Listening to God's Voice in a Noisy World

Devotional

Day 1: Submitting to God's Authority Above All

True spiritual victory comes from unwavering submission to God's authority, even when pressured by powerful or persuasive voices around us. The story of the unnamed prophet in 1 Kings 13 shows that no earthly power—be it a king, a leader, or even a respected religious figure—should ever take precedence over the clear command of God. The prophet stood firm against the king’s threats and bribes, refusing to compromise his obedience, but faltered when he allowed another voice to override what God had spoken. In our lives, we too will face moments when the world or those we respect urge us to compromise. In those moments, remember: God’s authority is supreme, and obedience to Him is the only path to true blessing and reward. [39:56]

1 Kings 13:1-10 (ESV)
And behold, a man of God came out of Judah by the word of the Lord to Bethel. Jeroboam was standing by the altar to make offerings. And the man cried against the altar by the word of the Lord and said, “O altar, altar, thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, a son shall be born to the house of David, Josiah by name, and he shall sacrifice on you the priests of the high places who make offerings on you, and human bones shall be burned on you.’” And he gave a sign the same day, saying, “This is the sign that the Lord has spoken: Behold, the altar shall be torn down, and the ashes that are on it shall be poured out.” And when the king heard the saying of the man of God, which he cried against the altar at Bethel, Jeroboam stretched out his hand from the altar, saying, “Seize him.” And his hand, which he stretched out against him, dried up, so that he could not draw it back to himself. The altar also was torn down, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the Lord. And the king said to the man of God, “Entreat now the favor of the Lord your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me.” And the man of God entreated the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored to him and became as it was before. And the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” And the man of God said to the king, “If you give me half your house, I will not go in with you. And I will not eat bread or drink water in this place, for so was it commanded me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘You shall neither eat bread nor drink water nor return by the way that you came.’” So he went another way and did not return by the way that he came to Bethel.

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you are feeling pressure to compromise your obedience to God’s Word for the sake of approval, comfort, or reward? What would it look like to submit fully to God’s authority in that situation today?

Day 2: Developing Discernment to Recognize God’s Voice

Discerning God’s voice is essential in a world filled with competing messages, even from those who appear spiritual or trustworthy. The prophet in 1 Kings 13 was deceived not by an enemy, but by another prophet who claimed spiritual authority and even invoked an angelic message. This shows us that not every spiritual-sounding word is from God, and that we must weigh every message—no matter the source—against the truth of Scripture. God’s voice will never contradict His Word, and discernment is developed by knowing the Scriptures deeply and testing every message for its source, message, and meaning. In a culture where many voices clamor for your attention, ask God for wisdom and the ability to discern what is truly from Him. [46:19]

1 Kings 13:15-18 (ESV)
Then he said to him, “Come home with me and eat bread.” And he said, “I may not return with you or go in with you, neither will I eat bread nor drink water with you in this place, for it was said to me by the word of the Lord, ‘You shall neither eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by the way that you came.’” And he said to him, “I also am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘Bring him back with you into your house that he may eat bread and drink water.’” But he lied to him.

Reflection: Think of a recent message, teaching, or advice you received that sounded spiritual or wise—did you test it against God’s Word, or did you accept it at face value? How can you intentionally develop greater discernment this week?

Day 3: Running the Race to the End—Obedience and Perseverance

It is possible to start well in faith and still fall short if we do not persevere in obedience to the end. The prophet in 1 Kings 13 experienced God’s power, stood against evil, and saw miracles, yet lost his reward because he did not finish in obedience. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the Christian life is a race, and we must run in such a way as to obtain the prize—living with self-control, focus, and perseverance. God has prepared an imperishable crown for those who finish well, and He calls us to keep our eyes on the finish line, refusing to be distracted or derailed by compromise or disobedience. [23:32]

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (ESV)
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

Reflection: What is one area where you have grown weary or tempted to “slow down” in your walk with God? What practical step can you take today to renew your perseverance and finish your race well?

Day 4: Seeking the Reward That Comes from God Alone

The world offers many rewards—recognition, comfort, status, or material gain—but the only reward that truly matters is the one God gives to those who diligently seek Him. Both the king and the old prophet in 1 Kings 13 offered the man of God a seat at their table, but God’s reward was far greater and eternal. Scripture promises that God is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him, and the crown of righteousness awaits all who finish the race in faith. Don’t settle for lesser rewards that come from compromise or association with the world; seek the reward that comes from living a life fully pleasing to the Lord. [58:38]

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Reflection: Are you tempted to seek affirmation, comfort, or reward from people or culture rather than from God? What would it look like to shift your focus today to seeking God’s reward above all else?

