Hearing the Holy Spirit: Removing Spiritual Interference

Summary

Today’s focus is on learning to hear the Holy Spirit more clearly by removing the “interference” in our lives—those things that distract, distort, or compete with God’s voice. Many of us are comfortable with God the Father and Jesus, but the Holy Spirit can feel mysterious or even neglected in our daily walk. Yet, Scripture is clear: we are called to serve the Lord wholeheartedly, to choose whom we will serve, and to bring our families along on that journey. This is not about copying someone else’s spiritual practices, but about each of us listening for the unique ways the Holy Spirit is leading us.

A key part of this journey is examining what we allow into our minds and homes. For our family, this meant intentionally shifting our entertainment—music, TV, movies—toward things that point us to God, not away from Him. We recognized that the enemy is called the “prince of the power of the air,” and so we took back the air in our home and vehicles by filling them with worship and godly words. This isn’t a legalistic rule against all secular things, but a personal response to the Spirit’s leading for us in this season.

We also discovered that physical objects in our home could create spiritual interference. Through prayer, fasting, and the counsel of others, we were led to remove certain items—souvenirs, trinkets, or toys—that had spiritual associations not aligned with Christ. This was not about superstition or fear, but about obedience and spiritual clarity. Scripture supports this: God told the Israelites not to bring detestable things into their homes, and Paul warns against mixing the temple of God with idols. The principle is spiritual separation, not isolation—being in the world but not of it.

This process has changed our prayer lives and our awareness of God’s presence. We’ve learned that spiritual compromise—mixing devotion to God with things that oppose Him—creates noise that drowns out the Spirit’s voice. God’s call to spiritual purity is not about rules, but about worship and protection. He is jealous for us, not out of insecurity, but out of holy love. The challenge is simple: go home and pray, “God, what is in my house or my life that needs to go? Make me uncomfortable with what makes You uncomfortable.” As we do this, we experience greater peace, clarity, and the fruit of the Spirit.

Key Takeaways

- Hearing the Holy Spirit requires intentionality and spiritual discernment. It’s not enough to simply know what Scripture says; we must also learn to listen for the Spirit’s personal guidance in our lives. This journey is unique for each person, and imitation of others is not the goal—obedience to God’s voice is. [33:58]

- What we allow into our minds and homes—through entertainment, music, and even physical objects—can either foster spiritual clarity or create interference. The enemy seeks to use these avenues to distract and dull our spiritual senses, so we must be vigilant and willing to make changes as the Spirit leads. [37:55]

- Spiritual separation is a biblical principle that protects us from compromise. God calls us to be set apart, not by isolating ourselves from the world, but by refusing to mix our devotion to Him with things that are in rebellion against Him. This includes both obvious idols and subtle influences that compete for our hearts. [50:38]

- The process of removing spiritual clutter is not about legalism or fear, but about worship and freedom. God’s jealousy is rooted in His holiness and love for us; He desires our undivided devotion because He knows what is best for us. When we clear out what doesn’t belong, we make room for deeper intimacy with Him. [01:03:52]

- The challenge is to pray for sensitivity to the Spirit’s conviction, asking God to reveal anything in our lives or homes that grieves Him. This is a continual process, not a one-time event, and it leads to greater peace, spiritual authority, and the ability to hear God’s voice with clarity. [01:05:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[29:35] - Introduction: The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Interference
[33:58] - Why Hearing the Holy Spirit Is Difficult
[35:23] - The Power of What We Entertain Ourselves With
[36:45] - Shifting Our Entertainment Choices
[37:55] - The Role of Physical Objects in Spiritual Interference
[41:40] - Bringing Our Family Along the Journey
[43:19] - Teaching Children to Hear God’s Voice
[46:23] - Avoiding Extremes in Spiritual Purity
[50:38] - Biblical Foundations for Spiritual Separation
[53:51] - Spiritual Clutter and Hearing God Clearly
[57:07] - The Danger of Spiritual Compromise
[01:03:52] - God’s Jealousy and Our Worship
[01:05:45] - The Challenge: Praying for Spiritual Sensitivity
[01:07:01] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Hearing the Holy Spirit by Removing Spiritual Interference

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### Bible Reading

- Joshua 24:15
"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

- Deuteronomy 7:25-26
"The images of their gods you are to burn in the fire. Do not covet the silver and gold on them, and do not take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it, for it is detestable to the Lord your God. Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Regard it as vile and utterly detest it, for it is set apart for destruction."

- 2 Corinthians 6:14-16
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God."

