Hearing God's Voice: Embracing Faith and Guidance

 

Summary

Good morning, Liberty family! It's a joy to gather with you all today, whether you're here in person or joining us online. As we prepare for Good Friday and Easter, I want to remind you of the unique opportunity we have to experience Jesus through our God-given senses. Today, we focus on the sense of hearing and the importance of recognizing God's voice in our lives.

God speaks to us in various ways, and it's crucial to discern His voice amidst the noise of the world. In the Old Testament, God spoke through creation, prophets, dreams, and visions. Today, He speaks primarily through His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The Bible is our primary source of hearing God's voice, as faith comes by hearing the Word of God. The Holy Spirit, our advocate, guides us into all truth, living within us and leading us in our daily walk.

Recognizing God's voice requires us to test what we hear against Scripture. God's voice will always align with His Word, often conflicting with human wisdom and challenging our flesh. It will also require faith, as anything not done in faith is sin. We must be open to hearing God's voice, avoiding the hardening of our hearts that comes from ignoring His call.

As we consider the adoption of Fairview Heights, we are reminded of the cost of adoption, both financially and spiritually. Yet, we are called to love and support our sister church, trusting God to provide the resources needed. This endeavor aligns with Scripture, as we are called to spread the Gospel and support one another in love.

Finally, I encourage you to be receptive to God's voice, whether it's through His Word, the Holy Spirit, or the counsel of others. Pray for ears to hear and a heart to obey. As we approach Easter, let's invite others to experience Jesus and the transformative power of His love.

Key Takeaways:

- Recognizing God's Voice: God speaks to us through His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The Bible is our primary source for hearing God's voice, and we must test what we hear against Scripture to ensure it aligns with His Word. [42:45]

- The Challenge of Faith: God's voice often conflicts with human wisdom and challenges our flesh. We must be willing to step out in faith, trusting that His ways are higher than ours and that He will guide us into all truth. [52:13]

- The Cost of Adoption: Supporting our sister church, Fairview Heights, is a tangible expression of love and obedience to God's call. Adoption is costly, but it aligns with Scripture and demonstrates our commitment to the Great Commission. [01:04:24]

- Avoiding a Hardened Heart: Ignoring God's voice can lead to a hardened heart, preventing us from experiencing His promises. We must be swift to hear and slow to speak, actively seeking to obey His Word. [01:11:50]

- Receiving God's Guidance: God promises to guide us, speaking to us in various ways. We must be open to His leading, praying for ears to hear and a heart to follow His direction, trusting that He will lead us in the right path. [01:16:14]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:01:30] - Good Friday and Easter Announcements
- [00:04:00] - Series Introduction: Experience Jesus
- [00:06:30] - The Importance of Hearing God's Voice
- [00:10:00] - Recognizing God's Voice
- [00:15:00] - God Speaks Through Creation and Scripture
- [00:20:00] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [00:25:00] - Testing God's Voice Against Scripture
- [00:30:00] - The Cost of Adoption: Fairview Heights
- [00:35:00] - Avoiding a Hardened Heart
- [00:40:00] - Receiving God's Guidance
- [00:45:00] - Personal Testimonies and Encouragement
- [00:50:00] - Invitation to Respond
- [00:55:00] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."
2. John 10:2-4 - "The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out."
3. Hebrews 1:1-2 - "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe."

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Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, what are some of the ways God spoke to people in the Old Testament? [42:45]

2. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers today? [52:13]

3. What is the significance of the phrase "Hear, O Israel" in the context of the sermon? [01:11:50]

4. What example from the sermon illustrates the cost of adoption, both financially and spiritually? [01:04:24]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon suggest believers can discern God's voice amidst the noise of the world? [42:45]

2. In what ways does the sermon indicate that God's voice might conflict with human wisdom and challenge our flesh? [52:13]

3. How does the sermon connect the concept of adoption to the church's mission and the Great Commission? [01:04:24]

4. What does the sermon imply about the consequences of ignoring God's voice and hardening one's heart? [01:11:50]

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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 what steps did you take to ensure it aligned with Scripture? [42:45]

