Listening to God's Still Small Voice
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound concept of the "still small voice" of God, as illustrated in 1 Kings 19:11-13. Elijah's encounter with God on Mount Horeb teaches us that God's power often manifests in subtle, steady actions rather than grandiose displays. This still small voice is not just a gentle whisper but a transformative presence that can change lives when we listen and obey.
I shared a personal story from a recent mission trip to Sri Lanka, where a simple act of kindness and a prayer led to a young Buddhist man and his employer experiencing the love of Christ. This story underscores the importance of being attentive to God's voice, even in seemingly insignificant moments. The young man, who earned a meager income, was deeply touched by our prayers and the small financial gift we gave him. His employer, despite having all the money he needed, was in agony and sought peace, which he found through prayer and accepting Christ.
The still small voice calls us to be still and quiet, to set aside our distractions, and to listen with an open heart. In our fast-paced, noisy world, it's easy to miss God's subtle ways of speaking to us. We must train our spirits to recognize and respond to His voice. This requires intentionality, such as taking breaks from our phones and social media, which often distract us from hearing God.
Elijah's story reminds us that obedience to God's voice is not about doing what we think is right but about following His gentle guidance. This obedience can lead to transformative experiences, both for us and for those we encounter. The still small voice is a call to action, urging us to step out in faith, even in small ways, knowing that no act is insignificant in God's kingdom.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Power in Small Actions: God's power often manifests in small, steady actions and steps of faith. No action is too small or insignificant in His great plan. We tend to look for the supernatural, but God often works through the ordinary and the mundane to achieve His purposes. [03:15]
2. Listening to the Still Small Voice: The still small voice of God is a gentle yet powerful presence that can transform lives. It calls us to be still and listen, setting aside our distractions and agendas. This voice is not just a means of communication but a way of transformation, urging us to follow God's will. [12:29]
3. Obedience to God's Guidance: Obedience to the still small voice is about listening to God's gentle guidance and following His lead, even when it seems insignificant. This obedience can lead to profound changes in our lives and the lives of others. [18:27]
4. Impact of Simple Acts of Kindness: Simple acts of kindness, prompted by the still small voice, can have a significant impact. A small gesture, like praying for someone or giving a small gift, can open doors for God's love to be experienced and lives to be transformed. [09:26]
5. Overcoming Distractions: In our noisy world, it's easy to miss God's subtle ways of speaking. We must intentionally create space to listen to His voice, such as taking breaks from our phones and social media. This helps us to be more attuned to His guidance and to respond in obedience. [17:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:36] - Introduction to the Still Small Voice
[03:15] - God's Power in Small Actions
[04:52] - Mission Trip to Sri Lanka
[06:28] - Encounter with the Young Driver
[08:03] - Praying for the Driver and His Family
[09:26] - Impact of Simple Acts of Kindness
[11:01] - Employer's Request for Prayer
[12:29] - Listening to the Still Small Voice
[13:58] - Elijah's Encounter with God
[15:36] - Overcoming Distractions
[17:03] - The Tsunami of Noise
[18:27] - Obedience to God's Guidance
[19:54] - Theophany and Jesus in the Old Testament
[21:19] - Importance of Being Still and Quiet
[22:56] - Conclusion and Call to Salvation
[24:26] - Assurance of Salvation
[27:38] - Altar Call and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Kings 19:11-13 (NIV)
> "The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.' Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the different natural phenomena that occurred before Elijah heard the still small voice of God? (1 Kings 19:11-12)
2. How did Elijah respond when he heard the still small voice? (1 Kings 19:13)
3. In the sermon, what simple act of kindness did the pastor share about his mission trip to Sri Lanka? [09:26]
4. What did the employer in Sri Lanka seek from the pastor and his team, despite having all the money he needed? [11:01]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to speak to Elijah through a gentle whisper rather than through the powerful wind, earthquake, or fire? (1 Kings 19:11-13)
2. How does the pastor's story from Sri Lanka illustrate the impact of listening to and obeying the still small voice of God? [09:26]
3. What does the pastor mean when he says that the still small voice is not just a means of communication but a way of transformation? [13:58]
4. How can simple acts of kindness, prompted by the still small voice, lead to significant changes in people's lives? [09:26]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a gentle nudge or a still small voice prompting you to do something. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [12:29]
