In a world filled with countless voices, messages, and influences, one of the greatest challenges we face as believers is discerning which voice is truly from God. Every day, we are bombarded with information—from the media, our culture, and even our own inner thoughts—that competes for our attention. In this environment, it’s easy to become confused, overwhelmed, or led astray by the wrong voice.
The Bible warns us that not every voice we hear is from God. In 1 John 4:1, we are given a clear instruction: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God." This is a crucial reminder that discernment is key in our walk with God. Not every voice that sounds spiritual is from the Holy Spirit. The enemy is a master of deception, and our own minds can sometimes lead us astray as well. Therefore, we must be diligent in testing the voices we hear, ensuring that we are following the voice of the Good Shepherd.
Discerning between voices is not just about knowing what to listen for, but also recognizing what to avoid. In this sermon, we will explore the importance of spiritual discernment, how to distinguish between the voice of God, the voice of the enemy, and the voice of our own desires. By learning to identify the source of the voices we hear, we can avoid deception, walk in truth, and follow the path that leads to life.
1. The Call for Spiritual Discernment
Discerning between voices begins with a clear understanding of spiritual discernment. Discernment is not just a natural ability—it is a spiritual gift and a skill that must be cultivated through prayer, study of the Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. The Bible calls us to be vigilant and alert, testing everything we hear to ensure that it aligns with God’s truth.
In 1 John 4:1, the Apostle John gives a clear directive: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God." This instruction highlights the fact that not every spiritual experience or voice comes from God. There are false prophets, deceiving spirits, and worldly influences that masquerade as truth, and it is our responsibility to test them. Discernment helps us sift through the noise, separating what is true from what is false.
In the Old Testament, we see numerous examples of God’s people being led astray by false prophets who claimed to speak for God but were actually driven by selfish motives or demonic influences. In Jeremiah 23:16, the prophet warns the people of Judah: "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord." This serves as a powerful reminder that just because someone speaks with authority or claims to have a word from the Lord, it doesn’t mean that they are speaking the truth.
The same is true today. In our modern world, we encounter voices that sound authoritative, spiritual, and even biblical, yet they are not aligned with God’s heart. This is why we need discernment. We must be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who "searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." They didn’t just accept what they were told—they tested it against the Word of God. Similarly, we must measure everything we hear against the standard of Scripture.
Developing spiritual discernment requires humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:14 reminds us that "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." Discernment is not something we achieve on our own—it is a work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The more we rely on the Holy Spirit, the more we will be able to discern the voice of God from the false voices around us.
But discernment is not just about avoiding deception—it is about seeking the truth. In John 16:13, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will "guide you into all truth." The Holy Spirit is our guide, leading us into the truth of God’s Word and helping us recognize the voice of our Shepherd. As we grow in our relationship with the Holy Spirit, we become more sensitive to His leading and more attuned to His voice.
2. Recognizing the Voice of God
One of the most critical aspects of spiritual discernment is recognizing the voice of God. Jesus said in John 10:27, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." As believers, we are called to be sheep who know the voice of our Shepherd. But recognizing God’s voice is not always easy, especially when there are so many competing voices around us. How do we know when it is God speaking and not our own thoughts or the enemy’s lies?
The first key to recognizing God’s voice is understanding that His voice will always align with Scripture. God will never speak something that contradicts His Word. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." The Bible is our foundation for discernment. When we hear something that doesn’t line up with Scripture, we can be sure that it is not from God.
God’s voice is also characterized by peace and clarity. 1 Corinthians 14:33 tells us that "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace." When God speaks, His words bring peace, even if they challenge us or call us to step out in faith. The enemy, on the other hand, thrives on confusion, chaos, and fear. If the voice we are hearing is causing anxiety, fear, or confusion, it’s likely not from God.
