Joy and Guidance: Hearing God's Voice in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound joy and freedom found in Christ, emphasizing that this joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with Jesus. We began by celebrating the joy that God gives us, a supernatural joy that remains steadfast even amidst life's challenges. This joy is a testament to the transformative power of Christ in our lives, as we are no longer bound by fear or shame but are free to worship and live boldly for Him.
We witnessed the powerful testimonies of individuals like Tiffany, Hallie, and Jalen, who have experienced life-changing encounters with Jesus, leading them to baptism. These stories remind us of the ongoing work of God in our community, bringing people to faith and transforming lives. The theme of hearing God's voice was central to our discussion, as we delved into the characteristics of being one of His sheep: believing, hearing, and following. True belief in Jesus is not merely intellectual assent but involves trusting Him with our lives and obeying His voice.
We explored various ways God speaks to us, primarily through His Word, which serves as the foundation for discerning His voice. The Holy Spirit also communicates through internal impressions, dreams, visions, and the counsel of others. It's crucial to be in a relationship with God to hear Him consistently, and this relationship is cultivated through surrender and obedience.
We were challenged to examine our own hearts and ensure that we are truly part of God's flock, not just cultural Christians. Salvation is a supernatural transformation that changes our desires and aligns us with God's will. As we seek to hear God's voice, we must be willing to act on what He has already spoken to us, stepping out in faith and obedience.
Key Takeaways:
- Joy in Christ is supernatural and not dependent on circumstances. It is a deep-seated assurance that comes from knowing Jesus and experiencing His transformative power in our lives. This joy enables us to worship freely and live boldly, unashamed of our faith. [01:49]
- Hearing God's voice requires being part of His flock. True believers hear, trust, and follow Jesus. This involves more than intellectual belief; it is a relational trust that leads to obedience and transformation. [01:16:42]
- God primarily speaks through His Word, which is the foundation for discerning His voice. Regular engagement with Scripture helps us recognize His voice and distinguish truth from falsehood. [01:26:18]
- The Holy Spirit communicates in various ways, including internal impressions, dreams, and visions. These experiences must align with Scripture and are often accompanied by a sense of urgency or clarity. [01:45:21]
- Obedience to God's previous instructions is crucial for continued guidance. If we feel God is silent, it may be because we have not acted on what He has already told us. Obedience opens the door to further revelation and direction. [01:48:01]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:49] - Joy in Worship
[04:25] - Garment of Praise
[13:24] - Power of Prayer
[24:31] - Baptism Testimonies
[41:03] - Jalen's Transformation
[59:08] - Call to Prayer and Fasting
[01:01:38] - Jesus' Claims of Divinity
[01:05:04] - Historical Context
[01:10:02] - Jesus as the Messiah
[01:12:17] - The Issue of Unbelief
[01:16:42] - Characteristics of Jesus' Sheep
[01:19:55] - True Salvation
[01:26:18] - Hearing God Through His Word
[01:35:36] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[01:45:21] - Visions and Dreams
[01:48:01] - Obedience and Guidance
[01:52:02] - Invitation to Salvation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 10:27 - "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
2. Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
3. Galatians 5:25 - "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the three characteristics of Jesus' sheep mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to hearing God's voice? [01:16:42]
2. How did the sermon describe the way God primarily speaks to us, and what role does Scripture play in this process? [01:26:18]
3. What examples were given in the sermon of individuals who experienced life-changing encounters with Jesus, and what actions did they take as a result? [24:31]
4. According to the sermon, what are some ways the Holy Spirit communicates with us beyond Scripture? [01:45:21]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of joy in Christ being "supernatural" challenge or affirm your understanding of joy in difficult circumstances? [01:49]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that obedience to God's previous instructions is crucial for continued guidance? How might this apply to personal experiences? [01:48:01]
3. The sermon mentioned that true belief in Jesus involves relational trust leading to obedience. How does this differ from merely intellectual belief? [01:16:42]
4. How does the sermon explain the importance of distinguishing God's voice from other influences, and what role does discernment play in this process? [01:27:28]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced joy despite challenging circumstances. How did your relationship with Christ influence that experience? [01:49]
2. Consider the ways you currently engage with Scripture. What changes can you make to deepen your understanding and ability to hear God's voice through His Word? [01:26:18]
3. Identify an area in your life where you feel God has been silent. What steps can you take to revisit and act on any previous instructions you believe He has given you? [01:48:01]
4. Think about a recent decision or situation where you sought to hear God's voice. How did you discern whether it was truly from Him, and what role did the Holy Spirit play in that process? [01:45:21]
5. Reflect on the testimonies of Tiffany, Hallie, and Jalen. How do their stories inspire you to live boldly for Christ, and what steps can you take to share your own faith journey with others? [24:31]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of being part of God's flock to hear His voice. How can you ensure that your relationship with God is genuine and not just cultural? [01:19:55]
7. Consider a specific area in your life where you need to step out in faith and obedience. What practical steps can you take this week to act on what God has already spoken to you? [01:48:01]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Joy Beyond Circumstances
The joy found in Christ is a profound, supernatural joy that transcends our circumstances. It is not dependent on external situations but is deeply rooted in our relationship with Jesus. This joy is a testament to the transformative power of Christ in our lives, freeing us from fear and shame, and enabling us to worship and live boldly for Him. As believers, we are called to embrace this joy, allowing it to permeate every aspect of our lives, regardless of the challenges we face. This joy is a reflection of our assurance in Christ and His work within us. [01:49]
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you choose to embrace the joy of Christ in this situation today?
