Hearing God
I will start with the example of Jeremiah the prophet. In the eyes of the world Jeremiah was a miserable failure. For 40 years he served as God's spokesperson to Judah; but when Jeremiah spoke...nobody listened. (pastors must feel that way at times)
Jeremiah was poor and deprived. He was thrown into prison, tossed into a cistern, and taken prisoner to Egypt. He had no friends, was rejected by his community and ostracized by his family.
Throughout Jeremiahs life he stood alone, prophesying and weeping over the fate of his country. In the eyes of the world Jeremiah was a loser; but in the eyes of God, Jeremiah was one of the most successful people in all of history. Why?
Because He could hear God's voice; and when Jeremiah heard from God...He obeyed. Jeremiah was a success in God's eyes because God measures success in obedience and faithfulness.
Jeremiah courageously and faithfully proclaimed God's Word in every circumstance and opportunity.
For this morning's message I want to pick up in Jeremiah Chapter 30 verse 1.
Jeremiah 30:1,2 KJV
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, [2] Thus speaketh the Lord God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.
Jeremiah 30:1-3 NLT
The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, [2] "This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Write down for the record everything I have said to you, Jeremiah.
Sometimes the Word consists of personal information. Sometimes the Word directs Jeremiah. So my objective this morning is this...Answering these four questions
1. How do we know if God is speaking to us? 2. How can I recognize the voice of God? 3. Does God still speak? 4. Does God speak to me?
There are 3 main voices that we are going to hear throughout our lives:
1. God's
2. Satan's
3. Our own.
When Samuel heard God's voice, he didn't recognize it, but Eli did.
When Gideon heard God's voice, he was so unsure it was God that he asked God to show him a sign (prove it) 3 times. If the old testament prophets and men of God had trouble hearing God, how are you and I supposed to know?
Do you realize that in the scriptures the phrase God Said comes 1334 times.
There is a description of the Lord said taking place 2708 times.
So, how does God speak to us?
1. We have the complete scriptures. Rev. 22:18-19
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: [19] And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Paul tells us in 2 Tim. 3:16-17
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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
2. Preachers & Teachers. Titus 1:1-3
Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; [2] In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; [3] But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
3. Only believers saved by Grace through faith in Jesus Christ can hear God's voice. John 10:25-30
Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. [26] But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. [27] My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: [28] And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. [29] My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. [30] I and my Father are one.
The more you read the Word and respond back in prayer, the easier it becomes to recognize His voice. 2 Peter 1:16-21
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. [17] For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. [18] And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. [19] We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: [20] Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. [21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
3. God spoke audibly to Adam & Eve, Noah, Abraham, and others
How else does God speak to us?
Creation: Psalm 19:1-4
The heavens tell of the glory of God.
The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship.
[2] Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
[3] They speak without a sound or a word;
their voice is silent in the skies;
[4] yet their message has gone out to all the earth,
and their words to all the world.
The sun lives in the heavens
where God placed it.
Dreams: Genesis 20:3-7
But one night God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, "You are a dead man, for that woman you took is married."
[4] But Abimelech had not slept with her yet, so he said, "Lord, will you kill an innocent man? [5] Abraham told me, 'She is my sister,' and she herself said, 'Yes, he is my brother.' I acted in complete innocence!"
[6] "Yes, I know you are innocent," God replied. "That is why I kept you from sinning against me; I did not let you touch her. [7] Now return her to her husband, and he will pray for you, for he is a prophet. Then you will live. But if you don't return her to him, you can be sure that you and your entire household will die."
Visions & Angels:
Daniel 9:21-23
[21] As I was praying, Gabriel, whom I had seen in the earlier vision, came swiftly to me at the time of the evening sacrifice. [22] He explained to me, "Daniel, I have come here to give you insight and understanding. [23] The moment you began praying, a command was given. I am here to tell you what it was, for God loves you very much. Now listen, so you can understand the meaning of your vision.
Jesus:
John 1:14-15
So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father.
[15] John pointed him out to the people. He shouted to the crowds, "This is the one I was talking about when I said, 'Someone is coming who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before I did.' "
Hebrews 1:1-2
Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. [2] But now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he made the universe and everything in it.
Life Events:
James 1:2-7
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. [3] For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. [4] So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
[5] If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. [6] But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. [7] People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
Discipline:
Hebrews 12:5-7
And have you entirely forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you, his children? He said,
"My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you,
and don't be discouraged when he corrects you.
[6] For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes those he accepts as his children."
[7] As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Whoever heard of a child who was never disciplined?
God bless you as you listen for His voice.
R. Neal Gracey
Deacon, First Baptist Church
Saltillo, Pennsylvania 17253
