Hearing God's Whisper: Discernment and Guidance
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth that God still speaks to us today, often in ways that are subtle and gentle, like a whisper. We delved into the various ways God communicates, such as through the Bible, gifted teachers, circumstances, and the Holy Spirit's impressions on our hearts. The key is to discern whether these impressions are genuinely from God or from our own thoughts or even the enemy. We must test these impressions against the Word of God, ensuring they align with biblical teachings and principles.
We discussed the importance of being still and knowing God, as mentioned in Psalms 46:10, and how to distinguish God's voice from our own or the enemy's. This involves testing whether the impression aligns with Scripture, makes us more like Jesus, and is confirmed by mature believers in our church community. We also emphasized the significance of understanding our unique design and gifts, as God will not call us to something that contradicts how He has created us.
Furthermore, we explored the difference between conviction and condemnation. Conviction from the Holy Spirit is specific and leads to repentance and transformation, while condemnation from the enemy is vague and leads to feelings of worthlessness. Lastly, we highlighted the importance of having peace about the decisions we make, as God's guidance will always bring a sense of calm and assurance.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Whisper: God often speaks in a still, small voice, not through dramatic events. We must learn to quiet our hearts and minds to hear His gentle whisper, which often comes through Scripture, circumstances, and the Holy Spirit's impressions. [01:59]
- Testing Impressions: To discern if an impression is from God, it must align with Scripture, make us more like Jesus, and be confirmed by mature believers. This process ensures we are not led astray by our own thoughts or the enemy's deceptions. [06:48]
- Conviction vs. Condemnation: The Holy Spirit's conviction is specific and leads to repentance, while condemnation from the enemy is vague and leads to feelings of worthlessness. Understanding this difference helps us respond appropriately to God's guidance. [33:20]
- Peace in Decision-Making: God's guidance brings peace, not confusion or pressure. If a decision causes anxiety or haste, it is likely not from God. We should seek God's peace as confirmation of His will. [37:46]
- Recognizing God's Voice: The closer we are to God, the more we recognize His voice. Just as children know their parent's voice, we must spend time with God to discern His guidance in our lives. [39:27]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Right Place, Right Time
- [00:26] - Series Introduction: Be Still
- [00:42] - How God Speaks Today
- [01:26] - The Still Small Voice
- [02:14] - The Power of God's Word
- [03:28] - Distinguishing God's Impressions
- [05:23] - Seeking God's Direction
- [07:03] - Testing Impressions Against Scripture
- [10:35] - Aligning with Jesus' Character
- [15:50] - Confirmation from Mature Believers
- [23:07] - Consistency with Our Design
- [27:32] - Responsibility and God's Voice
- [32:17] - Conviction vs. Condemnation
- [36:27] - Peace in God's Guidance
- [39:27] - Recognizing the Father's Voice
- [42:06] - Running Towards God's Voice
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Kings 19:12 - "After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper."
2. Psalms 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God."
3. 1 John 4:1 - "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Kings 19:12, how does God choose to communicate with Elijah, and what does this suggest about the nature of God's communication with us? [01:40]
2. In the sermon, what are some of the ways mentioned that God speaks to us today? [00:42]
3. How does the pastor describe the difference between conviction and condemnation, and what are the sources of each? [33:20]
4. What role do mature believers play in confirming whether an impression is from God, according to the sermon? [15:50]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the concept of God speaking in a "gentle whisper" challenge our expectations of how God communicates with us? [01:59]
2. Why is it important to test impressions against Scripture, and what might be the consequences of failing to do so? [06:48]
3. How can understanding the difference between conviction and condemnation affect a person's spiritual growth and relationship with God? [33:20]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of peace in decision-making, and how can this be a sign of God's guidance? [37:46]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was speaking to you. How did you discern whether it was truly from God, and what steps did you take to confirm it? [06:48]
2. In what ways can you create space in your daily life to "be still" and listen for God's voice, as encouraged in Psalms 46:10? [03:28]
3. Think of a recent decision you made. Did you experience peace about it? How might you seek God's peace in future decisions? [37:46]
4. Identify an area in your life where you feel convicted by the Holy Spirit. What specific actions can you take to address this conviction and seek transformation? [33:20]
5. How can you involve mature believers in your decision-making process to ensure that your impressions align with God's will? [15:50]
6. Consider your unique gifts and design. How might God be calling you to use these in your current context, and what steps can you take to align your actions with this calling? [23:07]
7. Reflect on a situation where you felt condemned rather than convicted. How can you shift your perspective to focus on God's grace and forgiveness? [33:20]
Devotional
Day 1: Hearing God's Whisper
God often communicates in subtle and gentle ways, like a whisper. This requires us to quiet our hearts and minds to truly hear Him. He speaks through Scripture, circumstances, and the impressions of the Holy Spirit on our hearts. To hear God's whisper, we must cultivate a practice of stillness and attentiveness, allowing His gentle voice to guide us. This involves setting aside time to be in His presence, free from distractions, and being open to the various ways He may choose to speak. [01:59]
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: When was the last time you intentionally set aside time to be still and listen for God's whisper? How can you create space in your daily routine to hear His voice more clearly?
Day 2: Testing Impressions
Discerning whether an impression is from God requires careful testing. It must align with Scripture, make us more like Jesus, and be confirmed by mature believers. This process helps ensure that we are not led astray by our own thoughts or the enemy's deceptions. By immersing ourselves in the Word of God and seeking counsel from trusted members of our faith community, we can better discern His guidance. This discernment is crucial for spiritual growth and making decisions that honor God. [06:48]
1 John 4:1 (ESV): "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."
Reflection: Think of a recent decision or impression you felt was from God. Did you test it against Scripture and seek confirmation from mature believers? What was the outcome, and how did it impact your faith journey?
