The Voice of the Lord
Griffith Baptist Church – 1/13/08
P.M. Service
Text: Psalm 29
Introduction
A former park ranger at Yellowstone National Park tells the story of a ranger leading a group of hikers to a fire lookout. The ranger was so intent on telling the hikers about the flowers and animals that he considered the messages on his two-way radio distracting, so he switched it off. Nearing the tower, the ranger was met by a nearly breathless lookout, who asked why he hadn’t responded to the messages on his radio. A grizzly bear had been seen stalking the group, and the authorities were trying to warn them of the danger. -- Harold M. Wiest; Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada
Sometimes we do the same thing because we have tuned out God.
We are distracted or we have some other plans that might be interfered with should we listen to God.
If you can imagine, David, in the early evening, steps out onto the veranda of his palace and sees the wonder of a thunderstorm. He sees God in it.
Alternative Outline:
1. The Presentation of Worship – 29:1-2
2. The Purpose of Worship – 29:3-9
3. The Product of Worship - 29:10-11
Body
1. What Is the Voice of the Lord?
A. The text – verses 3-9 – The voice of the Lord – as seen in the storm
i. Thunders (3)
ii. Is powerful (4)
iii. Is majestic (4)
iv. Splits mighty trees (5)
v. Causes trembling (6)
vi. Lighting that destroys (7)
vii. Shakes the wilderness (8)
viii. Strips the forests bare (9)
B. It is Significant (respect and worship) - Deuteronomy 5:25 – Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die.
C. It is Holy (perfection) - Acts 7:31-33 – 31When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, 32Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold. 33Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.
D. It is not always what you expect - 1 Kings 19:1-13 (read)(stay there)
i. God speaks through an angel to minister to a fearing prophet (5-8)
ii. God confronts the prophet in the cave (9-13)
iii. We’ll get the application in a moment (below)
2. How Do We Hear the Voice of the Lord?
A. Through the Word of God – Luke 4:4 - And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. and Romans 10:17 - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God
B. Nature (our text and the rest of the Word of God; Rom. 1) – teaches us about His creative work and awesome power
C. Our consciences – Romans 9:1 - I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, and Romans 8:16 - The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
D. Circumstances – sometimes common sense
i. Rahab saving the life of the spies
ii. Acts 9:25 – Paul let down in a basket when he was being sought to get killed
iii. Others taking direction from the Lord even when there was no audible voice
E. Through others
i. God sends people into our lives
ii. We need to be paying attention
iii. God gives us people with wisdom and discernment
iv. They can’t always tell us exactly what to do, but they can point us in the right direction, even if they don’t know it.
3. What Should We Do When the Voice of the Lord Speaks?
A. Worship (our text) – Psalms 29:1-2 - 1Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 2Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
B. Available – Isaiah 6:8 - Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
C. Obey – 1 Samuel 15:22 - 22And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
Conclusion:
How in tune are you to the voice of God in your life?
What have you missed by not listening more like you should be doing?