Another way to recognize God’s voice is through the fruit it produces. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." When God speaks, His words produce fruit in our lives that reflect His character. His voice brings love, joy, peace, and all the other fruits of the Spirit. If the voice we are hearing is producing bitterness, anger, or unrest, it’s a sign that it is not from God.
God’s voice is also consistent with His character. Throughout Scripture, we see that God is loving, just, merciful, and righteous. When He speaks, His voice reflects these attributes. If the voice we hear is harsh, condemning, or manipulative, it is not the voice of God. Romans 8:1 reminds us, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." God’s voice convicts us of sin, but it does not condemn us. His voice leads us to repentance and restoration, not guilt and shame.
Finally, recognizing God’s voice requires spending time in His presence. Just as sheep become familiar with the shepherd’s voice by spending time with him, we become familiar with God’s voice by spending time in prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word. The more time we spend with God, the more we will recognize when He is speaking to us. Psalm 46:10 reminds us, "Be still, and know that I am God." In the stillness of His presence, we learn to hear His voice more clearly.
3. Recognizing the Voice of the Enemy
While it is essential to recognize the voice of God, it is equally important to recognize the voice of the enemy. The Bible tells us that Satan is a deceiver and the father of lies (John 8:44). He works to distort the truth, sow confusion, and lead us away from God’s will. In 2 Corinthians 11:14, we are warned that "Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." This means that the enemy’s voice can sometimes sound good, spiritual, or even biblical, but his goal is always to lead us astray.
The enemy’s voice often disguises itself as truth, but it is marked by subtle deception. One of the enemy’s primary tactics is to twist God’s Word. In Genesis 3, we see this strategy in action when the serpent deceives Eve by questioning God’s command: "Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" (Genesis 3:1). The enemy introduces doubt, confusion, and deception by twisting God’s words to suit his agenda.
Another hallmark of the enemy’s voice is fear. The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7 that "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." When the enemy speaks, his words often incite fear, anxiety, and panic. He wants us to be paralyzed by fear, doubting God’s goodness and His ability to protect and provide for us. But God’s voice brings peace and confidence, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
The enemy’s voice is also characterized by condemnation. While God’s voice convicts us of sin and leads us to repentance, the enemy’s voice brings shame, guilt, and hopelessness. Revelation 12:10 calls Satan the "accuser of the brethren." He delights in accusing us, reminding us of our past failures, and telling us that we are unworthy of God’s love. But Romans 8:33-34 reminds us that it is God who justifies, and Christ who intercedes for us. God’s voice calls us to repentance and restoration, not to shame and despair.
The enemy’s voice can also lead us into pride and self-reliance. In Matthew 4, we see Satan tempting Jesus in the wilderness, trying to appeal to His pride and independence. He says to Jesus, "If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread." (Matthew 4:3). Satan’s goal is to make us rely on ourselves instead of trusting in God. But Jesus responds with Scripture, reminding Satan that "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." The enemy’s voice tries to push us toward self-reliance, but God’s voice calls us to trust and dependence on Him.
In order to recognize the enemy’s voice, we must be equipped with the truth of God’s Word. Ephesians 6:17 tells us to take up "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." The Word of God is our weapon against the enemy’s lies. When we are grounded in Scripture, we can identify when the enemy is twisting the truth, and we can stand firm in the truth of God’s promises.
4. Recognizing Our Own Voice
In addition to discerning between the voice of God and the voice of the enemy, we must also learn to recognize our own inner voice. Sometimes, the voices we hear are not from God or the enemy—they are from ourselves. Our thoughts, desires, and emotions can influence how we interpret what we hear, and if we’re not careful, we can mistake our own voice for the voice of God.
One of the challenges we face in discerning between our own voice and God’s voice is that our desires and emotions can cloud our judgment. Jeremiah 17:9 warns us, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Our hearts can lead us astray if we rely solely on our emotions or personal desires to guide us. Just because something feels right doesn’t mean it aligns with God’s will.
