struggle with discerning whether the thoughts in our minds are from God, our own emotions, or even distractions. Wouldn't it be incredible to have a clear answer from God, just like asking a question to a magic eight ball? The good news is, you can hear God's voice because Jesus promises that He is the Good Shepherd, and we are His sheep who can recognize His voice.
To begin, we must ask God to speak to us. This might sound simple, but it's a dangerous prayer. Often, God's will and ways are different from ours. We see this in the story of Samuel, a young boy serving in the temple under the priest Eli. Samuel was performing religious rituals but didn't yet know God personally. One night, he heard his name being called and thought it was Eli. After several instances, Eli realized it was God calling Samuel and instructed him to respond, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening" ([09:54]).
Once we ask God to speak, we must listen. This involves turning down the volume of the world and focusing on God's voice. I shared an exercise I do to practice mindfulness and presence, which helps me focus on hearing God's voice. I sit quietly and count different noises until I reach twenty. This practice teaches us to slow down and listen carefully, just as we should with God's voice ([24:33]).
God speaks in various ways, but the most reliable way is through His Word. The Bible is living, active, and powerful. It encourages, corrects, directs, and comforts us. God will never contradict His Word. He may also speak through friends, sermons, songs, circumstances, or the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, He prompts us to act, and we must discern whether these promptings align with His character and Word ([15:54]).
Elijah's story illustrates that God often speaks in the ordinary, not the extraordinary. After a dramatic encounter with false prophets, Elijah fled from Jezebel and hid in a cave, feeling utterly depleted. He needed a word from God. A powerful wind, an earthquake, and a fire passed by, but God was not in them. Instead, God spoke in a gentle whisper. This shows that God often speaks in the quiet, ordinary moments of our lives ([28:10]).
Finally, we must do what God tells us to do. Sometimes, we haven't heard from God because we didn't obey the last thing He told us. Obedience is crucial. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it." If we want to hear from God, we must be willing to act on His instructions, even when they require faith and courage ([21:41]).
In conclusion, hearing God's voice involves asking Him to speak, listening carefully, and obeying His instructions. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, promises that we can know His voice. So, let's pray together: "Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening."
### Key Takeaways
1. Ask God to Speak: Before you ask God to speak, be prepared for His answer, which may differ from your expectations. Samuel's story teaches us to be ready to hear and respond to God's voice, even if the message is challenging. Always approach God with a heart ready to listen and obey. [09:54]
2. Turn Down the World's Volume: To hear God's voice, we must quiet the noise around us. Practicing mindfulness and presence helps us focus on God. Just as I count different noises to train my mind, we must intentionally create space to listen to God. He speaks every day, but we often miss His voice because we are too distracted. [24:33]
3. God Speaks Through His Word: The Bible is the most reliable way to hear from God. It is living, active, and powerful, providing guidance, correction, and comfort. God will never contradict His Word. Regularly immersing ourselves in Scripture helps us recognize His voice and understand His will. [15:54]
4. God Speaks in the Ordinary: Elijah's experience shows that God often speaks in gentle whispers rather than dramatic events. We must be attentive to God's voice in the ordinary moments of our lives. Whether we are doing mundane tasks or facing challenges, God is always speaking, offering guidance and reassurance. [28:10]
5. Obey God's Instructions: Hearing God's voice requires obedience. Sometimes, we haven't heard from God because we didn't act on His previous instructions. Jesus emphasized the importance of being doers of the Word, not just hearers. Obedience often requires faith and courage, but it is essential for a deeper relationship with God. [21:41]
### Youtube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [00:39] - The Struggle to Hear God's Voice
3. [01:52] - The Promise of Hearing God's Voice
4. [03:25] - Personal Story: Early Christian Experience
5. [05:43] - How to Know if It's God Speaking
6. [07:52] - Ask God to Speak
7. [09:54] - Samuel's Story: Speak, Lord
8. [15:54] - God Speaks Through His Word
9. [17:24] - Different Ways God Speaks
10. [24:33] - Practicing Mindfulness to Hear God
11. [28:10] - Elijah's Story: God in the Ordinary
12. [30:36] - Prayer for Hearing God's Voice
13. [33:04] - Invitation to Know Jesus
14. [34:13] - Closing Prayer and Celebration
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 10:3-4 (NIV): "The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice."
