THE COST OF LISTENING TO THE WRONG VOICE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 3:1-13
Key Verse: “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” (1 Timothy 2:14)
Supporting Texts: Genesis 2:16-17, Proverbs 13:20, John 10:3-5, Isaiah 30:21, James 1:14-15
INTRODUCTION
Life is governed by voices. Every decision, direction, and destiny is influenced by the voice we choose to listen to. From the Garden of Eden, humanity’s downfall began not with action, but with attention. Eve listened before she acted, and what she heard shaped what she did.
God had clearly spoken His instruction, but another voice emerged: subtle, persuasive, and contradictory. The tragedy of the fall was not merely disobedience; it was the replacement of God’s voice with another authority. When the wrong voice is entertained, wrong outcomes become inevitable.
In our generation, voices are louder and more numerous than ever: culture, emotions, friends, fear, social media, and even inner thoughts. Understanding the cost of listening to the wrong voice is essential if believers are to preserve destiny, maintain intimacy with God, and walk in obedience.
1. THE WRONG VOICE CREATES CONFUSION AND DOUBT
Listening to voices that oppose God’s truth introduces uncertainty and weakens spiritual clarity.
a) It questions what God has already said (Genesis 3:1)
The wrong voice causes believers to doubt clear divine instructions.
b) It distorts truth gradually (Genesis 3:4-5)
Error rarely comes openly; it evolves through subtle distortion.
c) It replaces conviction with reasoning (Proverbs 3:5)
Human logic begins to override divine command.
d) It weakens faith (Romans 10:17)
Faith diminishes when God’s Word is no longer trusted fully.
Biblical Example:
Eve became confused when the serpent questioned God’s instruction, leading her to alter what God had clearly spoken.
2. THE WRONG VOICE LEADS TO DISOBEDIENCE
Every act of disobedience begins with listening to the wrong authority.
a) It shifts loyalty from God to self (Genesis 3:6)
Personal desire becomes more important than divine instruction.
b) It normalises rebellion (1 Samuel 15:22)
Disobedience is made to look reasonable and harmless.
c) It silences the fear of God (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Reverence for God diminishes when other voices dominate.
d) It produces regretful actions (James 1:14-15)
Yielding to temptation results in sin and eventual sorrow.
Biblical Example:
Adam listened to Eve’s voice instead of God’s command, leading to direct disobedience (Genesis 3:17).
3. THE WRONG VOICE SEPARATES MAN FROM GOD
Disobedience driven by the wrong voice always affects relationship with God.
a) It brings spiritual distance (Genesis 3:8)
Sin causes man to hide from God’s presence.
b) It replaces intimacy with fear (Genesis 3:10)
Confidence before God is lost.
c) It introduces guilt and shame (Genesis 3:7)
Innocence is replaced with self-consciousness.
d) It blocks fellowship (Isaiah 59:1-2)
Sin creates a barrier between man and God.
Biblical Example:
Adam and Eve hid themselves from God, showing how wrong voices destroy intimacy.
4. THE WRONG VOICE CARRIES A GENERATIONAL COST
The consequences of listening wrongly often extend beyond the individual.
a) It alters destiny paths (Genesis 3:23–24)
Access to divine privilege is lost.
b) It affects future generations (Romans 5:12)
One act of disobedience introduced sin into humanity.
c) It multiplies sorrow and hardship (Genesis 3:16-19)
Labour, pain, and struggle increased as a result of sin.
d) It delays God’s original purpose (Jeremiah 29:11)
God’s plan is hindered though not cancelled.
Biblical Example:
The fall affected all humanity, introducing death, suffering, and separation from God.
5. DISCERNING AND FOLLOWING THE RIGHT VOICE
Victory is restored when believers intentionally choose God’s voice above all others.
a) God’s voice brings clarity and life (John 10:27)
The sheep recognise and follow His voice.
b) God’s Word provides direction (Psalm 119:105)
Scripture illuminates the right path.
c) The Holy Spirit guides into truth (John 16:13)
Divine guidance prevents deception.
d) Obedience restores fellowship (John 14:23)
Loving God is expressed through obedience.
Biblical Example:
Jesus consistently rejected Satan’s voice and obeyed the Father, preserving His mission and authority.
CONCLUSION
Listening to the wrong voice carries a high price: confusion, disobedience, separation from God, and generational consequences. What seems like a harmless conversation can become a destiny-altering decision when it contradicts God’s Word.
Believers must intentionally guard their ears and hearts, choosing God’s voice above all others. Destiny is preserved, intimacy restored, and purpose fulfilled when obedience becomes the final authority in our lives.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, silence every wrong voice speaking against Your will for my life in Jesus name.
2. Lord, give me a heart that is sensitive to Your voice alone in Jesus name.
3. I receive grace to obey God completely without compromise in Jesus name.
4. Every confusion planted by the enemy is removed from my mind in Jesus name.
5. Holy Spirit, sharpen my spiritual discernment in Jesus name.
6. I disconnect from every voice leading me away from God in Jesus name.
7. Lord, restore intimacy between You and me in Jesus name.
8. Every consequence of wrong decisions is reversed by mercy in Jesus name.
9. I align my life with God’s perfect will in Jesus name.
10. I shall finish my destiny strong and obedient in Jesus name.