Day 5: Trusting and Obeying God’s Word Brings Life and Blessing

God’s Word is the sure foundation for life, and obedience to His Word leads to blessing, while disobedience leads to loss. The prophet’s story is a sobering reminder that even those who have experienced God’s power can stumble if they neglect to trust and obey God’s Word above all else. Yet, God remains faithful—His promises never fail, and His Word always comes to pass. When you trust and obey, you will see God’s faithfulness, experience His provision, and receive the reward He has prepared for you. Let your story be one of faithfulness, marked by a steadfast commitment to trust and obey God’s Word in every circumstance. [01:00:19]

Psalm 23:5-6 (ESV)
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to renew your trust in God’s Word and choose obedience, even if it costs you? How can you take a concrete step of obedience today, trusting that God’s blessing will follow?

Sermon Summary

In a world filled with noise, opinions, and shifting cultural trends, it is more important than ever to recognize and follow the voice of God above all others. The journey of faith is not a one-time event but a lifelong race, and the way we run matters deeply. Drawing from the story in 1 Kings 13, we see a powerful example of a man of God who started strong—hearing God’s voice, standing against unrighteousness, and witnessing miracles—yet ultimately faltered because he allowed himself to be swayed by another voice that contradicted God’s clear command. This sobering account reminds us that it is possible to begin well and still come up short if we lose our focus or compromise our obedience.

The world will often try to silence or bribe us away from our convictions, and sometimes the most dangerous voices are not those of obvious enemies, but of those who seem to be insiders—fellow believers, leaders, or influencers who use spiritual language but are not truly aligned with God’s heart. We must develop discernment, learning to weigh every word, teaching, and influence against the unchanging standard of God’s Word. The authority of God must be supreme in our lives, and no position, charisma, or even supernatural claim should override what God has already spoken.

Obedience is the key to finishing the race well. The reward of faith is not given to those who merely start, but to those who endure, who remain faithful and uncompromising to the end. This means being willing to stand alone if necessary, to resist both external pressure and internal temptation, and to judge every message—no matter how appealing—by its faithfulness to Scripture. God’s promises are sure, and He is faithful to reward those who diligently seek Him and live lives fully pleasing to Him. Let us be a people who trust, obey, and finish strong, receiving every good thing God has prepared for us.

Key Takeaways

1. The Authority of God Must Be Supreme No matter who speaks—whether a king, a prophet, or a popular leader—if their words contradict God’s Word, they must be rejected. True spiritual authority is not found in titles or charisma, but in alignment with God’s revealed will. Our loyalty must always be to God above all else, even when it costs us comfort, approval, or opportunity. [39:56]
2. Discernment is Essential in a Noisy World We are constantly surrounded by voices—some external, some internal, some from those we trust. Not every voice that uses spiritual language is from God. We must learn to test every message by its source, its consistency with Scripture, and its fruit. Discernment is not optional; it is vital for spiritual survival and for finishing the race well. [43:58]
3. Obedience is the Pathway to Reward Starting strong is not enough; it is obedience to the end that secures the reward of faith. The man of God in 1 Kings 13 saw miracles and stood firm against external pressure, but a moment of compromise cost him everything. God honors those who remain faithful, who do not slow down or give up before the finish line. [24:35]
4. Beware of Compromise Masquerading as Fellowship The world and even compromised insiders will invite us to their tables, offering rewards, acceptance, or partnership. But not every invitation is from God. Sometimes, what appears to be fellowship is actually an invitation to compromise. We must be careful not to share in what God has forbidden, and to seek our reward from Him alone. [58:38]
5. God’s Word is the Unchanging Standard Every teaching, prophecy, or spiritual experience must be measured against the whole counsel of Scripture. God does not contradict Himself, and new revelations that lead away from holiness, obedience, or truth are to be rejected. Knowing the Word for ourselves is the safeguard against deception and the foundation for a life that pleases God. [51:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:58] - Importance of Hearing God’s Voice
[11:58] - The True Criteria for Spiritual Leadership
[14:17] - The Danger of False Platforms and Anointing
[15:48] - Worship as a Holy Calling
[17:02] - Introduction to 1 Kings 13: Running the Race
[22:18] - The Cost of Disobedience
[23:32] - Running to Win: Paul’s Exhortation
[24:35] - The Enemies of Finishing Well
[27:00] - The Subtlety of Insider Voices
[29:09] - The Need for Discernment
[35:46] - Standing Against Compromise
[37:06] - The Vulnerability of Spiritual Fatigue
[39:56] - Submitting to God’s Authority
[43:58] - Testing the Source of Every Word
[51:42] - The Unchanging Standard of Scripture
[58:38] - The Table of Compromise vs. God’s Table
[61:48] - Prayer for Discernment and Faithfulness
[64:10] - Worship Through Giving
[68:41] - Closing Announcements and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What specific command did God give the man of God from Judah, and how did he initially respond to the king’s invitation?
Who was the “old prophet” in the story, and what did he say to convince the man of God to disobey God’s command?
What was the consequence for the man of God after he listened to the old prophet instead of obeying God’s original word?
According to the sermon, what are some of the ways the world or even “insiders” might try to get us to compromise our obedience to God?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the man of God was able to resist the king’s offer but not the old prophet’s invitation? What does this say about the dangers of “insider voices”?
The old prophet claimed to have a new word from God delivered by an angel, but it contradicted what God had already spoken. What does this teach us about how to discern true spiritual authority?
The sermon says, “Obedience is the key to finishing the race well.” Why is starting strong not enough in the journey of faith?
The man of God’s story ends in tragedy, even though he had seen miracles and stood firm at first. What warning does this give to believers today about spiritual fatigue and compromise?