Day 2: Hearing and Following the Shepherd
Being part of God's flock means more than just intellectual belief; it involves a relational trust that leads to obedience and transformation. True believers hear, trust, and follow Jesus, recognizing His voice and responding to His call. This relationship is cultivated through surrender and obedience, as we align our lives with His will. As we grow in our faith, we learn to discern His voice amidst the noise of the world, trusting Him with our lives and stepping out in faith. [01:16:42]
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you discern God's voice in that situation, and what steps can you take to better hear and follow Him in the future?
Day 3: The Foundation of God's Word
God primarily speaks to us through His Word, which serves as the foundation for discerning His voice. Regular engagement with Scripture helps us recognize His voice and distinguish truth from falsehood. As we immerse ourselves in the Bible, we develop a deeper understanding of God's character and His will for our lives. This foundation is crucial for navigating the complexities of life and making decisions that honor Him. [01:26:18]
"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." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate more regular Bible reading into your daily routine? What specific steps will you take to ensure that God's Word is the foundation of your decision-making?
Day 4: The Holy Spirit's Guidance
The Holy Spirit communicates with us in various ways, including internal impressions, dreams, and visions. These experiences must align with Scripture and are often accompanied by a sense of urgency or clarity. As we cultivate our relationship with God, we become more attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance, learning to trust His leading in our lives. This requires a willingness to be open to His promptings and to act in obedience when He speaks. [01:45:21]
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." (Joel 2:28, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt the Holy Spirit prompting you. How did you respond, and what can you do to be more receptive to His guidance in the future?
Day 5: Obedience Opens the Door
Obedience to God's previous instructions is crucial for continued guidance. If we feel God is silent, it may be because we have not acted on what He has already told us. Obedience opens the door to further revelation and direction, as we demonstrate our trust in God's plan for our lives. As we step out in faith, we experience the fullness of His guidance and the blessings that come from walking in His will. [01:48:01]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror." (James 1:22-23, ESV)
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you have been hesitant to obey God's instructions? What steps can you take today to act on what He has already spoken to you?
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Quotes
1) "You know, that's the real essence of worship, is that bowing down and saying, God, you're King, you're Lord, I'm not, I'm not. And I need you. I need you to, I need you to run my life, Jesus, I need you to be in charge. Jesus, I need you, Jesus. I need you." [24:31] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "So, I believe every follower of Jesus can hear the voice of God. Amen? Okay, so we'll talk about what that is. So, I was listening to a podcast with Joe Rogan and Stephen Meyer. And, Did anybody watch the one with Trump the other day? That came out. That was crazy. So good. That's what somebody said. I don't want to get there. Go there." [01:18:04] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "So, here's the truth. Going back to Joe Rogan. Only sheep. A sheep can hear and understand his voice. If you're not a sheep in the flock of God, you can't distinguish or discern his voice. So, yeah. It's just the truth. So, here's my first question. When you're talking about hearing the voice of God, are you a sheep in the flock of Jesus?" [01:19:55] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Salvation is not a mental ascent. It's not just I believe in a set of values and I believe in a set of traditions. Salvation is much more than that. It's a supernatural thing that can't even be explained. When that happens. When it doesn't. And I don't know. I can't explain. All I know is that I was lost and now I'm found. I was blind and now I see. I mean, I was dead and now I'm alive. We've all experienced that who have been born again. And our hearts change. Our desires change." [01:21:17] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "So when we talk about belief in Jesus, it's like this stool here. I can say, yeah, I believe that this stool exists. But belief in Jesus, biblical belief, is when I go and I sit on the stool and I say, I believe that it will hold me up. And that's what belief in Jesus is. I believe that when I put my life in. Jesus' hands, he's going to take care of me. He's going to hold me up." [01:22:18] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "And... But see, the thing is, our salvation is not a bunch of rules and traditions. It's actually a relationship. And in order to hear God speak to you on a consistent basis, you have to be in relationship with him. And that's through Jesus. And so, I just want to say, if that's you today, that maybe you have never really surrendered your life to Christ, I encourage you, today could be a life -changing day for you." [01:24:43] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "God's Word is the only constant truth in which you measure everything else by. You know, in science experience, we have a control and a variable, right? Who are my science people? You get control and variable. The control doesn't change. The variable is the thing changing. And you can see what the difference is. God's Word is the control in your life." [01:30:13] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "So, you want to hear God. It's the Word of God that's lighting up your way to help you understand what He's saying. Psalm 119. Listen to this. The very essence of your words is truth. God's Word is not a truth. It is the truth. Jesus says, My words are life and truth. He told Pilate, I've come to testify to the truth. What is truth? He goes, I'm the truth." [01:29:07] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9) "Sometimes. We're like, God hasn't been speaking to me. And it's because he's like, I've already told you what to do and you're still stuck. You haven't been obedient. The last thing I gave you. So I have nothing more to say to you. I'm waiting for you to just do the thing I've asked you to do. I'm waiting for you. You need to call that person. You need to surrender that sin. You need to forgive that person. You need to make it right with your spouse. You're not giving. You're not serving. Whatever it is." [01:48:01] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10) "Holy Spirit, we thank you for the promise that my sheep hear my voice, Lord. That you can speak to your people. You speak in so many ways and so many different contexts. But I want everybody to just say this together. Just say, I can hear the Lord. Say, I can hear the Lord. Say, I can hear the Lord. Say it one more time. I can hear the Lord." [01:52:02] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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