2. 1 Samuel 3:8-10 (NIV): "A third time the Lord called, 'Samuel!' And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, 'Here I am; you called me.' Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, 'Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."' So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' Then Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant is listening.'"
3. 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NIV): "The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.' Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper."
### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus promise about His relationship with His sheep in John 10:3-4?
2. How did Samuel initially respond to hearing his name called in 1 Samuel 3:8-10, and what did Eli instruct him to do?
3. In 1 Kings 19:11-12, what were the different phenomena that occurred before God spoke to Elijah, and how did God finally communicate with him?
4. According to the sermon, what are some ways God speaks to us today? ([15:54])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd and us as His sheep in John 10:3-4? How does this imagery help us understand our relationship with Him?
2. What can we learn from Samuel's experience about recognizing and responding to God's voice? ([09:54])
3. How does Elijah's experience in 1 Kings 19:11-12 challenge our expectations of how God communicates with us? What does this teach us about listening for God's voice in our daily lives?
4. The sermon mentions that God often speaks in the ordinary moments of our lives. How can we become more attentive to these moments? ([28:10])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was speaking to you. How did you discern that it was His voice and not your own thoughts or emotions? ([07:52])
2. The sermon suggests that we need to "turn down the volume of the world" to hear God's voice. What are some practical steps you can take this week to reduce distractions and focus on listening to God? ([24:33])
3. How can you incorporate the practice of mindfulness and presence, as described in the sermon, into your daily routine to better hear God's voice? ([24:33])
4. The Bible is described as the most reliable way to hear from God. What specific steps can you take to immerse yourself more regularly in Scripture? ([15:54])
5. Think about a recent prompting or instruction you believe came from God. Did you act on it? If not, what held you back, and how can you overcome that obstacle in the future? ([21:41])
6. Elijah heard God's voice in a gentle whisper. How can you create quiet moments in your life to be more receptive to God's gentle whispers? ([28:10])
7. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it." What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to obedience, and what steps will you take to follow through? ([21:41])
Devotional
Day 1: Be Ready to Hear God's Voice
When we ask God to speak, we must be prepared for His answer, which may differ from our expectations. Samuel's story teaches us to be ready to hear and respond to God's voice, even if the message is challenging. Samuel was a young boy serving in the temple under the priest Eli. He was performing religious rituals but didn't yet know God personally. One night, he heard his name being called and thought it was Eli. After several instances, Eli realized it was God calling Samuel and instructed him to respond, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening" [09:54]. This story reminds us that we must approach God with a heart ready to listen and obey, even if His message is unexpected or difficult.
Asking God to speak is a dangerous prayer because His will and ways are often different from ours. We must be open to the possibility that God's answer may challenge our current understanding or require us to change our plans. When we ask God to speak, we should do so with a willingness to accept and act on His guidance, trusting that His ways are higher than ours.
1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV): "And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant hears.'"
Reflection: Are you ready to hear and respond to God's voice, even if His message challenges your current plans or understanding? How can you prepare your heart to be more receptive to His guidance today?
Day 2: Quiet the Noise Around You
To hear God's voice, we must quiet the noise around us. Practicing mindfulness and presence helps us focus on God. Just as counting different noises can train our minds to be more attentive, we must intentionally create space to listen to God. In our busy lives, it's easy to become distracted by the constant noise and demands of the world. However, God speaks every day, and we often miss His voice because we are too distracted [24:33].
Creating a quiet space for God involves setting aside time each day to be still and listen. This might mean turning off your phone, finding a quiet place to sit, and simply being present with God. By doing this, we can tune out the distractions and focus on hearing His voice. Practicing mindfulness and presence can help us become more attuned to God's gentle whispers in our daily lives.
Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Reflection: What distractions in your life are preventing you from hearing God's voice? How can you create a quiet space today to be still and listen to Him?
Day 3: Immerse Yourself in God's Word
The Bible is the most reliable way to hear from God. It is living, active, and powerful, providing guidance, correction, and comfort. God will never contradict His Word. Regularly immersing ourselves in Scripture helps us recognize His voice and understand His will. The Bible encourages, corrects, directs, and comforts us, making it an essential tool for discerning God's voice [15:54].
