New Covenant church, Debrecen.

Bible study outline, 2013 Getting to Know God - Listening to God

Part 1
Learning to Recognise Gods Voice Today, we want to talk about listening to God. It is one thing to talk to God. It is another thing to listen and hear him talking to us. Everyone talks to God. Yet not everyone listens to God or hears him speak. Yet, why should Gods end of the line be equipped with a receiver but no mouthpiece? 1 Samuel 3:1-10. Eli, the High Priest, was the one who was supposed to hear from God, yet he had closed ears and didnt recognise God speaking. Samuel was young and hadnt yet learned to hear from God. He didnt know the Lord yet. The Word of the Lord hadnt been revealed to him. Yet he had ears to hear! He was sensitive to the Spirit. What was the result of Samuel hearing God? (Vs. 19-21). Growth Anointing Ministry established Gods Word revealed to him The story of Samuel teaches us the fact the God wants to speak to us, yet it takes time for us to recognise and understand His voice. Lets be like Samuel and have ears to hear. God is always speaking to us - like radio waves through the air. Often, we dont hear him because we are not listening - we must tune in. God is very interested in us knowing His will and hearing His voice. It is by faith, yes, but He is not hiding from us! God wants to speak to us in our everyday life. Not in some spooky way audible voice, angel, scroll, etc. The whole key to us hearing from God is whether or not we are listening. He is talking or trying to communicate to us constantly - if we are not hearing Him it is because we are not listening.

In John 12, the Father spoke from heaven to His Son. They all knew something happened. Some thought it was an angel or thunder. Only Jesus knew it was the Father. The others had a lot of uncertainty. It takes discernment to recognise when God is speaking. Jesus last message to the church was, He that has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Rev.2-3).

If we dont hear from God we will never really know God or his will. Relationship requires two-way communication. If it is only one way, there will be little depth of relationship. It is very important to hear from God! Listen to him! Prayer is simply paying attention to God. God speaks to us in different ways Often we don't hear God's voice because we don't recognise the different ways He communicates to us. How do we hear from God? God communicates to us in many ways, but all through the Spirit. 1. The Bible. As we know, God is a person who invites us to relate to him personally. Persons have stories and you need to know these in order to know the person. Thats why much of the Bible is narrative. It tells us Gods story especially in relation to mankind. If you want to know God, you need to listen to His story. Stories tell heart, desires, personality and purpose. The Bible also contains Gods will for us along with principles and keys to success and fulfilment in life. They have been outlined and illustrated for our instruction. Read, study and meditate on the Scriptures (Joshua 1:8). Gods Word is living and alive, ever speaking to us. It has been written and recorded accurately in order to give us an objective lasting record of Gods thoughts. 2. Teaching (and preaching). God speaks through other anointed people. 1 Pt. 4:11 tells those who minister to speak as the oracles (or mouthpiece) of God.1 Thess.2:13 tells us that the Thessalonian church received Pauls messages as the very words of God. 3. Authority. Authorities in our lives are ministers (or servants) of God (Heb.13:7. Rom.13:1-7). They are God's delegated representatives. Authorities include: Parents (Col. 3:20. Eph. 6:1. Prov. 6:20; 15:5) Teachers/employees (Col. 3:22-25, 1 Tim. 6:1-2. 1 Pt. 2:18) Police (law) (Rom. 13:1-7. 1 Pt. 2:13-17) Church leaders (Heb. 13:17. 1 Thess. 5:12-14. 1 Tim. 5:17. 1 Pt. 5:1-3. They deserve obedience and honour as unto the Lord. Authority is God's tool to work in our lives for character development, wisdom, protection and covering along with guidance and direction. If we are asked to do something wrong we should appeal with an alternative. As a last resort, we should obey God rather than men (Dan. 1:6. Acts 5:28-29). 4. Supernatural or Special Revelation. Through dreams and visions. These were frequent in the Bible and during revival times (Acts 2:28). Through angelic visitations.