2. The sermon mentions that God's voice often conflicts with human wisdom. Can you identify a recent decision where you felt led by faith rather than logic? How did you respond? [52:13]

3. Supporting Fairview Heights is described as a tangible expression of love and obedience. How can you personally contribute to a similar cause in your community? [01:04:24]

4. The sermon warns against the hardening of hearts. Are there areas in your life where you might be ignoring God's voice? What steps can you take to be more receptive? [01:11:50]

5. The pastor shared a story about a restless spirit leading to significant change. Have you experienced a similar restlessness? How did you interpret it, and what actions did you take? [01:16:14]

6. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit as described in the sermon. How can you be more attentive to the Spirit's guidance in your daily life? [52:13]

7. The sermon encourages inviting others to experience Jesus. Who in your life could you invite to church or a small group, and how will you approach them? [01:20:26]

Devotional

Day 1: Discerning God's Voice in a Noisy World
God speaks to us through His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The Bible is our primary source for hearing God's voice, and we must test what we hear against Scripture to ensure it aligns with His Word. In a world filled with noise and distractions, discerning God's voice requires intentionality and focus. It involves setting aside time to engage with Scripture and allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate its truths in our hearts. As we grow in our relationship with God, we become more attuned to His voice, recognizing it amidst the clamor of daily life. [42:45]

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: In what ways can you create space in your daily routine to listen for God's voice more intentionally?


Day 2: Embracing the Challenge of Faith
God's voice often conflicts with human wisdom and challenges our flesh. We must be willing to step out in faith, trusting that His ways are higher than ours and that He will guide us into all truth. Faith requires us to move beyond our comfort zones, embracing the unknown with confidence in God's promises. It is in these moments of uncertainty that our faith is tested and strengthened, as we learn to rely on God's wisdom rather than our own understanding. [52:13]

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Reflection: Identify a situation where you are relying on your own understanding. How can you step out in faith and trust God's guidance instead?


Day 3: The Sacrificial Love of Adoption
Supporting our sister church, Fairview Heights, is a tangible expression of love and obedience to God's call. Adoption is costly, but it aligns with Scripture and demonstrates our commitment to the Great Commission. This endeavor reminds us of the sacrificial love that God has shown us through Jesus Christ, who adopted us into His family. As we consider the cost of adoption, both financially and spiritually, we are called to trust in God's provision and to support one another in love. [01:04:24]

James 1:27 (ESV): "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

Reflection: How can you contribute to the support of Fairview Heights, whether through prayer, financial support, or other means?


Day 4: Guarding Against a Hardened Heart
Ignoring God's voice can lead to a hardened heart, preventing us from experiencing His promises. We must be swift to hear and slow to speak, actively seeking to obey His Word. A hardened heart is often the result of repeated disobedience and neglect of God's voice, leading to spiritual stagnation. To guard against this, we must remain open and receptive to God's guidance, allowing His Word to penetrate our hearts and transform our lives. [01:11:50]

Hebrews 3:15 (ESV): "As it is said, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.'"

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you ignored God's prompting. What steps can you take to ensure your heart remains open to His voice?


Day 5: Receiving and Following God's Guidance
God promises to guide us, speaking to us in various ways. We must be open to His leading, praying for ears to hear and a heart to follow His direction, trusting that He will lead us in the right path. Receiving God's guidance requires humility and a willingness to submit to His will, even when it contradicts our own desires. As we seek His direction, we can be confident that He will provide the wisdom and discernment needed to navigate life's challenges. [01:16:14]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to seek God's guidance? How can you actively listen for His direction in this area?

Quotes



"Let me tell you what rejecting the voice of God cost Israel 40 years in the wilderness. That generation didn't even go in. It cost them the promised land. Every time you hear the voice of God and ignore it, it keeps you from the promises of God. It keeps you from the best." [01:10:55] (17 seconds) Edit Clip


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Transcript
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