“Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle near the Ark of God. Suddenly the Lord called out ‘Samuel.’ He answered, ‘what is it?’ He ran to Eli … ‘go back to bed.’ The Lord called again …’what is it?’ Eli … ‘go back to bed.’ The Lord called a third time … Eli … told Samuel to say, ‘speak Lord, Your servant is listening'" (1 Samuel 3:3-9, ELT).
A. INTRODUCTION
1. How to listen to God:
a. Head and heart yielded.
b. Intend to understand.
c. Listen for content.
d. For God’s message behind the words.
e. To know God’s will.
f. What God is saying and has said.
2. How to respond, “Here I am” (1 Samuel 3:4).
3. Why will you miss God’s voice?
a. Not ready to listen.
b. In the wrong place.
c. Doing wrong things.
d. Other voices.
e. Wrong attitude.
4. Peter missed Jesus’ meaning about His death. “Peter took Jesus aside … rebuked Him” (Matthew 16:22).
5. Judas missed Jesus’ meaning about betrayal. “One of you will betray Me” (John 13:21).
6. Hear God best with no distraction, quiet, no alternative voices, etc.
7. Sometimes God is persistent. “The Lord called yet again, ‘Samuel'” (1 Samuel 3:6).
8. When inner voice is from God:
a. Clear.
b. Purposeful.
c. No confusion.
9. When inner voice is not from God:
a. Confusing.
b. Disruptive.
c. Points in many directions
10. When God speaks to me, many times, another voice:
a. Quarterback vs opposing linemen.
b. In war enemy will try to disrupt your communication.
11. How to listen to God:
a. Get ready.
b. Get quiet.
c. Get focused.
d. Get rid of distractions.
e. Get still.
If you do all the talking
All you will learn is what you already know.
B. TEN PRINCIPLES ABOUT LISTENING TO GOD
1. You usually do not hear God because you are not listening properly.
2. You must have the right attitude to hear and understand God’s voice.
3. The pressures of life make it difficult to hear God’s voice.
4. I can better hear God’s voice when I am fasting.
5. I will usually hear other voices saying other things when God speaks to me.
6. Be careful to not listen to other/controlling voices that will lead you astray.
7. Note the things/places/times where you have best heard God’s voice in the past, those will probably be best to revisit when listening for God’s voice.
8. It is best to write down what God is telling you, it will clarify your thoughts and give you direction as you obey.
9. If you hear a confusing message write it down, then compare with God’s clear message. “Test all things, then do what is right’ (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
10. When you feel you are not hearing from God, go back to the basic(s) way to approach God. Follow the principles found in Scriptures.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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