Day 3: Conviction vs. Condemnation
Understanding the difference between conviction and condemnation is vital for spiritual health. Conviction from the Holy Spirit is specific and leads to repentance and transformation, while condemnation from the enemy is vague and leads to feelings of worthlessness. Recognizing this difference helps us respond appropriately to God's guidance and reject the enemy's lies. Embracing conviction allows us to grow closer to God and become more like Jesus, while rejecting condemnation frees us from unnecessary guilt and shame. [33:20]
2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV): "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."
Reflection: Can you identify a time when you felt convicted by the Holy Spirit? How did you respond, and what changes did it lead to in your life? Conversely, have you experienced condemnation, and how did you overcome it?
Day 4: Peace in Decision-Making
God's guidance brings peace, not confusion or pressure. If a decision causes anxiety or haste, it is likely not from God. Seeking God's peace as confirmation of His will is essential in our decision-making process. This peace acts as an inner assurance that we are walking in alignment with His purposes. By prioritizing peace, we can navigate life's choices with confidence, knowing that God is leading us in the right direction. [37:46]
Colossians 3:15 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."
Reflection: Reflect on a decision you are currently facing. Do you feel a sense of peace about it? If not, what steps can you take to seek God's peace and ensure you are following His guidance?
Day 5: Recognizing God's Voice
The closer we are to God, the more we recognize His voice. Just as children know their parent's voice, we must spend time with God to discern His guidance in our lives. This involves regular prayer, meditation on Scripture, and being part of a faith community. As we grow in our relationship with God, His voice becomes more familiar, and we can confidently follow His lead. This recognition is a result of intimacy with God and a deepening understanding of His character and will. [39:27]
John 10:27 (ESV): "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
Reflection: How well do you recognize God's voice in your life? What practices can you implement to deepen your relationship with Him and become more attuned to His guidance?
Quotes
"After the earthquake there was a fire but the Lord was not in the fire and after the fire a still small voice or another translation said with a whisper so we often think that God always talks dramatically or something big has to happen for God to speak but often times God speaks through a still small voice or a whisper." [00:01:40]
"God speaks through gifted teachers and gifted ministers god it's the use of their voice to speak into our heart god also speaks through pain and circumstances in our lives there are moments in scripture the Bible says in the midst of our pain in the midst of our hurt many times where that's where God speaks and also God speaks by the Holy Spirit uh he impresses things in our minds and our hearts." [00:00:57]
"Does it agree with the Bible in other words if you get an impression or you hear a message does it agree with the Bible god will never impress something on you that doesn't line up with his word that contradicts the word of God that is not from God in fact the scripture said Jesus said in Luke 21:33 'Heaven and earth are going to pass away but my words will never pass away.'" [00:07:28]
"Does it make me more like Jesus in other words this impression that I'm getting does it make me more like Christ look at what the scripture says in Philippians 2:5 in your li in in your lives you must think and act like Jesus Christ jesus is the standard in which we measure our lives he is the standard to everything that we do not people." [00:10:39]
"Do mature people in my church family confirm what I'm thinking or what I'm being impressed with are there people in my church that are mature believers that confirm what I'm thinking or what's being impressed in my mind see when you become a believer and you become a follower of Jesus not only do you have a new relationship with God but now you have a relationship with your church family and you join the family of God." [00:15:50]
"Conviction usually points to certain areas in our lives that we need to change that need transformation it usually when we get convicted by the Holy Spirit it's usually very specific on certain issues that that we need to change it could be a bad attitude it could be a certain behavior that God begins to uh begins to uh put a spotlight on now condemnation from the devil is usually very vague and very general." [00:33:16]
"God's voice will never contradict the gifting that you have number five are you ready for this one does it concern or does it concern my responsibility is it my responsibility in other words if we're not careful we uh get this impression but isn't it kind of ironic that the impressions you always get are for somebody else and not for you and we have to think what am I responsible for." [00:27:32]
"Do I sense if I to determine whether it's God or or not do I do I sense uh the God's peace about it in other words do I have a peace about this decision because if you're feeling confused and if you're feeling worried then it's not coming from God if you're feeling pressured then it's not coming from God if you're feeling hasty and having to rush a decision then it's not coming from God." [00:36:27]
"The closer you get to God the more you begin to recognize his voice so I I begin to realize you know my my children know my voice your children know your voice if I got on the phone and called one of my boys and said 'Hello.' They say 'Hey Dad that you?' They would recognize my voice i don't have to say 'Hello this is your father Omar Lopez i'm calling you.'" [00:39:27]
"God genuinely speaking to you and this ideal that God is placed on your mind or on your heart it will produce a calm and peaceful spirit you will never be worried and filled with fear and anxiety about this decision but you'll have complete peace about the decision i'm not saying that we don't take risks i'm not saying that we don't take challenges but you have a piece of God that say man I'm going to trust God in this decision." [00:37:46]
"God's at the finish line today of your destiny say 'Here here here here here here here here here is the husband I prepared for you here here is the wife I prepared for you here here is where you're supposed to go here here.' That's how the voice of God speaks to us today let's bow our heads and close our eyes." [00:43:20]
"God has specifically designed you for certain things i I was thinking about the chair that you guys are sitting on right now that chair is designed for you to sustain you to sustain you you have padding in the back padding padding on the on the bottom pretty good padding too in the back too that kind of supports you and thank God that that chair but thank God we're not using uh a Kleenex box hallelujah to support you some of you be sitting flat man that thing would be flat." [00:23:07]
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