HEARING GOD'S VOICE - GOD SPEAKS TO US AND FOR US

In a world filled with noise—both external and internal—there is a deep need to recognize and respond to the voice of God. From the very beginning of creation, God has been a speaking God, communicating with His people in personal, powerful, and precise ways. He is not distant or silent, but desires a living relationship with each of us, calling us by name and inviting us to walk closely with Him. This relationship is not about following a set of rules, but about communion, trust, and intimacy. Throughout Scripture, God’s voice is seen shaping destinies, bringing order out of chaos, and offering comfort, guidance, and correction.

God’s voice is personal—He speaks to individuals, not just to leaders or prophets, but to every one of His children. The closer we walk with Him, the clearer His communication becomes. He speaks to those who wait on Him, who worship in spirit and truth, and who cultivate a heart of reverence and surrender. His voice is also powerful; when He speaks, things change. His word brings light, life, and order, transforming fear into faith and chaos into calm. God’s word is not just descriptive, but creative and commanding, carrying the authority to perform what He promises.

Clarity is another hallmark of God’s voice. He is not the author of confusion, but speaks with precision and purpose. When seeking direction, it is vital to measure what we hear against the unchanging standard of Scripture. God’s voice never contradicts His written word, and He often confirms His guidance through the Spirit, the Scriptures, and the counsel of mature believers. Peace, not panic or pressure, accompanies His leading.

To truly hear God, we must cultivate stillness and silence, making ourselves available and attentive. God often whispers in the quiet moments, and it is in surrender and stillness that we become sensitive to His leading. Jesus Himself modeled this by withdrawing to lonely places to pray and listen. Hearing God’s voice is not about volume, but about the posture of our hearts.

Finally, God not only speaks to us, but also speaks for us. Jesus is our advocate, mediator, and intercessor before the Father. He paid the ultimate price to represent us, bridging the gap caused by sin and continually interceding on our behalf. As His sheep, we are called to recognize His voice amid the noise of the world, to pause, listen, and respond in obedience—knowing that when God speaks and we respond, lives are transformed and faith is strengthened.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Voice is Personal and Relational God desires a relationship, not mere rule-following. He speaks directly to individuals, calling each by name and inviting us into deeper communion. The more we walk with Him, wait on Him, and worship in spirit and truth, the more clearly we discern His voice. This personal connection is foundational to a vibrant faith. [06:26]
• 2. God’s Voice is Powerful and Transformative When God speaks, His word brings about real change—creating light from darkness, order from chaos, and life from death. His word is not passive; it is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword. In our own lives, His voice has the power to calm storms, dispel fear, and define our destinies when we receive it with faith. [10:43]
• 3. God’s Voice is Precise and Brings Peace God communicates with clarity, not confusion. He gives specific instructions and confirms His guidance through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and wise counsel. If what we hear contradicts God’s word or brings confusion and condemnation, it is not from Him. True direction from God is marked by peace and confirmation, not pressure or panic. [16:33]
• 4. God’s Voice is Proven and Rooted in Scripture The surest way to hear God is through His written word. Scripture is the settled, living speech of God, providing a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. The more we immerse ourselves in the Bible, the more we recognize God’s whisper and discern His will, as the Spirit illuminates the word to our hearts. [18:33]
• 5. God’s Voice is Perceived by the Prepared and Surrendered Heart Hearing God requires stillness, silence, and surrender. Availability precedes audibility; we must pause, pray, and prepare our hearts to perceive His presence. Jesus, our advocate and mediator, continually intercedes for us, and as we tune our hearts to the Shepherd’s voice, we find guidance, assurance, and transformation.
  
  ** [25:33]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:37] - Early Morning Reflections
• [01:28] - Competing Voices in Our Lives
• [02:01] - God: The Speaking God
• [02:38] - God Speaks Throughout Scripture
• [04:11] - The Problem: We’ve Stopped Listening
• [04:44] - Principle 1: God’s Voice is Personal
• [08:20] - Principle 2: God’s Voice is Powerful
• [12:46] - Principle 3: God’s Voice is Precise
• [17:36] - Principle 4: God’s Voice is Proven
• [19:55] - The Role of Stillness and Silence
• [21:06] - Availability Precedes Audibility
• [26:11] - God Speaks For Us: Jesus Our Advocate
• [31:20] - Jesus as Mediator and Intercessor
• [34:43] - Tuning In to the Shepherd’s Voice
• [36:21] - Final Call: Listen for His Voice

Bible Reading

John 10:27 (ESV) — > "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

2. 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!"

3. 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."

Observation Questions

1. In John 10:27, what does Jesus say about His relationship with His sheep? What does it mean that His sheep “hear” His voice?
2. According to Psalm 46:10, what is the connection between stillness and knowing God?
3. In Hebrews 4:12, how is the word of God described, and what does it do in the lives of believers?
4. The sermon mentioned that God’s voice brings peace, not confusion or panic. What are some examples from the sermon or Scripture where God’s voice brought clarity or calm? [[16:33]]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says God’s voice is personal and relational, not just for leaders or prophets but for every believer. Why is it important to understand that God wants to speak to each of us individually? [[06:26]]
2. The preacher described God’s voice as powerful and able to bring order out of chaos. How does this understanding affect the way we approach situations of fear or confusion in our own lives? [[10:43]]
3. The sermon emphasized that God’s voice is always consistent with Scripture and brings peace. How can we practically test what we think we are hearing to make sure it is truly from God? [[16:33]]
4. Jesus is described as our advocate and mediator, continually interceding for us. How does this truth shape our confidence in approaching God and listening for His voice? [[26:43]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon talked about the “noise” in our lives—both external and internal. What are some specific sources of noise in your life that make it hard to hear God’s voice? What is one step you can take this week to create more stillness or silence? [[01:28]]
2. God’s voice is described as personal and relational. When was the last time you sensed God speaking to you personally? How did you respond, and what might help you be more attentive to His voice in the future? [[06:26]]
3. The preacher said, “Availability precedes audibility.” What does it look like for you to make yourself available to God? Are there practical changes you could make to your daily routine to be more available to hear from Him? [[21:06]]
4. The sermon highlighted that God’s voice brings peace, not pressure or panic. Think of a recent decision or situation where you felt pressure or confusion. How could you seek God’s peace and confirmation before moving forward? [[16:33]]
5. Scripture is called the “settled, living speech of God.” How consistent is your time in God’s word? What is one way you could deepen your engagement with Scripture this week to better recognize God’s voice? [[18:33]]
6. Jesus is our advocate, always interceding for us. How does knowing this affect the way you pray or approach God, especially when you feel unworthy or distant? [[26:43]]
7. The preacher shared the story of the shepherd whose sheep know his voice. In the busyness of life, how can you “tune in” to the Shepherd’s frequency? Are there specific habits or practices you want to try to help you recognize and follow Jesus’ voice more clearly? [[34:43]]