 Through prophecy (1 Thessalonians 5:20). Prophecy is a declaration of Gods heart and mind for right now. Listen, test and follow (1 Thess.5:20). God occasionally uses a prophetic song (or song of the Lord). Sometimes prophecy can be indirect or given corporately (body ministry). Audible voice. God occasionally spoke to people in the Bible through an externally heard voice. This still happens today too, though this is not common. 5. The Inner Voice of the Holy Spirit. God wants to speak to us during our personal prayer time through the Holy Spirit within us. As we spend time with God, waiting on him, He will speak. Take time to listen (tune in) e.g. radio. Jesus said, My sheep hear my voice.

Part 2
Learning to Discern Gods Voice Our thoughts can come from 3 different sources: 1. Our self - we are speaking to ourselves constantly (self-talk). 2. The devil - the devil tries to put thoughts into our mind (temptation, doubts, fears, etc). Like Peter, he seeks to divert us from Gods will. His thoughts are negative and destructive. 3. God - the Spirit within us desires to reveal Gods thoughts to us. Gods thoughts are positive and come to build you up. He desires to speak to us in our stillness and give us impressions and promptings throughout the day. We can have thoughts from God, not just about God. These 3 sources all speak through the channel of our mind, which also has a voice. They all sound the same, so it takes discernment to determine the source of each thought. Lets observe Peter and his thoughts: 1. His own thoughts. We get all kinds of ideas and thoughts some good, some bad. Matt 17:3-6. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters-- one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. (NIV) 2. Thoughts from Satan. Matt 16:21-23. From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." (NIV) 3. Thoughts from the Father. Matt 16:15-17. "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.

Gods voice comes like a flow of spontaneous thoughts to our mind. They are light and gentle. Often they are different than your own thoughts. They cause a certain reaction or response in your own heart (excitement, conviction, faith, life, awe, peace, etc). When embraced, they come with strength to carry them out and a joy in doing so.

As time goes by, we can train our spiritual senses to more easily and frequently recognise Gods voice. God wont lead you by inner conviction alone because of the mixture of our heart. It might feel right, but it may not be right! Watch for deception and false leadings. Watch saying God told me This is more subjective and feeling based. Be careful! Submit it to Gods Word, to What would Jesus do? and wise counsel. Dont believe everything you hear just because someone says its a message from god; test it first to see if it really is. It is imperative that you make sure it is from God. There are seven biblical ways to test an impression and find out whether it is from God or not. Theses test form a filter and you need to make sure that the idea you are testing passes all seven of them. When it does, you can have absolute confidence that the idea is from God. 1) 2) Does it agree with the bible? Luke 21:33, Prov 12:19, Gal 1:8 Does it make me more like Christ? Phil 2:5; 4:8, 2 Cor 10:4-5, James 3:14-17

Theses verses give six things to test if an idea that comes into your mind is from God. Is it pure? It is peace-loving? Does it promote harmony and reconciliation or conflict?

Is it considerate? Any idea that would hurt someone even though it may benefit you is not from God, because he cares about the effect it might have on others. Is it submissive? An idea from God should not lead you to be rebellious to authority over you.

Is it full of mercy? An idea from God should make you more gracious and forgiving, not judgemental and critical. Is it impartial and sincere? An idea from God should not be used to manipulate people to get your own way. Any idea that encourages these six qualities in your life is an idea that will make you more like Christ. 3) Are there other people in your life who can confirm what I believe God is saying to me? Pro 11:9, 14, Eph 3:10 4) Is it consistent with how God shaped me? Eph 2:10, Romans 12:6

5) Does it concern my responsibility? Jh 21:21-22, Romans 14:10, 13, Acts 20:24, 2 Tim4:7-8; 1:6, 2 Cor 10:12 6) 7) Is it convicting or condemning? Romans 8:1, Revelations 3:19 Do I sense Gods peace about it? 1 Cor 14:33, Phil 4:6-7, Prov. 22:17