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### Observation Questions

1. In Joshua 24:15, what choice does Joshua present to the Israelites, and how does he personally respond?
2. According to Deuteronomy 7:25-26, what does God command the Israelites to do with objects associated with other gods, and why?
3. In 2 Corinthians 6:14-16, what contrasts does Paul make between believers and unbelievers, and what is the main point of his warning?
4. What are some specific examples from the sermon of things that can cause “spiritual interference” in our lives or homes? ([37:55])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Joshua emphasizes making a clear choice about whom to serve, and how might this relate to the idea of “spiritual interference” today? ([29:35])
2. What is the principle behind God’s command in Deuteronomy not to bring detestable things into our homes? How might this apply to modern life beyond just physical idols? ([46:23])
3. Paul talks about not being “yoked together” with unbelievers or mixing the temple of God with idols. What does this look like in practical, everyday terms for a Christian household? ([50:38])
4. The sermon mentions that spiritual compromise creates “noise” that drowns out the Holy Spirit’s voice. How does mixing devotion to God with other influences affect our ability to hear from God? ([57:07])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to pray, “God, what is in my house or my life that needs to go? Make me uncomfortable with what makes You uncomfortable.” Have you ever prayed this kind of prayer? If not, what holds you back? If so, what happened? ([01:05:45])
2. Think about the entertainment you allow into your home—music, TV, movies, internet. Are there any things you sense might be dulling your spiritual sensitivity or distracting you from God? What is one step you could take this week to shift your focus? ([36:45])
3. The sermon shared a story about removing certain physical objects from the home after prayer and counsel. Are there any items in your home that you feel uneasy about or that have spiritual associations not aligned with Christ? What would it look like to address this? ([46:23])
4. How can you involve your family or those you live with in the process of seeking spiritual clarity and removing interference? What conversations or actions might help bring everyone along on this journey? ([41:40])
5. The idea of “spiritual separation, not isolation” was emphasized. How can you be set apart for God without becoming judgmental or fearful of the world around you? ([50:38])
6. The sermon said, “God’s jealousy is rooted in His holiness and love for us; He desires our undivided devotion because He knows what is best for us.” How does this understanding of God’s jealousy change the way you view His commands about spiritual purity? ([01:03:52])
7. What is one practical way you can be more intentional about listening for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your daily life this week? ([33:58])

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Closing Challenge:
Before next week, set aside time to pray and ask God to reveal anything in your life or home that creates spiritual interference. Be open to what He shows you, and consider sharing your experience with the group next time.

Devotional

Day 1: Choose Whom You Will Serve

Every day, we are faced with the decision of whom we will serve—whether we will follow the ways of the world, our own desires, or fully commit ourselves and our households to the Lord. This is not a one-time choice but a continual act of devotion, requiring us to examine our hearts and align our lives with God’s purposes. The call is clear: to intentionally choose God above all else, setting aside anything that competes for our loyalty, and to lead our families in that same commitment. [29:35]

Joshua 24:15 (ESV)
"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life or home where you need to make a clear choice to serve God rather than your own preferences or cultural influences?


Day 2: Remove Spiritual Interference

Spiritual interference often comes from what we allow into our minds and homes—through entertainment, music, and even physical objects that do not honor God. By intentionally evaluating and removing anything that causes spiritual noise or distraction, we create space to hear the Holy Spirit more clearly. This process is not about legalism or following a list of rules, but about protecting our hearts and homes from influences that can dull our spiritual sensitivity and hinder our relationship with God. [37:55]

Deuteronomy 7:25-26 (ESV)
"The carved images of their gods you shall burn with fire. You shall not covet the silver or the gold that is on them or take it for yourselves, lest you be ensnared by it, for it is an abomination to the Lord your God. And you shall not bring an abominable thing into your house and become devoted to destruction like it. You shall utterly detest and abhor it, for it is devoted to destruction."

Reflection: Ask God to reveal anything in your home or daily habits that may be causing spiritual interference—what is one thing you sense He may be prompting you to remove or change?


Day 3: Do Not Be Unequally Yoked

God calls His people to spiritual separation, not isolation. This means we are to avoid mixing the things of God with things that are in rebellion against Him, whether in our relationships, our homes, or our hearts. The presence of idols or spiritually compromising influences creates a disconnect and hinders the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Instead, we are to be set apart as the temple of the living God, allowing His presence to dwell fully within us. [50:38]

2 Corinthians 6:14-16 (ESV)
"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, 'I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.'"

Reflection: Is there a relationship, habit, or possession in your life that is pulling you away from God’s presence? What step can you take today to pursue spiritual separation and invite God’s presence more fully?