Our voice can also be influenced by our fears, insecurities, and past experiences. For example, if we have experienced rejection or failure in the past, we may hear voices of doubt and inadequacy that are rooted in our own insecurities. These voices can hold us back from stepping out in faith and following God’s call. But God’s voice is always one of affirmation, encouragement, and strength. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that God’s grace is sufficient, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
To discern between our own voice and God’s voice, we must be willing to submit our thoughts and desires to Him. Proverbs 16:3 encourages us, "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established." When we commit our plans, desires, and decisions to God, He establishes our thoughts, aligning them with His will.
Another way to recognize our own voice is by examining the motivation behind what we are hearing. Is the voice driven by self-interest, pride, or personal ambition? Or is it motivated by a desire to glorify God and serve others? Philippians 2:3-4 reminds us to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but to "in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." God’s voice leads us to humility, service, and selflessness, while our own voice often leads us toward self-promotion and pride.
Finally, recognizing our own voice requires surrendering our will to God’s will. In Matthew 26:39, Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." Jesus models for us the importance of submitting our will to the Father’s will, even when it’s difficult. When we surrender our desires, fears, and plans to God, we open ourselves up to hearing His voice more clearly.
5. Cultivating a Discerning Spirit
Discerning between voices is not something that happens overnight—it is a spiritual discipline that must be cultivated over time. As we grow in our relationship with God, we develop a more discerning spirit, becoming more attuned to His voice and more sensitive to the influences around us. But how do we cultivate this discernment?
The first step is to immerse ourselves in the Word of God. As we’ve already discussed, Scripture is the foundation for discernment. The more we read, study, and meditate on the Word, the more we equip ourselves to recognize God’s voice and reject the lies of the enemy. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." God’s Word illuminates the path before us, guiding us in truth and helping us discern between voices.
Prayer is also essential for cultivating discernment. Prayer is not just about bringing our requests to God—it is about listening to His voice and seeking His wisdom. James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." When we ask God for wisdom in prayer, He is faithful to provide it, helping us discern between His voice and the voices that seek to lead us astray.
Another key to cultivating discernment is community. God has given us the body of Christ to help us grow in wisdom and accountability. Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." When we surround ourselves with godly counsel and accountability, we are better equipped to discern between voices. Others can help us test what we are hearing and provide insight that we may not see on our own.
Finally, cultivating discernment requires obedience. As we learn to recognize God’s voice, we must be willing to obey it. Hebrews 5:14 tells us that "strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Spiritual maturity and discernment come through practice. The more we obey God’s voice, the more sensitive we become to His leading, and the more we are able to discern between good and evil.
Close:
Discerning between voices is essential to our walk with God. In a world filled with noise, confusion, and deception, we must learn to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd and follow Him alone. Today, God is calling us to cultivate a discerning spirit, to test the voices we hear, and to follow His truth with confidence.
Perhaps you’ve been struggling to discern God’s voice in your life. Maybe the noise of the world has been overwhelming, or you’ve been unsure which direction to take. Today, God is inviting you to come closer, to spend time in His Word, and to listen for His voice. He is speaking—will you listen?
If you’ve never given your life to Christ, this is your opportunity to respond to the voice of the Good Shepherd. Jesus is calling you to follow Him, to receive His gift of salvation, and to walk in the truth of His love. Will you respond to His call today?
Or maybe you’ve been walking with Jesus for some time, but the voices of doubt, fear, or confusion have clouded your mind. If you need clarity, guidance, or discernment, God is ready to meet you where you are. He is the God of peace, and His voice will lead you into truth.
If you’re looking for a church home, a place where you can grow in your faith and walk alongside others who are seeking God’s voice, the doors of this church are open wide. We are ready to welcome you and help you discern the voice of God in your life.
And if you need prayer today—if you’re facing difficult decisions or uncertain circumstances—come forward and let us pray with you. God is ready to lead you, to guide you, and to fill you with His wisdom and peace.
Will you respond to His voice today? The Good Shepherd is calling. Will you come?