2. In our fast-paced, noisy world, what practical steps can you take to create space for listening to God's still small voice? [17:03]
3. The pastor mentioned the importance of overcoming distractions, such as taking breaks from phones and social media. What specific distractions in your life might be hindering you from hearing God's voice, and how can you address them? [15:36]
4. Think about a simple act of kindness you can do this week that might seem insignificant but could have a profound impact on someone else's life. What will you do, and how will you follow through with it? [09:26]
5. How can you train your spirit to recognize and respond to God's gentle guidance in your daily life? What practices or habits can you incorporate to be more attuned to His voice? [17:03]
6. The pastor shared that obedience to God's voice can lead to transformative experiences. Can you identify an area in your life where you need to step out in faith and obey God's guidance, even if it seems insignificant? [18:27]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to listen for and obey the still small voice of God? What support or accountability can you offer each other in this journey? [12:29]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Power in Small Actions
God's power often manifests in small, steady actions and steps of faith. No action is too small or insignificant in His great plan. We tend to look for the supernatural, but God often works through the ordinary and the mundane to achieve His purposes. In 1 Kings 19:11-13, Elijah's encounter with God on Mount Horeb reveals that God's presence was not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. This teaches us that God's power is not always displayed in grandiose ways but often in the quiet, subtle moments of our lives.
In our daily lives, we may overlook the small acts of kindness, the quiet moments of prayer, or the simple steps of obedience, thinking they are insignificant. However, these small actions can have a profound impact when guided by God's hand. Just as Elijah experienced God's presence in a gentle whisper, we too can experience His power in the small, steady actions we take in faith. [03:15]
Zechariah 4:10 (ESV): "For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth."
Reflection: Think of a small action you can take today that might seem insignificant. How can you trust that God can use this small step for His greater purpose?
Day 2: Listening to the Still Small Voice
The still small voice of God is a gentle yet powerful presence that can transform lives. It calls us to be still and listen, setting aside our distractions and agendas. This voice is not just a means of communication but a way of transformation, urging us to follow God's will. In our fast-paced, noisy world, it's easy to miss God's subtle ways of speaking to us. We must train our spirits to recognize and respond to His voice.
To hear the still small voice, we need to create space in our lives for quiet and reflection. This might mean taking breaks from our phones, social media, or other distractions that fill our minds. By intentionally setting aside time to be still and listen, we open ourselves to the transformative presence of God. [12:29]
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 distractions in your life are preventing you from hearing God's still small voice? How can you create space today to be still and listen to Him?
Day 3: Obedience to God's Guidance
Obedience to the still small voice is about listening to God's gentle guidance and following His lead, even when it seems insignificant. This obedience can lead to profound changes in our lives and the lives of others. Elijah's story reminds us that obedience to God's voice is not about doing what we think is right but about following His gentle guidance.
When we obey God's voice, we may not always see immediate results, but our faithfulness can lead to transformative experiences. This requires trust and a willingness to step out in faith, even in small ways. By being attentive and obedient to God's guidance, we allow Him to work through us to achieve His purposes. [18:27]
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you feel God is gently guiding you? How can you take a step of obedience today, even if it seems small or insignificant?
Day 4: Impact of Simple Acts of Kindness
Simple acts of kindness, prompted by the still small voice, can have a significant impact. A small gesture, like praying for someone or giving a small gift, can open doors for God's love to be experienced and lives to be transformed. The story from the mission trip to Sri Lanka illustrates how a simple act of kindness and a prayer led to a young Buddhist man and his employer experiencing the love of Christ.
These small acts, though they may seem insignificant to us, can be used by God to touch hearts and change lives. By being attentive to the still small voice and responding with kindness, we become instruments of God's love and grace in the world. [09:26]
Proverbs 19:17 (ESV): "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed."
