Knowing the will of God and hearing from God
TEXT: John 10:1-5
To live a victorious and successful Christian life, it is important to know the will of God and hear from God daily. God is our Shepherd- Psalm 23, John 10:11. As our good Shepherd, he is leading us but if there is communication gap, the sheep will go astray and there will be casualties. God is not dumb and he is not unfaithful to hide secrets from us especially those that will profit us.
1) HOW TO HEAR FROM GOD
(a) Believe that God wants to speak to you- Psalm 107:9
It is not awkward or strange to hear the voice of God. We must believe and expect the voice of God in our every day walk with Him.
(b) Position your heart to hear his voice- 1Kings 19:8-17, Psalm 46:10
It is in stillness and not in busyness. Most times, God communicates or drops a message in our spirit but our busy, crowded minds would not receive it for our good. If our minds are not well tuned or renewed daily - Phil 4:8, Rom 12:2, Rom 8:6; our bodies and physical surrounding will suffer.
(c) Learn to Listen - Exodus 34:1-8, 1 Samuel 3:4-14
To listen involves being attentive and waiting patiently. A Christian who wants to hear from God should not be in a hurry or rush to come to God and to leave God's presence. We should allow God to fix the time/schedule. Also we must master the voice and pattern(s) which God uses to speak to us individually.
(d) Fellowship more with the Holy Spirit - Eph 1:17-19, Eph 4:30, 1 Thess 5:19, Rom 6:13
The Holy Spirit is our teacher, revealer of truth, comforter and compassion. Our spirit must be alert and tuned to the frequency of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is given to you; do not live like you are alone. John 14:16-17, 1Cor 2:9
(e) Avoid Sin - Prov 14:34, Prov 28:13, Ps 38:18, Isaiah 59:2
2) WHERE CAN WE HEAR FROM GOD?
(a) God's Word - Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 119:89-96, 2Tim 3:16-17, Psalm 119:60-61
God is constantly speaking to us. We can hear him through his word; the Holy Bible.Psalm 119:104-107.
(b) Through conservation (fellowship) with other Christian Believers - Rom 1:11-12, Heb 10:25, Acts 2:42, Rom 13:12, Heb 13:13
(c) Christian spiritual leaders/guardians - 2 Kings 17:13, 1 Samuel 3:4-9, Hosea 12:13, Acts 13:1-13
(d) Dreams/Vision - Dan 2:19, Judges 13:2-5, Genesis 37:5-9
God can speak through dreams but it is not all dreams that come from God. Dreams need interpretations and spiritual guide.
(e) Christian devotion time - Heb 10:22, Ps 73:28, Luke 11:1, Genesis 5:22, 2 Cor 13:5-6
This involves oneness; unity of your(spirit, soul and body) with God in prayers and meditation on God's word as the Holy Spirit directs.
(f) Christian books/materials
CONCLUSION
As we hear from God, we also need spiritual counsel and confirmations from our spiritual authorities and leaders.