Day 4: Listen and Respond to the Holy Spirit

Hearing the Holy Spirit is a journey that looks different for each person, but it always begins with intentionality—creating space, removing distractions, and being willing to obey. The Holy Spirit desires to speak, guide, and remind us of God’s truth, but we must be attentive and responsive, not just imitating others but seeking God’s unique direction for our lives. As we listen and act on what He reveals, we experience greater clarity, peace, and spiritual fruit. [57:07]

John 14:26 (ESV)
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."

Reflection: When was the last time you intentionally asked the Holy Spirit to speak to you? What is one way you can quiet distractions today and listen for His guidance?


Day 5: Worship, Not Rules

God’s call to remove spiritual clutter and avoid compromise is not about following a set of restrictive rules, but about wholehearted worship and devotion to Him. He is a holy and jealous God, desiring our undivided love and loyalty. When we see these boundaries as acts of worship and protection rather than burdens, we experience the freedom, peace, and intimacy with God that He intends for us. Let your heart break for what breaks His, and let your life be a living offering of worship. [01:03:52]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Reflection: In what ways can you shift your perspective from seeing God’s boundaries as rules to seeing them as opportunities for deeper worship and relationship with Him?

Quotes

Do not bring a detestable thing into your house, or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Regard it as vile and utterly detested, for it has been set apart for destruction. And, you know, I never really applied that to my life. I applied that to the Israelites, and I can see why it would be important for them, but God is clearly telling us these things that are false religion, false, you know, spiritual objects. Get them out of your house, don't even bring them in. [00:49:50] (30 seconds) Edit Clip

So don't link your life, your heart, your purpose, your dwelling place with things that are in rebellion against God. And I believe, again, based on our experience, that this is a key to cutting through the spiritual interference that we were experiencing. [00:54:16] (17 seconds) Edit Clip

Ephesians is very clear we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities against powers right the enemy that is the fight and we knew this we just didn't know what how do we really enter into that you know other than praying and asking god to keep me safe you know i mean it's not as simple as that that's not where we were but we've learned so much more after these experiences that we've had so spiritual warfare and got the kingdom of god and our authority angels and demons listening to the holy spirit this series that we're in right now these things are all connected we've been going on this path this year basically what we've learned as we have experienced what we've experienced right and then if we when we connect all these dots and we're praying we're being intentional we begin to hear the spirit clearly we begin to be more aware of what's going on in the room we begin to see it we begin to hear we begin to see oh i need to go here i need to go here the scripture is clear that the holy spirit will remind us of things so we're in a conversation i don't know what to say the holy spirit will remind us of scripture it'll bring it to your memory maybe you've had that experience but to do that without interference is an amazing thing [00:58:27] (73 seconds) Edit Clip

If we think of it that way, we are co -mingling with, we are, you know, that scripture in 2 Corinthians, do not be, I go back to the King James because that's how I learned it. Unequally yoked is what it says. You have two ox, basically a pair of oxen, and they're different sizes. They can't work together, and they're here to plow the fields, and they cannot work together. It says, do not be that in your life. Right? So don't mix this evil, what Jesus literally died to protect us from, don't mix that with God in your life. [01:04:29] (35 seconds) Edit Clip

And only God is worthy of our worship. And so when we stop, or when we clear our houses, when we clear our noise, when we look, pay attention to what we're being entertained by, we pay attention to how we live, and then we stop waiting on the Holy Spirit to speak to us about things that he has already put in God's word that are for us. We stop these, the voice of the Holy Spirit becomes clear that we began to hear. And life begins to, we begin to experience peace and the fruit of the Spirit. We began to experience these things over us. [01:05:08] (37 seconds) Edit Clip

God, what is it in my house physical items? And what am I bringing in via the internet, TV, movies, all this kind of stuff? What am I bringing in to my body, to my mind? God, I want you to help me in my heart to break for what breaks yours. Make me uncomfortable for what is making you uncomfortable. That's the challenge today. It's very simple. [01:06:00] (24 seconds) Edit Clip

Because I want to hear as clearly as those other people. It's still super weird to me that they said there is a blue statue, a little short little thing on a wooden shelf in your house and it's got to go. And that's exactly what we found. That's clear. And I want to hear from the Holy Spirit that clearly. [01:06:34] (22 seconds) Edit Clip

God, there are things in there that we can just say, oh, that's not for me. It is for us. The Scripture as a whole shows the character of God. God is a jealous God. And God, you are worthy of our praise and our devotion. And so we ask for forgiveness and we repent today. We turn and we walk the other way. Away from things that break your heart and towards your love. [01:07:38] (26 seconds) Edit Clip