Hearing the Voice of God

The sheep hear and know the Shepherd’s voice… John 10:3-4, 27

Paul heard the voice of Jesus (Acts 9:4-5). Paul heard God through Ananias (Acts 9:10-19). The church heard God during a worship event (Acts 13:1-3). The Spirit spoke to Paul about where not to go (Acts 16:6-7). Paul has the Macedonian vision (Acts 16:9-10). The Spirit also spoke of the future (Acts 20:22-24, 21:1-16, 27:21-26).

God is in RELATIONSHIP with His People: Genesis 3:8-13, 12:1-3, Exodus 3:1-5, Joshua 1:1-9, Judges 6:11-24, 36-40, 1 Samuel 3:1-23, 16:1-13, 1 Samuel 23:1-5, Jeremiah 1:4-12, Luke 1:26-38, Acts 13:1-3, 16:6-10

Priming Your Heart to Hear God:

1. Remember Who Is Speaking to You:
   • He is Holy and is to be Feared and Worshiped – Psalm 89:7, 96:4, Isaiah 6:1-8, Revelation 1:12-18, 4:1-11, Isaiah 40:9-31
   • He is a Loving Father Sharing Life and Counsel – Romans 8:15, Luke 11:13, 15:20-24
   • He is a Good Shepherd Guiding His Flock – John 10:11, 14, Psalm 23:1-6, 78:52, Luke 12:32
   • He is a Faithful Friend Walking With Us – Isaiah 41:8, James 2:23, John 15:13-15, Proverbs 18:24
2. Cultivate Your Heart: Mark 4:1-20
   • Hard Heart – Mark 4:14-15, Hebrews 3:12-19, Psalm 66:18, 1 John 1:9
   • Shallow Heart – Mark 4:16-17
   • Crowded Heart – Mark 4:18-19, Luke 10:38-42
   • Fruitful Heart – Mark 4:20

Some Ways That God Speaks:

1. Through Scripture – Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 1:1-3, Joshua 1:8, 1 Timothy 2:15, Acts 17:11
2. Through Impressions From the Holy Spirit – Acts 8:26-40, Acts 10:1-48, Isaiah 30:21, Acts 16:6-10
3. Through Waiting on God – Psalm 27:14, Luke 6:12-16, Acts 13:1-3, Psalm 106:13, Isaiah 64:4
4. Through Peace – Colossians 3:15, Philippians 4:6-7, Acts 15:22, 28, 30-31, 33
5. Through People – Exodus 18:1-27, 24, Joshua 1:10-18, Acts 11:27-30
6. Through Circumstances – Acts 16:6-10, Psalm 37:23
7. Through Spiritual Means – Acts 10:9-48, Matthew 1:18-25, Acts 12:6-19, 9:1-9, Numbers 22:21-35, Daniel 5

Following the Lead of the Holy Spirit:

1. Two Stories: Philip – Acts 8:26-40, Peter – Acts 10:1-48
2. Three Observations…
   • Philip was listening along the way, Peter was listening while praying
   • Both men obeyed right away – Acts 8:29-30, 10:19-21, 23
   • Both were pointed in the direction they needed to go to do God’s work – Acts 21:8, 15

Grieving and Quenching the Holy Spirit:

1. Grieving – Ephesians 4:30 (the Spirit says no and you say yes)
2. Quenching – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (the Spirit says yes and you say no)

Testing What You Hear:

1. Is it Biblical?
2. Is it in Line with God’s Character and Ways?
3. Does it Glorify God and Draw People to Him?
4. Does it Bear Witness to You or Others?
5. Seek confirmation:
   • Does it align with the Bible?
   • Does the Spirit bear witness in you?
   • What has God said to you or your spiritual leaders?

Practical Helps:

1. Don’t make it complicated
2. God’s timing is also important
3. If you miss the opportunity, stay in the game
4. Dismiss pride that God has spoken to you

This is an outline of a workbook called, A Discipleship Journey by Dave Buehring, for my own quick reference. Please purchase his workbook since it has TONS more information and clarification on Making Disciples

[ Buy the Book on Amazon ]