Application Questions

The sermon warns that sometimes the most dangerous voices are not obvious enemies, but people who seem spiritual or trustworthy. Can you think of a time when you were tempted to compromise because of someone you trusted? How did you respond, and what would you do differently now?
The man of God knew God’s word but still allowed himself to be swayed. What practical steps can you take to make sure you are testing every message, teaching, or advice you receive against Scripture?
The world often tries to “bribe” us away from our convictions, sometimes with comfort, approval, or opportunity. Are there areas in your life right now where you feel pressure to compromise your obedience to God? What would it look like to stand firm?
The sermon says, “Obedience is the pathway to reward.” What is one area where you sense God is calling you to greater obedience, even if it means standing alone or losing approval?
The old prophet used spiritual language to justify disobedience. How can you grow in discernment so you are not deceived by “spiritual-sounding” messages that don’t line up with God’s Word?
The man of God’s story shows that spiritual fatigue can make us vulnerable to compromise. What are some warning signs in your own life that you might be spiritually tired or letting your guard down? What can you do to stay spiritually alert?
The sermon challenges us to “finish strong.” What does finishing strong look like for you in this season of your life? What is one step you can take this week to move toward that goal?

Sermon Clips

``I have too much respect for God to just give you my opinion. I'm not here right now to give you my opinion. I'm here right now to give you the word of God. I'm not here to tell you what you want to hear. I'm not here to tell you what I want to say. I'm here to tell you what God has told me to tell you. [00:13:24] (21 seconds) #SpeakGodsTruth

There is no greater authority in the life of any Christian than the authority of God. There is no greater source of recognizing that authority than the word of God. And it doesn't matter who has perceived power. If the president of the United States, who has the nuclear football and all that, tells you to do something against the word of God, don't obey him. You do what God says to you. [00:39:38] (28 seconds) #RejectFalseTeaching

Anyone that's going to tell you something that's going to lead you away from righteousness and holiness and truth is wicked. They're wrong. I don't care what they tell you. I don't care how nice they tell you. I don't care how charismatic they are or how wonderful they present their story. If they're contradicting God and his word, they're lying to you. Anyone that tells you to disobey God or it's okay, they're lying to you. Run from that person. [00:46:19] (26 seconds) #JudgeAllByScripture

You have the document you need. The lexicon you need right here in your...hands this Bible will tell you what God says God still speaks but everything he says sounds like this book amen you have to know the Bible guys you have to read it for yourself you have to know how to take it and evaluate it so when someone pulls a verse they put a nice thing you're like oh that sounds good you need to be able to find that verse and look that verse up in context and make sure that the way that person is communicating that is accurate it's right because if not it could lead to you losing your reward. [00:51:42] (39 seconds) #DiscernGodsVoice

If we're going to succeed where the man of God failed, we must submit to the authority of God above all else. There is no greater authority in our lives. And yes, it may cost us. It may cost us jobs. It may cost us friends. It may cost us relationships. It may cost even our lives. But it's the right thing and the only way to live. [00:59:31] (21 seconds) #SubmitToGodsAuthority

We must judge every word and message, no matter the source, against God's word, and we must live by God's word. This is how we receive the reward of faith. This whole story repeatedly points to these things. It's over and over and over again. It wants us to get this idea that when you have a word of God, you obey the God, and disobedience to God and his word leads to consequence. [00:59:52] (27 seconds) #ObeyGodsWordAlways

Trust God. Obey his word. That's the simple message. Trust God. Follow Jesus. Obey his word. And when you do, there's going to be signs and wonders. Why? Because God's word never fails. Listen, the prophet failed, but guess what? God's word still came to pass 300 years later, didn't it? [01:00:22] (18 seconds) #TrustGodsFaithfulness

God wants us to be victorious. Jesus died not so that you can be in bondage, but so that you can enjoy freedom, amen? So let's receive that. Let's live by that. Don't come into bondage to culture. Don't come into bondage to the algorithm. Know God. Trust God. Live for God. I'm telling you, the reward is going to be wonderful because God loves you and wants you to experience every good and perfect thing He's prepared for you, amen? [01:03:49] (34 seconds)

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