SF347 - CALLER ID HEARING AND KNOWING THE VOICE OF GOD (John 10 4 26-27)
JOHN 10:1-4, 25-27
INTRODUCTION
It is vitally important that we be able to distinguish God's voice
We live in a noisy, crowded world.
God Speaks In Various Ways
1 Kings 19:11-13 Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. 13 So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
God Is Speaking
And God is speaking so we can hear Him
How Can We Know It Is God?
Ten Traits Of God's Voice
1A. When God Speaks it is Always CONSISTANT WITH HIS WORD
John 16:13 "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
2A. When God Speaks He will CONFOUND HUMAN WISDOM
Isaiah 55:8 " For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD.
1 Corinthians 1:27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
3A. When God Speaks His Words will CONFLICT WITH MY Flesh
Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
4A. When God Speaks He will CHALLENGE ME TO ACT IN FAITH AND COURAGE
Joshua 1:2, 6-7, 9 Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them -- the children of Israel.6Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
5A. When God Speaks He will Affirm Both the Deity and Humanity of Christ
1 John 4:1-3 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
6A. When God Speaks He will Lead Me to be CONCERNED ABOUT THE WELFARE OF OTHERS
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.
7A. When God Speaks He will Lead Me to Consider the Results of My Decisions
Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it --
Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Psalm 62:5 My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.
8A. When God Speaks He will Often Use Godly Counsel to Confirm His Words
Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 13:10 By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom.
Proverbs 20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, But a man of understanding will draw it out.
9A. When God Speaks His Instructions will Contribute to My Spiritual Growth
1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,
2 Peter 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
10A. When God Speaks I will Experience a Calmness of Spirit
Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Action Points
1. Commit to spend quality time in God's Word every day for the purpose of hearing His voice.
2. Do not limit God to only those things you can understand and "see." Be willing to step out in faith and follow Him.
3. Resist the temptation of becoming self-centered in your prayer life and ministry.
4. Spend time "counting the cost" the counting cost should never prevent us from obeying but it should keep us from quitting when difficulties come.
5. Seek godly counsel before making any life altering decisions!
6. Ask God to help you how you can have peace and be challenged at the same time.