Listening to God amidst Noisy Idols and other Religious Rhetoric

Genesis 12:1-5

Big Idea:  How to hear and distinguish the voice of God and follow Him

Note – There are a lot of voices vying for our attention in this world:  Politicians, Consumer Ads, Religious Voices, etc.

Note – There are a lot of venues where messages are proclaimed:  Television, Computer, Email, Text Msgs, Cell Phone, Print Ads, Door-to-door Campaigns

Abraham lived in pagan Sumeria, a city of idolatry whose dedication was to Nannar, the moon-god.  We are not told how God spoke to Abraham.  We are just told that he was called of God and he obeyed!

1.    The Honor of Hearing God’s Voice

Genesis 15:6–7 (KJV) — 6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. 7 And he said unto him, I am the Lord that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.

Note – Contrast this with Romans 1:18-32 where God has rejected the gentiles!  He is still calling men and women out of a lost and degenerate world into his glorious kingdom!

a.       Abraham was called of God and saved by grace through faith

b.      Abraham was the Father of the Jewish Nation

c.       Abraham was the Progenitor to the Messiah

d.      Abraham was blessed and prospered materially by God

e.       Abraham was protected by God

Illustration –

2.    The Hindrances to Hearing God’s Voice

a.       Pressing Activities (Too Busy)

Psalm 46:10 (KJV) — 10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

b.      Personal Agenda (Too Self-Absorbed)

Luke 22:42 (KJV) — 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

Illustration – Balaam kept asking God against the revealed will of God for personal gain.

c.       Predisposed with Advisors

2 Timothy 4:3–4 (KJV) — 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

3.    The Helps to Hearing God’s Voice

Note – It seems that God appeared and spoke to Abraham.  Today, God speaks to us through his Word!

Acts 7:2 (KJV) — 2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

a.       Make God’s Will Your Purpose!

Romans 12:1–2 (KJV) — 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Note – As with Abraham, God is doing something bigger than what can be seen in our lifetime, but our involvement on God’s Mission, promises God’s Blessings!

John 14:15 (KJV) — 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

b.      Make God’s Word Your Priority!

Joshua 1:8 (KJV) — 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (KJV) — 13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (KJV) — 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) — 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

1 John 4:1 (KJV) — 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Conclusion:  God is still calling leaders.  Are you listening?