Untitled Sermon

Tuning In: Hearing God's Voice Amidst Life's Noise

Bible Passage: Matthew 24:6–13, John 10:27, John 15

Summary: In today's world filled with distractions and crises, hearing God's voice can be challenging. Matthew 24:6-13 speaks about the signs of the times, warning us not to be led astray, while John 10:27 emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Shepherd's voice. John 15 teaches us about abiding in Christ, assuring us of our connection and ability to hear Him.

Application: This sermon encourages teens to seek God's voice for guidance and assurance amid peer pressure, societal challenges, and personal struggles. By understanding how to discern His voice, they can navigate life's uncertainties confidently and courageously.

Teaching: The central teaching is that as believers, particularly youth, we can develop a relationship with Christ that enables us to discern His voice from the myriad of distractions. This relationship is cultivated through prayer, studying Scripture, and remaining connected to the vine.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the grand narrative of Scripture, Christ is the Good Shepherd who leads, protects, and nurtures His flock. Hearing His voice is not just about guidance; it represents a deep relational connection that fulfills God's redemptive plan throughout history, culminating in our union with Him.

Big Idea: In a world of confusion and chaos, tuning into and recognizing God's voice is essential for spiritual growth and fulfillment, providing peace and direction as we follow Christ.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider examining the historical and cultural context of Matthew 24, particularly focusing on the Olivet Discourse's warnings about false prophets. Dive into John 10:27 to explore different interpretations of Jesus’ role as the Shepherd and how it relates to the assurance of salvation. Lastly, use Logos to analyze John 15, emphasizing the parabolic language of abiding in Christ and its practical implications for teens today.

1. Signs Amidst the Storm

Matthew 24:6-8

You will hear a lot of things on the news about wars, disasters, and chaos. But focusing in on God’s voice can allow for those things to fade and be put in perspective.

Where so much will feel out of control, you can trust that God is not caught off guard by it. He has control.

Jesus compares these struggles with birth pangs. If you know anyone who has been pregnant, when they get close to birth, they prepare and know it’s coming, but they don’t know when. They need to hear the voice of the people that are close to them to be able to get through, and encourage them to stay strong!

Bruner makes the pastoral comment, “In times of crisis, Christians should be the calmest people on the block because they have a dominical pax.”

Blomberg, Craig. 1992. Matthew. Vol. 22. The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

2. Enduring Through the Noise

Matthew 24:9-13

Perhaps focus on the challenges of remaining faithful amidst persecution, betrayal, and false prophets. Discuss how teens can discern truth from falsehood and hold onto their faith. The emphasis could be on endurance and the salvation that comes from tuning into God's promises and voice.

3. Abiding in His Voice

John 10:27 and John 15

Maybe dive into the intimacy of knowing Christ as the Shepherd and abiding in the vine. Highlight the relational aspect of hearing God's voice and the assurance it brings. Encourage teens to prioritize prayer and scripture study as ways to deepen their connection to Christ, thereby discerning His voice more clearly.