Lessons from Habakkuk the Prophet (Dialogue with God) Hab.2:1-2. I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. (NIV) Prayer is about paying attention to God, not particular techniques, formulas or forms. 1. Desire to hear from God. The prophet is seeking to hear from God so he can understand the mess around him. Desire motivates us to come aside. 2. Become still. He finds a quiet place alone where he can be still and wait for God to speak. 3. Pay attention to God. He opens himself to receive from God whether it is a vision or a message. He focuses his mind on the Lord. Meditation connecting with the Holy Spirit within us. We need to spend time in God's presence, fellowshipping with Him. Wait on the Lord in a quiet place. Develop an intimacy and a personal relationship with Him. Get acquainted with God so that you really know Him. Learn to hear the voice of God. Learn to see the things of God. Ask for revelation of God's heart and mind, His thoughts and desires. He is our Father and we are the sons of God. This means we have an intimate relationship with Him and we can know His voice. Rom. 8:14 says, Those who are led by the Spirit are the sons of God." The Holy Spirit is our "helper". Learn to know (see, perceive, be aware of) God's voice by His Spirit within you. 1 Cor. 2. Acts 2:17-18. "Pour out My Spirit on all people". 4. Write down what God says. God begins to speak and his word begins to flow from His Spirit to ours. The things of the Spirit - 1 Cor. 2:9-16 Vs. 9 "things God has prepared" - Natural senses don't know them. Vs. 10 God reveals them to us by His Spirit. He uncovers, makes known, manifests, and discloses. The Spirit searches/examines the deep things (hidden counsels) of God. Vs. 11 Only the Spirit "knows" the things of God (sees, perceives, understands, observes)

 Vs. 12 We have received the Spirit of God. Why? That we might "know" the things that have been freely given to us by God. Vs. 13 These things we speak, in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. Vs. 14 The things of the Spirit of God are spiritually discerned. The natural (sense-orientated) man does not receive or know them. Vs. 15 The spiritual man (one who is filled with and governed by the Spirit of God) makes judgement about all things. He discerns, distinguishes, examines, scrutinises, investigates and then judges (the excellence or defects of a person or thing). He is not judged by the natural man. Vs. 16 We have the mind of Christ. His thoughts, feelings, purpose and desires. How? Through the Spirit of God within us. The Holy Spirit desires to reveal to us the thoughts of God. He speaks to us through dreams, visions and the word of the Lord as we wait upon Him and learn to hear and see. Other unusual ways are through angels, audible voices, etc. Writing things down helps focus your thoughts, stimulates your faith and obedience and gives you the chance to review what God has spoken. Write freely, because you can test it later. This is what John did with the book of Revelation. Keep a diary or a journal (spiral binder). 5. Do what God says. He obeyed Gods word. Look and listen, then write it down so you can run with it.

Part 3
Possible Reasons for not hearing God speak 1. Youre not a Christian. Jn.10: The sheep know the shepherds voice. Your birthright is to know Gods voice. God has no obligation to speak to the lost, although he sometimes does. 2. Theres sin in your life (Psalm 66:18. Deuteronomy 28:23). Disobedience = heavens as brass (Isaiah 59:2). Walking in disobedience or rebellion causes a barrier of communication gap between man and God. (There are exceptions when God sovereignly speaks during these times through His grace and mercy, but generally if we are living wilfully in sin we dont hear Him speaking to us). Dishonesty or lack of integrity. Your integrity will guide you (Prov.11:3). Do what is right and honest. This is Gods will. Pay what you owe. God will fight for you and defend you when you walk in integrity. When you dont, He is under no obligation to help you. 3. You havent obeyed what God has already said. Unto you that hear shall more be given (Mark 4:24) Just like when walking on a pathway, God gives us light for each step. We must take each step at a time before light is given for the next one. If we neglect what God has already spoken to us, He will not give us more revelation. Self-deception. Jn.7:17. You have to be prepared to do what God says, not only if you agree. Jas.1:22. Be doers of the word. Hearers only deceive themselves. This is why so many Christians never change. They see themselves in the mirror, then walk away unchanged. Agree with it (what you see is accurate) and do something about it. Its designed to help you. Dont quench the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19). The more we hear and obey the easier it becomes. It fans the fire. If we quench, suppress, resist, or grieve the Holy Spirit it puts out the fire. Dulls our hearing (Ephesians 4:30). You have closed your ears (Jeremiah 6:10, 35:15, 25:4, Zechariah 7:11-12, Isaiah 30:20-21). Some people dont want to hear. They have hardened their heart. No matter how much God speaks, they continually resist (Matthew 13:14-15, Isaiah 6:10). They had the prophets and now the very Son of God speaking, yet because they didnt want to hear, they didnt! They heard but they didnt hear. Are you committed to do what God tells you to do? 4. Busyness or distractions (can be anything!). Anything that you put before God (idolatry) hinders you from hearing His voice. The place where your heart is becomes the focus of your attention - everything you do flows through that funnel and is tainted by it. Distractions consume our time, energy and attention.