Reflection: Think of a simple act of kindness you can do for someone today. How can you be attentive to God's prompting and respond with love and generosity?
Day 5: Overcoming Distractions
In our noisy world, it's easy to miss God's subtle ways of speaking. We must intentionally create space to listen to His voice, such as taking breaks from our phones and social media. This helps us to be more attuned to His guidance and to respond in obedience. Elijah's encounter with God on Mount Horeb teaches us the importance of being still and quiet to hear God's voice.
By overcoming distractions and creating intentional moments of stillness, we can better recognize and respond to God's guidance. This requires discipline and a commitment to prioritize our spiritual well-being. In doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's still small voice. [17:03]
Isaiah 30:15 (ESV): "For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to reduce distractions and create space for stillness in your life? How can this help you be more attuned to God's voice and guidance?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God's power is often manifested in small steady actions and steps of faith and no action...is too small or insignificant in his great plan. Every little thing and see we look for the demonstrative we look for the supernatural but many times it's the insignificant things to you that are very significant to the Lord and how he orchestrates the kingdom of God moving forward in touching people's lives." [03:15] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Every single one of you that is born again has the power of the Holy Spirit within you and that still small voice as as which in the old testament here elijah had the spirit of God upon him not within him and he heard that voice and so this man was saved he was born again in that holy moment we encouraged him to go to a Christian church and talked to his wife, and I just thought it was just an amazing little encounter, and I've had numerous of those throughout my life." [12:29] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The still small voice is not just a gentle whisper, but a powerful and transformative presence that really can shake us. That person to the core. It really can. Can change the whole destiny of somebody's life, listening to that voice. And sadly, the thing is, sometimes we can ignore that voice. The voice is not just the means of communication, but a way of transformation, calling us to be still and listen to God's gentle guidance day in and day out." [14:36] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When we listen to the still small voice, which is Jesus, the Holy Spirit, we are not just hearing words, but we're experiencing the presence and the power of God in our lives. Can you say amen? And so once again, that voice is a, is a powerful transformative presence that actually, once again, calls us to obedience, and transformation will happen if we respond to it, and we will have a deeper connection to God." [21:19] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "In our fast, paced, noisy world, it's easy to miss this subtle ways that God speaks. And so this story of Elijah and first Kings is a powerful reminder that God often chooses to communicate, not through grandiose signs, but through the still small voice." [22:56] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Listening to the still, small voice requires us to be still in quiet. Those are not curse words. Let me say that again. Still in quiet. There are times I am so agitated that I just am constantly going, and I've got to focus, and doing stuff, and trying to accomplish things. And I've got to focus, and doing stuff, and trying to accomplish things. And I've got to do this and running, and I'm not even being still." [19:54] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The still small voice, it's not just a message, but it's a call to obedience for us all. Urging us to follow God's will and plan in that holy moment. Can you say amen? And so, Elijah's encounter with God on Mount Horeb is a reminder that obedience is not just about doing what we think is right, but about listening to God's gentle guidance and following his lead." [18:27] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I could have resisted that still small voice. I, I just, that's what I believe. Some would think, well, you know what? You, you know, God prompted you have to speak. Now I was stirred within, and I felt, you know what? I needed to open my mouth, but I could have just brushed it off, said, you know, he's just a kid. He's busy. I don't know. He doesn't understand me. There's a language barrier, and moved on." [21:19] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The importance of us listening. Listening. Listening to the still, small voice requires us to be still in quiet. Those are not curse words. Let me say that again. Still in quiet. There are times I am so agitated that I just am constantly going, and I've got to focus, and doing stuff, and trying to accomplish things. And I've got to focus, and doing stuff, and trying to accomplish things. And I've got to do this and running, and I'm not even being still." [19:54] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "No small act is insignificant for the kingdom of God. Amen? And so, in this text with Elijah, the still small voice, I actually believe is referring to Jesus Christ, the Messiah. How many know Jesus didn't show up 2,000 years ago? How many know Jesus didn't show up 2,000 years ago? How many know Jesus didn't show up 2,000 years ago as a baby? He always was and always will be. He was God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, the three in one." [18:27] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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