Hearing God's Voice: Embracing His Guidance in Life
Summary
Today, we delved into the importance of hearing God's voice and understanding His will for our lives. We began by discussing the upcoming series, "At the Movies," which is an evangelistic series designed to reach out to those who feel judged by traditional religious practices. This series follows Jesus' teaching model of using stories to convey deeper truths, making it an excellent opportunity to invite friends and family who might be hesitant about church.
Reflecting on a recent Mother's Day message, we were reminded of the importance of humor and relatability in church. A comment from a young woman named Katie highlighted how impactful our messages can be, especially for younger generations. This sentiment aligns with our church's mission: community transformation through the love and power of Jesus. We aim to reach the next generation, ensuring that our ceiling becomes their floor, allowing them to experience God in ways we might not have at their age.
We then transitioned into our current series, "Made for This," focusing on the story of Samuel from 1 Samuel 3. Samuel's journey began with him hearing God's voice as a young boy, despite the rarity of divine messages at that time due to Eli's inattentiveness. Samuel's willingness to listen and respond to God's call set the stage for a revival among the youth, emphasizing the importance of being attuned to God's voice.
To hear God's voice, we must recognize the various ways He communicates with us. The primary method is through the Bible. Scripture is God's written word, useful for teaching, correcting, and guiding us. However, we must approach the Bible holistically, not picking and choosing parts that suit us while ignoring others. This cafeteria-style Christianity is deceptive and ineffective. Instead, we must embrace the entirety of God's word, allowing it to shape and guide our lives.
In addition to the Bible, God speaks through family and friends. We must surround ourselves with godly individuals who can offer wise counsel and hold us accountable. These relationships are crucial for our spiritual growth and can help us navigate life's challenges.
The Holy Spirit also plays a vital role in communicating God's will. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would teach us and bring to our minds everything He has said. This divine inspiration often comes in moments of quiet reflection, dreams, and even through the pain we experience. Pain can be a powerful teacher, prompting us to change our ways and seek God's guidance more earnestly.
Creating space for God to speak is essential. In our busy lives, filled with constant noise and distractions, we must intentionally carve out moments of silence and solitude. Whether it's during our commute, a walk in nature, or before bed, these quiet times allow us to hear God's still, small voice.
Finally, we must be open to hearing from God through various means, including sermons, songs, and conversations with others. The Holy Spirit often uses these moments to remind us of truths we've already learned but may have forgotten. By staying connected to God's word and creating opportunities for the Holy Spirit to speak, we can navigate life's challenges with divine wisdom and guidance.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Relatability in Church: Humor and relatability can make church more accessible, especially for those who feel judged by traditional religious practices. This approach aligns with Jesus' teaching model of using stories to convey deeper truths. By making church a welcoming and engaging place, we can reach more people and transform our community through the love and power of Jesus. [04:45]
2. Hearing God's Voice Through Scripture: The Bible is God's primary method of communication. It is essential to approach it holistically, embracing all of its teachings rather than picking and choosing parts that suit us. This comprehensive approach allows God's word to teach, correct, and guide us effectively. [09:23]
3. The Role of Godly Relationships: Surrounding ourselves with godly friends and family is crucial for spiritual growth. These relationships provide wise counsel and accountability, helping us navigate life's challenges. We must be open to hearing hard truths from those who care about us and are committed to our spiritual well-being. [18:26]
4. Creating Space for the Holy Spirit: In our busy lives, it's essential to carve out moments of silence and solitude to hear God's voice. Whether it's during our commute, a walk in nature, or before bed, these quiet times allow us to connect with God and receive His guidance. The Holy Spirit often speaks in these moments, providing wisdom and instruction. [24:51]
5. Learning Through Pain: Pain can be a powerful teacher, prompting us to change our ways and seek God's guidance more earnestly. While God does not cause our pain, He can use it to get our attention and lead us back to Him. By being open to learning from our painful experiences, we can grow spiritually and align ourselves more closely with God's will. [30:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:45] - The Impact of Relatability in Church
[09:23] - Hearing God's Voice Through Scripture
[18:26] - The Role of Godly Relationships
[24:51] - Creating Space for the Holy Spirit
[30:19] - Learning Through Pain
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (NIV)
> The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 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.”