In Lk.10:40-42, Martha (servant) was so busy and anxious about all the tasks she had to do, that she neglected to spend time listening to Jesus. Like Mary (lover and friend), we must position ourselves to hear from God. His voice is small and still. Ps. 46:10 says, Be still (stop being so tense let go and relax) and know that I am God. We need to learn to quiet ourselves as we approach God. Dont just rush to him blurt out your prayers and head off. There are many voices in the world and none of them without significance. One of our problems in hearing God is that there are too many voices. We cant even hear God because there are too many people talking for God (TV, radio, CD, telephone, etc). We need discernment to learn His voice. Everybody talking to you is not God! Everyone has a great plan for your life, so what are you going to do? 1 Cor.14:10. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages (voices) in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. (NIV) Take some time to find a quiet place and then quiet your spirit and your mind. 5. Pride in your heart (Ps.25:8-9). God guides the meek or humble and teaches them His way. Not weakness. Pliable, submissive, one who is surrendered to another. Are you teachable? God cuts the proud off and leaves them to their own devices.

Becoming a Prophetic People Jesus spoke and did only what He received from His Father. We are prophetic to the degree we are in tune with the mind of the Spirit. We are called to be ministers of the Spirit, in that we too, are to speak and do what we receive from the Father by the Spirit. We should express the heart and mind of God in all ministries worship, preaching, witnessing, caring, serving, children, youth, etc. We are called to be a prophetic people, living out the purposes of God in our generation. Num. 11:29 tells us that Moses said, I wish that all the Lords people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit on them! Conclusion Hearing from God - Amos 8:11. There is coming a famine of hearing the word of the Lord. Not that God does not speak, but that people dont listen. Hearing from God is one of the most important things for a successful Christian life. If we dont hear from God:

 We will have no sense of purpose or direction. We wont know His will for our lives. We may end up shipwrecked. We will never really know God. Relationship requires two-way communication (like meeting a new person). If there is only one way communication, there will be no relationship. So it is with our lives, prayer, worship, singing, many times. It is very important to hear from God! Listen! God speaks! All through the Bible we see God speaking to people. He does the same today. My sheep hear my voice (Jn.10:27). God is calling out to you like Adam, Where are you? Lets not hide or run from God. Lets stop, be still and allow Him to speak to us. His word brings life. Become Gods friend. Eternal life (Jn.17:3) is knowing God intimately.

Small Group Discussion

Ice Breaker: What is the most encouraging thing said to you this week?

Discussion Questions Take no more than 5 minutes to give the group a summary of the sermon discussion 1. Why is it important for us to hear the Gods voice? 2. Name some of the ways we can we hear the voice of God? 3. Why do we find it difficult to hear Gods voice? 4. Ask if anyone of the members would like to share with the group as to what God has been speaking to them lately? 5. Assignment: As an assignment, request your group members for each of them to seek God individually (before the next meeting) and share during the next meeting what God is speaking to your small group.