Hearing God's Voice: Embracing Our New Identity
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the profound topic of hearing God's voice. We began by drawing a parallel between a mother penguin recognizing her chick's cry among millions and God hearing our individual cries amidst the noise of the world. This analogy underscores the personal and intimate relationship God desires with each of us. We are not just one of many; we are uniquely formed and deeply loved by God.
We explored the journey of salvation, emphasizing that it begins at the cross where Jesus Christ forgives all our sins. However, it doesn't end there. Accepting Christ transforms our identity from sinners to sons and daughters of the Most High God. This new identity comes with the responsibility to live in the freedom Christ has given us. Yet, many believers struggle with old habits and sins, which led us to discuss the importance of addressing the root causes of these issues.
We likened our lives to trees, where the visible fruits (our actions and behaviors) are determined by the health of the roots (our inner life and past experiences). Just as the Israelites had to conquer the Promised Land piece by piece, we too must address and overcome the deep-seated issues in our lives through the power of Christ.
The sermon also highlighted the importance of setting aside dedicated time to hear God's voice. This involves creating a specific place and time for daily communion with God, being still, and worshiping. Worship helps us focus and align our spirits with God, making it easier to hear His voice amidst life's distractions. We were encouraged to write down our prayers and God's responses, fostering a dialogue that brings clarity and direction.
Finally, we discussed the nature of God's voice versus the devil's voice. God's voice brings peace, clarity, and hope, while the devil's voice brings confusion, fear, and condemnation. By discerning these voices, we can better navigate our spiritual journey and live in the freedom and identity Christ has given us.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Hears Our Individual Cries: Just as a mother penguin can identify her chick's cry among millions, God hears each of our cries amidst the world's noise. This personal attention from God assures us that we are uniquely loved and valued, not just one of many. This understanding should fill us with hope and confidence in God's intimate care for us. [00:56]
2. Transformation at the Cross: Accepting Jesus Christ transforms our identity from sinners to sons and daughters of God. This new identity is not just a title but a call to live in the freedom and righteousness that Christ provides. We must embrace this transformation and walk in the new life Christ has given us. [03:52]
3. Addressing Root Issues: Our visible actions and behaviors are often the result of deeper, hidden issues. Like the Israelites conquering the Promised Land piece by piece, we must address and overcome these root issues through Christ's power. This process involves self-examination, repentance, and reliance on God's strength. [07:12]
4. Setting Time to Hear God: To hear God's voice, we must set aside dedicated time and space for daily communion with Him. This involves being still, worshiping, and creating an environment where we can focus on God without distractions. Preparation and consistency in this practice are key to developing a deeper relationship with God. [10:41]
5. Discerning God's Voice: God's voice brings peace, clarity, and hope, while the devil's voice brings confusion, fear, and condemnation. By learning to discern these voices, we can better navigate our spiritual journey and make decisions that align with God's will. Writing down our prayers and God's responses can help us maintain clarity and direction. [23:47]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:56] - God Hears Our Cries
[01:52] - Journey of Salvation
[02:31] - Transformation at the Cross
[03:08] - Living a New Life in Christ
[03:52] - New Identity in Christ
[04:29] - Trusting Our Abba Father
[05:12] - Riches of Heaven
[05:47] - Freedom in Christ
[06:16] - Addressing Root Issues
[07:12] - Conquering Piece by Piece
[08:19] - Overcoming Addictions
[09:21] - Importance of Hearing God's Voice
[10:41] - Setting Time to Hear God
[12:06] - Preparing to Meet God
[13:50] - Power of Worship
[15:27] - Positioning Yourself in Worship
[17:25] - Worship in Battle
[19:04] - Focus Through Worship
[20:48] - Listening and Writing
[22:05] - Practical Steps to Hear God
[23:47] - Discerning God's Voice
[24:43] - Writing Down God's Responses
[25:09] - Dialogue with God
[27:36] - Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 19:10-11: "And the Lord said to Moses, 'Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.'"
2. 2 Chronicles 20:17: "You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem! Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you."
3. Habakkuk 2:2: "Then the Lord replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Exodus 19:10-11 suggest about the importance of preparation before meeting with God?
