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Developing the Discipline of Listening - Part Three


Developing the Discipline of Listening
Part Three – Discerning the Voice of God

In the previous lessons we studied the discipline of listening to God.  We learned from Hebrews 3:7 that the Lord is speaking to those who are in covenant relationship with Him. Verse 7 reads,  “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit saith: Today, if you will hear His voice.”  

As believers one of our most important priorities is to spend time in prayer receiving inspiration and direction for our lives.  Fifteen times the Word of God directs us to “hear what the Spirit is saying.”  

With all the voices and noises competing for our attention today how do we discern the voice of God?  How do we know that God is speaking to our hearts?  There are a number of ways that God will speak to us.  In this study I want to focus on three:

First, the voice of the Lord will be corrective.  You can be assured that voices from our own flesh will prove only to puff us up or to bring pride.  The voice of the enemy will seek to get you to take revenge on those who may have hurt or wronged you.  This voice is the voice of compromise that encourages us to sin.

God loves us so much that He is willing to correct us when we are wrong.  As parents we discipline and correct our children because we love them, and we are trying to help build and shape their character.

As children of God we must be willing to submit to correction.  This takes maturity!  This is an important part of the growth process.  If you cannot submit to godly correction and counsel, then you find yourself in a cold, stagnate walk with God.

Secondly, the voice of the Lord will be comforting.  In 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14 the nine gifts of the Spirit are revealed.  We learn in I Corinthians 14:3 – “But he who prophesies speaks edification, exhortation, and comfort to men.”

When God speaks to you it will be for your help and counsel.  He speaks to encourage and strengthen you in your walk and relationship with Him.  He will guide us and direct us through the hardships and sufferings that come because we live in a fallen-world.

Third, the voice of the Lord will be Christ-centered and Biblical.  I Corinthians 2:14 – “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him; nor can he know them because they are spiritually discerned.”

When we hear what we believe is the voice of God it must be weighed and balanced in the Word of God. The acid test is does it line up with God’s Word.  God never speaks contrary to His Word.  The Word of God is the final authority.

Let me encourage you to spend time quietly worshipping in His presence.  As you develop the discipline of listening for God’s voice your prayer life will grow deeper and you will grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

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