February 1, 2015

Distinguishing God's Voice

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: Discerning God's Voice in a World Full of Noise Scripture: 1 John 4:1

Distinguishing God’s Voice
1 John 4:1

Where there is a valuable authentic, there will often be cleverly disguised counterfeits

Instead of Hearing From God, We May Be Hearing From:

Our Flesh

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (Galatians 5:16–17)

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

The World

“And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.” (1 John 5:15–17)

Satan

“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:13–14)

7 Ways to Test Our Hearing

1. Does it agree with the Bible?

“All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” (1 Peter 1:24–25)

“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11)

2. Does it make me more like Christ?

“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:29)

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22–23)

3. Do wise, mature believers confirm it?

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15)

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” (Proverbs 19:20)

4. Is it Convicting rather than Condemning?

“For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.” (Revelation 12:10)

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

5. Do I sense God’s Peace about it?

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,” (Colossians 3:15a)

6. Does this help or hinder my gospel Witness?

“To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” (1 Corinthians 9:22–23)

“Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.”
(1 Corinthians 10:32–33)

7. Does it Glorify God?

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

The secret to hearing and recognizing God’s voice is getting to Know Him better every day.

Specific guidance flows out of our daily walk with God!

• Focus on your relationship with God

• Put yourself in a Position to hear whatever God says to you

F – Frequency

I – Intensity

T - Time

other sermons in this series

Jan 25

2015

Jan 18

2015