### Observation Questions
1. What was the state of divine messages during the time of Samuel's youth? (1 Samuel 3:1)
2. How did Samuel initially respond to God's call, and what was Eli's reaction? (1 Samuel 3:4-6)
3. What instruction did Eli give Samuel after realizing it was the Lord calling him? (1 Samuel 3:8-9)
4. How did Samuel finally respond to God's call, and what was the significance of his response? (1 Samuel 3:10)
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think divine messages were rare during the time of Samuel's youth? How does this context affect the significance of Samuel hearing God's voice? (1 Samuel 3:1)
2. What can we learn from Eli's guidance to Samuel about recognizing and responding to God's voice? (1 Samuel 3:8-9)
3. How does Samuel's willingness to listen and respond to God's call set an example for us today? (1 Samuel 3:10)
4. Reflecting on the sermon, how does the story of Samuel illustrate the importance of being attuned to God's voice in our own lives? [04:45]
### Application Questions
1. Relatability in Church: How can we incorporate humor and relatability into our church activities to make them more accessible to those who feel judged by traditional religious practices? [04:45]
2. Hearing God's Voice Through Scripture: What steps can you take to approach the Bible more holistically, ensuring you embrace all of its teachings rather than picking and choosing parts that suit you? [09:23]
3. The Role of Godly Relationships: Do you have godly friends or family members who can offer wise counsel and hold you accountable? If not, what steps can you take to build such relationships? [18:26]
4. Creating Space for the Holy Spirit: In your busy life, how can you intentionally carve out moments of silence and solitude to hear God's voice? What specific times or activities can you set aside for this purpose? [24:51]
5. Learning Through Pain: Reflect on a painful experience in your life. How did it prompt you to seek God's guidance more earnestly? How can you remain open to learning from future painful experiences? [30:19]
6. Engaging the Next Generation: How can you contribute to ensuring that the next generation experiences God in ways that you might not have at their age? What specific actions can you take to support young people in your church community? [04:45]
7. Recognizing God's Voice: Job said that God speaks in different ways, but we don't always recognize His voice. What are some practical ways you can become more attuned to recognizing God's voice in your daily life? [23:40]
Devotional
Day 1: The Impact of Relatability in Church
Church should be a place where everyone feels welcome and understood. Humor and relatability can break down barriers, making it easier for people to connect with the message and with each other. This approach mirrors Jesus' use of parables—stories that conveyed profound truths in a way that was accessible to all. By creating an environment where people feel they belong, we can reach those who might otherwise feel judged or excluded by traditional religious practices. This is especially important for younger generations who are seeking authenticity and connection in their spiritual journey. [04:45]
Luke 15:1-2 (ESV): "Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, 'This man receives sinners and eats with them.'"
Reflection: Think of a friend or family member who might feel judged by traditional religious practices. How can you use humor and relatability to make them feel more welcome and understood?
Day 2: Hearing God's Voice Through Scripture
The Bible is God's primary method of communication with us. It is essential to approach it holistically, embracing all of its teachings rather than picking and choosing parts that suit us. This comprehensive approach allows God's word to teach, correct, and guide us effectively. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we open our hearts and minds to God's voice, allowing Him to shape our lives according to His will. This means reading the Bible regularly, meditating on its truths, and applying its lessons to our daily lives. [09:23]
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."
Reflection: Are there parts of the Bible you tend to avoid because they challenge you? How can you begin to embrace the entirety of God's word in your daily reading?
Day 3: The Role of Godly Relationships
Surrounding ourselves with godly friends and family is crucial for spiritual growth. These relationships provide wise counsel and accountability, helping us navigate life's challenges. We must be open to hearing hard truths from those who care about us and are committed to our spiritual well-being. God often uses these relationships to speak into our lives, offering guidance and support when we need it most. By fostering these connections, we create a network of support that strengthens our faith and helps us stay on the right path. [18:26]
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Reflection: Who in your life provides you with godly counsel and accountability? How can you strengthen these relationships and be more open to their guidance?
Day 4: Creating Space for the Holy Spirit
In our busy lives, it's essential to carve out moments of silence and solitude to hear God's voice. Whether it's during our commute, a walk in nature, or before bed, these quiet times allow us to connect with God and receive His guidance. The Holy Spirit often speaks in these moments, providing wisdom and instruction. By intentionally creating space for the Holy Spirit, we open ourselves to divine inspiration and direction, helping us navigate life's challenges with clarity and peace. [24:51]
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: When can you carve out a moment of silence and solitude today to listen for God's voice? What distractions do you need to set aside to make this time meaningful?