2. In 2 Chronicles 20:17, what does God instruct the people to do in the face of battle, and what is the significance of this instruction?
3. According to Habakkuk 2:2, what is the purpose of writing down revelations from God?
4. How does the analogy of the mother penguin recognizing her chick's cry relate to our relationship with God? [00:56]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "consecrate" oneself before meeting with God, and how can this be applied in our daily lives? [12:06]
2. How can the instruction to "stand still and see the salvation of the Lord" in 2 Chronicles 20:17 be applied to modern-day spiritual battles? [15:27]
3. Why is it important to write down our prayers and God's responses, as suggested in Habakkuk 2:2? [20:48]
4. How can believers discern between God's voice and the devil's voice, and why is this discernment crucial for our spiritual journey? [23:47]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like just one of many. How does knowing that God hears your individual cries change your perspective on your relationship with Him? [00:56]
2. What steps can you take to embrace your new identity in Christ and live in the freedom He provides? Are there specific old habits or sins you need to address? [03:52]
3. Identify a "root issue" in your life that affects your actions and behaviors. What practical steps can you take to address this issue through Christ's power? [07:12]
4. How can you create a dedicated time and space for daily communion with God? What changes do you need to make in your schedule to prioritize this practice? [10:41]
5. Think of a recent situation where you felt confused or condemned. How can you apply the principles of discerning God's voice to find peace and clarity in similar situations? [23:47]
6. Choose a worship song that helps you focus on God. How can you incorporate this song into your daily routine to help you stay connected with God amidst life's distractions? [19:04]
7. Write down a prayer or question you have for God. Spend time listening for His response and write down what you sense He is saying. How does this practice affect your relationship with God? [22:05]
Devotional
Day 1: God Hears Our Individual Cries
God's intimate attention to each of us is like a mother penguin recognizing her chick's cry among millions. This analogy illustrates the profound personal relationship God desires with each of us. We are not just one of many; we are uniquely formed and deeply loved by God. This understanding should fill us with hope and confidence in God's intimate care for us. Knowing that God hears our individual cries amidst the world's noise assures us of His constant presence and attention in our lives. [00:56]
Isaiah 49:15-16 (ESV): "Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt unheard or overlooked. How does knowing that God hears your individual cries change your perspective on that experience?
Day 2: Transformation at the Cross
Accepting Jesus Christ transforms our identity from sinners to sons and daughters of God. This new identity is not just a title but a call to live in the freedom and righteousness that Christ provides. Embracing this transformation means walking in the new life Christ has given us, leaving behind old habits and sins. This journey of salvation begins at the cross where Jesus forgives all our sins, but it doesn't end there. We must continually live out our new identity in Christ, trusting in His power to help us overcome our struggles. [03:52]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What old habits or sins are you struggling to leave behind? How can you actively embrace your new identity in Christ today?
Day 3: Addressing Root Issues
Our visible actions and behaviors are often the result of deeper, hidden issues. Like the Israelites conquering the Promised Land piece by piece, we must address and overcome these root issues through Christ's power. This process involves self-examination, repentance, and reliance on God's strength. By addressing the root causes of our struggles, we can experience true transformation and freedom in Christ. This journey requires patience and perseverance, but with God's help, we can conquer these deep-seated issues and live a life that reflects His love and grace. [07:12]
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Reflection: What is one root issue in your life that you need to address? How can you begin to tackle this issue with God's help today?
Day 4: Setting Time to Hear God
To hear God's voice, we must set aside dedicated time and space for daily communion with Him. This involves being still, worshiping, and creating an environment where we can focus on God without distractions. Preparation and consistency in this practice are key to developing a deeper relationship with God. By setting aside time to hear God's voice, we can align our spirits with His and receive the guidance and direction we need for our lives. Worship helps us focus and prepare our hearts to hear from God, making it easier to discern His voice amidst life's distractions. [10:41]
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 specific time and place can you set aside each day to hear God's voice? How can you create an environment that minimizes distractions during this time?
