Teaching Objectives
- 1.Teach believers how to discern the voice of God.
- 2.Help them differentiate between God's voice, their own, and the enemy's.
- 3.Establish habits of prayer, fasting, and study.
Opening Questions
What does it mean to you to hear the voice of God?
Have you ever felt led or guided spiritually?
Why is it important to distinguish God's voice from other voices?
Lord, search me. Help me to see places where I am not completely yours. Get my attention when I begin to listen and follow other voices. Help me to understand my pregnant condition, and that there is treasure within me. Though my burdens are heavy you are working in and through me to reveal something much more eternal. IN JESUS' NAME. AMEN
Teaching
The Voices We Encounter
"But the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers."
Building Your Relationship
1. Prayer
Prayer is how we communicate with God. It often is shown to be a monologue, a one-sided conversation with only us speaking. Yet, prayer quickly becomes a dialogue, as we grow in our relationship with Him. As our hearts, minds and ears are open… we begin to hear him speaking back to us. The Model Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) teaches us to acknowledge God's holiness, seek His kingdom on earth, ask for provision and forgiveness, and depend on His protection.
2. Reading and Studying the Word
Engaging with Scripture allows us to discover and understand the character of God. • The Law: Understanding the Mind of God • The Prophets: Understanding the Judgments and Mercies of God • The Gospels and Epistles: Understanding the Heart and Plan of God Key Scriptures: 2 Timothy 2:15, Ephesians 6:17, Psalm 119:105, Psalm 119:11
3. Fasting
Fasting plays a vital role in nurturing your connection with God and discerning His voice. By combining fasting with prayer and regular reading of the Word, you intentionally quiet competing voices and distractions. This spiritual discipline creates space to focus on the voice of the Shepherd. Fasting purposes: Receive divine instruction (Exodus 34:28), humble yourself (Ezra 8:21-23), intercede for others (Isaiah 58:6), repentance (Joel 2:12)
4. The Testimony of Other Believers
Sharing what God has done in our lives is not only vital for our personal growth but also for strengthening the faith of others. Our testimonies serve as declarations of faith. Revelation 12:11 — 'And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.'
Discerning the Voices
My Voice
Our own voice does not always align with or comprehend what God is communicating. It can be influenced by selfish desires, attempts to justify our actions, or a tendency to seek self-glorification. When you keep hearing statements like 'I feel' or 'I deserve', these are red flags that what you are hearing is not the voice of God.
God's Voice
The voice of God is consistent with not only His Word but also His character. While what God speaks may sometimes be challenging to accept or follow, it is ultimately for our benefit. Often, but not always, you may hear God's direction being affirmed through the testimony of other believers.
Satan's Voice
The enemy's voice may imitate God's voice in order to deceive. It is marked by self-righteousness and an inclination to test or twist the Word of God. Ultimately, Satan seeks glory for himself rather than honoring God.
Closing Reflection
What made it hard to know God's voice in the past?
Where do you feel God is speaking to you now?
Which spiritual discipline are you drawn to this week?