Day 5: Learning Through Pain
Pain can be a powerful teacher, prompting us to change our ways and seek God's guidance more earnestly. While God does not cause our pain, He can use it to get our attention and lead us back to Him. By being open to learning from our painful experiences, we can grow spiritually and align ourselves more closely with God's will. Pain often reveals areas of our lives that need healing and transformation, and through it, we can experience God's grace and strength in profound ways. [30:19]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent painful experience. How can you see God's hand at work in that situation, and what lessons might He be teaching you through it?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "People who have no investment in your life, who don't love you, who are not from God are constantly telling you what they think about you. What you need to say is, I don't care. Turn it off. Okay. God will let you get so filled with depression and anxiety and anxiety and anxiety. He's going to let you get so filled with depression and anxiety. We change when we get desperate. We change when, you know, things are so bad we have to listen." [30:19]
2. "Hey, we're in this series called Made for This, but the next series starts in two, everybody say two, two weeks, and it is the funnest series of the year. It's called At the Movies. How many of you ever been to that? Do you like that? Isn't that fun? Super great series, and it's also very evangelistic. Let me tell you, this is the perfect series to invite your family and friends that have just been turned off to church. They feel like they've been judged by tradition of religious tradition. This is a great time." [34:32]
3. "Humor and the church do not have to be separate from one another. Personally, I think this was hilarious. And this is the line that really spoke to me. I wish I would have heard this message when I was about 16 or 17. And I can't tell you how many times I've heard this. At least a hundred times, somebody has said to me, I wish I'd heard you say that X days ago or years ago. I mean, over and over again. And really, that sentiment is where the heart of our church is." [04:45]
4. "You need godly people in your life who will tell you what you may not want to hear because you're surrounded by people. And some of them are not who you need to hear from. In fact, this is one of my favorite verses of the day because it says stupid. And I just think it's cool when the Bible says stupid. Now I know that, um, this is the first day of move up Sunday and kids have come from kids church to big church and in kids church, you were probably taught not to be people stupid. That's really good advice. Okay. But I'm the pastor. And if the Bible calls you stupid, you are stupid. So we're going to use this word here. Stupid people always think they are right. Wise people listen to advice." [22:21]
### Quotes for Members
1. "See, God is always speaking. It's been said that God never shuts his mouth until you shut his book. If you're not opening his word, if you're not reading his word, you're not going to hear his voice. Because that's the primary place that God speaks to you. And I want you to underline this. Let me see if I can make this fancy board do what I want it to do. I want you to do this. In your Bible or in the notes there, circle everything and all of it. Because that's how much of God's word will teach you, help you, correct you, and show you the way to go. How much of it? Everything. How much of it? All of it." [09:23]
2. "You need to have people in your life that you are aspiring to be like. Now there's no perfect people. We're all trying to be like Jesus. But one of the things the apostle Paul said to his followers, he said, follow me as I follow Jesus. So it's actually biblical for you to find someone in your orbit that you can look up to. And that's who you're talking to find more than one. You might say, well, you don't know my friends, man. They are knuckleheads. They're terrible. You don't know the family I came from. Hey, look around this faith family right here. There are some generals in the faith in this place." [20:55]
3. "You turn off the noise in your commute in the morning, instead of listening to a podcast or the radio or anything like that. Just talk to God, go for a walk in the woods without your phone. Oh my God. What if something happens to my kid? You know, how did we get raised? My mother didn't know where I was from daylight to dark in the summer. And somehow I survived. I'm still here. You're going to be fine. You know, what we have is we have a lack of trust because we're not connected to the one who's most trustworthy. If we truly walk in trust, we'll let God be God. And we won't be helicoptering over all the details, including our kids, all the details of our life." [26:17]
4. "Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways. I'm gonna let that just sit for a minute because some of you have hit rock bottom recently, and it's caused you to look up. You can't look down here at the bottom. The only place to look now is up and God will use those moments like the pain of a financial disaster or a relationship that blew up that pain. He'll use the pain of anxiety. You know, you're letting every voice, including that phone and every other voice scream in you, and you're just so anxious. You know why we're the anxious generation right now? Why we're so anxious? Because we never shut the voices up around us." [28:56]
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