Day 5: Discerning God's Voice
God's voice brings peace, clarity, and hope, while the devil's voice brings confusion, fear, and condemnation. By learning to discern these voices, we can better navigate our spiritual journey and make decisions that align with God's will. Writing down our prayers and God's responses can help us maintain clarity and direction. This practice fosters a dialogue with God that brings clarity and direction, helping us to live in the freedom and identity Christ has given us. By discerning God's voice, we can experience His peace and guidance in our daily lives. [23:47]
John 10:27 (ESV): "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
Reflection: Think of a recent decision you made. How did you discern whether it was God's voice guiding you? What steps can you take to better discern God's voice in future decisions?
Quotes
1. "So whatever you're going through right now in your life, whatever happens in your life, you have a God who can hear out of all the noises in the world. And this gives me pretty good hope because sometimes I feel I'm just one of many. You are not one of many. You are the main thing. God formed you, shaped you in the mother's womb, and you're very, very unique for the kingdom of God." [01:52] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The moment when the Holy Spirit opens up your eyes and realizing I'm a sinner, I need Jesus Christ. In that moment, when you receive Jesus Christ, all your sins in one second are forgiven. All. Is anyone happy about the fact? I mean, all what you have done in your life. All. All in one second. So we lead people to the cross. And the Bible says, everything what is guilty becomes for free. And the power of curse has no power anymore in your life." [02:31] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So being a child of God means I have the most richest daddy in the world who is on my side. That's why Paul is saying, sometimes there's less, I've plenty. But God is my provider. So God changes my name from a sinner into a saint. And I'm a son and a daughter of Moses, and my identity has changed." [05:12] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So the Bible says, so listen to me, that people of God left Egypt as slaves, but the spirit of Egypt was still in them. Sometimes we stepping out from the old lifestyle, but the old lifestyle is still in us. Or God is saying to the people of God, I have given you the promised land. But hey, they were not there yet. There were still some enemies in the land, but God is saying, I have given you the land, it belongs to you." [07:12] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So in other words, the thing is, even though if you fall and stumble, we get up and we live in the new identity that God has given to us. A guy said to me, Leo, my dad always kicked, dog. So that's why I'm angry too. Don't blame your dad. Don't blame your mom. Don't blame me. Don't blame Switzerland. Often people blame I'm a victim because of somebody else. Being a victim means your life will not be in freedom." [08:19] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The reason that God speaks to you is not only I need a job, I need a wife and more money. So sometimes God can speak to you to purify and sanctify. It can be God speaks to you to depend on your relationship with God. It can be God says, I strengthen, I encourage you and give you comfort. Sometimes God speaks to you to showing he's a lovely God to everyone. Sometimes God clarifies even some courage. And sometimes in difficult seasons, God will speak to you." [09:21] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So when people walk in 930, they think, oh, the atmosphere is a miracle. Oh, the stage was already there. Oh, the props are already there. Do you know that almost two hours before anyone comes, there is a prayer team. They're walking six times around the building, not seven. That's dangerous because of Jericho. They're walking six times around the building so that when you come in one second, the God, give you a revelation. Preparation is everything." [13:50] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So when God gives you advice like this this doesn't make sense if you're not a believer it doesn't sense for a believer not believer the cross doesn't make sense the the message of the cross is for people a fool it doesn't make sense but for us it's forgiveness relationship with God when God says you stand still do nothing I will fight for you tell this to unbelievers say are you nuts." [17:25] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "So when you are in a season of of going to a hard thing put in a worship song because God will fight on your behalf so I want to ask a question listen and write listen and write means so you have some issues in your life you have some issues in your life you have some issues in your life you have some issues in your life maybe you have an addiction maybe you have an addiction you uh you have a problem with porn uh jealousy and envy stinginess." [20:48] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So the devil tears you down but God lifts you up so if you are asking question why I'm still looking porn and watching porn there's no such thing as a Christian porn porn is porn right this is almost my running gag no one laughs almost there's no Christian porn there's Christian music but the Christian porn so sorry it's a joke but every time I speak of a sex people it's a joke so write down write down write down your first thoughts so you write down Jesus." [24:43] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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