By spending time in God's Word, we can better understand His character and His desires for our lives. This helps us discern whether the thoughts and promptings we experience are from God or from other sources. When we align our lives with Scripture, we can be confident that we are following God's will and hearing His voice accurately.
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: How often do you spend time in God's Word? What steps can you take to immerse yourself more deeply in Scripture and better recognize God's voice?
Day 4: Listen for God's Voice in the Ordinary
Elijah's experience shows that God often speaks in gentle whispers rather than dramatic events. After a dramatic encounter with false prophets, Elijah fled from Jezebel and hid in a cave, feeling utterly depleted. He needed a word from God. A powerful wind, an earthquake, and a fire passed by, but God was not in them. Instead, God spoke in a gentle whisper [28:10]. This story reminds us that we must be attentive to God's voice in the ordinary moments of our lives.
God often speaks to us in the quiet, everyday moments, offering guidance and reassurance. Whether we are doing mundane tasks or facing challenges, God is always speaking. By being attentive and present in our daily lives, we can hear His gentle whispers and receive His guidance.
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: How can you be more attentive to God's voice in the ordinary moments of your life? What steps can you take to listen for His gentle whispers today?
Day 5: Obey God's Instructions
Hearing God's voice requires obedience. Sometimes, we haven't heard from God because we didn't act on His previous instructions. Jesus emphasized the importance of being doers of the Word, not just hearers. Obedience often requires faith and courage, but it is essential for a deeper relationship with God. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it" [21:41].
When we hear God's voice, we must be willing to act on His instructions, even when they require us to step out in faith. Obedience is crucial for spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. By following His guidance, we demonstrate our trust in Him and our commitment to His will.
James 1:22 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Reflection: Is there a specific instruction from God that you have been hesitant to obey? What steps can you take today to act on His guidance and demonstrate your trust in Him?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Wouldn't it be incredible, wouldn't it be amazing to know exactly what God wants for you? I mean, imagine if you could ask God a question and you could get a really clear answer. Kind of like, I don't know if any of you are old enough to remember the magic eight. Anybody ever play with a magic eight ball? You're kind of laughing at that. Wouldn't it be really cool if I had a magic eight ball right now? Does anybody happen to have one on you? Anybody? Oh my goodness. Oh wow, what a coincidence. Pastor Sam just happens to have, wow. It's almost like we had that planned. But you remember how you could ask the magic eight ball question, like magic eight ball, magic eight ball. Should I break up with this rude person I've been dating? Without a doubt. Magic eight ball, magic eight ball. Should I send this angry text? My reply is no. Magic eight ball, magic eight ball. You might ask, should I serve in LifeKids? It is certain. I didn't even look. It just says it is certain. That's just what it said on there. I could already, God just spoke to you right there." [00:39]
2. "Wouldn't it be amazing if you had a question and you could ask God and you could clearly hear his voice? The good news is you can. We're in a message series called He Promises and we're talking about the promises of Jesus. Last week, we talked about the promise that Jesus will always love you. Next week, we're gonna talk about the promise, and this will speak to those of you who might be in a difficult season right now, that he will be with you always. He will never leave you and never forsake you. Today, we're gonna look at the promise that you can know the voice of Jesus. And the title of today's message is Hearing God's Voice, and we ask, Holy Spirit, that we would hear your voice and know your will and do exactly what you call us to do. Speak, God, to those who need to hear from you." [02:38]
3. "Wouldn't it be amazing if you could ask God a question and you could know his will and hear his voice? The good news is you can because Jesus is the good shepherd. And we are the sheep and the sheep know the voice of the shepherd. So, ask him. Listen to what he says and do what he says to do because he's speaking and you will hear him if you are listening." [28:10]
4. "The more you listen to God, the better you'll get at recognizing when he calls you by name and directs your step. Wouldn't it be amazing if you could clearly hear the voice of God? And the good news is you can. Jesus promises he is the good shepherd and you are the sheep and the sheep will know the voice of the shepherd. So how do you hear from him? We start by asking him to speak to you." [14:07]
5. "God is always speaking. The question is, are you listening? He's speaking all the time. Now you may say, okay, I'm going to ask him to speak. I'm going to listen. Now how will I hear from him? How does God speak? And I want to tell you very, very clearly, the most reliable way to hear God speak is listening to what he says to you through his word. His word is living. It's active. It's powerful. It's like a sword. It encourages, it corrects, it directs, it guides, it comforts." [15:54]
### Quotes for Members
1. "And you haven't done it yet. I can tell you just very sincerely in many years of being a pastor, I've seen a lot of Christians who have a lot of Bible knowledge, but not a lot of obedience. They quote the Bible all day long, but they're not, they're hearing it, but not necessarily doing it. We can say there are many Christians that are educated beyond their level of obedience. Why haven't I heard from God in a long time? Maybe because you didn't do the last thing that he told you to do. Some of you, someone here, he might've told you to give something to somebody and you didn't do it. Or maybe he prompted you to confess a sin and you didn't confess it. Or maybe he told you to serve, somewhere in the church or in the community. And you know he did, but you haven't done it yet. Or maybe he prompted you to invite someone to come with you to church and you haven't obeyed what he told you to do. Maybe he prompted you to forgive the person who hurt you and asked for forgiveness, but you're still holding a grudge. If you haven't heard from God in a long time, maybe it's because you didn't obey the last thing he told you to do." [23:02]
2. "What I promise you is you have to turn down the volume of this world because everything is shouting for your attention. Stop scrolling and stop clicking and stop giving into what everybody else says and listen for the voice of God. There's an exercise that I've done now for maybe three years that I like a lot and I'll do it on vacations or on a day off. I'll go sit outside and what I'll do is I do this to focus my mind, to practice just mindfulness and presence. And what it does is it helps me to focus, to listen to the voice of God. And what I'll do is I just get really, really quiet and I'll start listening for a variety of noises. And I'll start to count the noises as I hear them. And my goal is to wait until I hear 20 different noises." [24:33]
3. "Elijah the prophet was a great man of God with big faith and destroyed all these false prophets. And then this evil queen named Jeze came after him. Jeze is short for Jezebel. And Jezebel was scary. Jezebel said, I'm gonna kill you. And he had already handled all these men, but one angry woman comes and he's done. He's like, ah, you know, and so he runs and hides in a cave. And he is, he is where some of you are right now. He was totally incomprehensible. He was totally incomprehensible. He was completely depleted. He was at the end. He didn't know if he could take any more. He needed a word from God. I wonder if there's anyone here today who needs a word from God. We serve a God who loves you, a God who is speaking. If you're listening, you can hear because God may give you a word that you need." [26:18]
4. "Wouldn't it be amazing if we could clearly hear God's voice? And Jesus promises you can. Jesus is the good shepherd, and you are the sheep. And the sheep recognize the voice of the shepherd. So how do you hear from God? Well, we're going to ask him, God, speak. Your servant is listening. God, speak. I want to hear your voice. I want to know your way. Then you're going to listen to what God has to say. And number three is, you ready? You're going to do what he tells you to do. Pretty simple, right? But it's a game changer. You're going to do what he tells you, to do. And let me warn you, what he tells you to do will often take faith. It'll often take faith." [20:08]
5. "The more you listen to God, the better you'll get at recognizing when he calls you by name and directs your step. Wouldn't it be amazing if you could clearly hear the voice of God? And the good news is you can. Jesus promises he is the good shepherd and you are the sheep and the sheep will know the voice of the shepherd. So how do you hear from him? We start by asking him to speak to you. The second thing, and this is really, really obvious, but this is a game changer, is you listen to what he says. Jeremiah 33, God said this, God said, call to me and I will answer you. If you have a question, if you need direction, if you need wisdom, you ask God for wisdom, the Bible says that he will give generously to all. So you call to God, God, I need to know your will, I need to know your voice, I need to know your ways. And when you call to him, he will answer you why, because our God is a relational God." [14:54]
6. "God is always speaking. The question is, are you listening? He's speaking all the time. Now you may say, okay, I'm going to ask him to speak. I'm going to listen. Now how will I hear from him? How does God speak? And I want to tell you very, very clearly, the most reliable way to hear God speak is listening to what he says to you through his word. His word is living. It's active. It's powerful. It's like a sword. It encourages, it corrects, it directs, it guides, it comforts. As the people of God, we feed on the word of God every day, taking his word into our body, that it would renew our minds, that it would direct our feet, that it would take us toward God's will. The most reliable way to hear from God is to listen to what he says through his word. And God will never, ever contradict anything that he says in his word." [15:54]
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