Title: “How God Speaks”
Scripture: Matthew 10:16-20
Introduction:
Between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament, there is a period of some 400 years. Often this is referred to as the “silent” years. After these 400 years without hearing from God, John the Baptist seems to arrive on the scene with a message directly from God to all that would listen. And just as God spoke to John the Baptist, he is still speaking today through the “Spirit of our Father.”
I. God Speaks To His People
“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” (Psalms 32:8)
A. God speaks to us through His Word
Illustration:
The following lines are attributed to Martin Luther:
The Bible is alive, it speaks to me.
It has feet, it runs after me.
It has hands, it lays hold of me.
B. God speaks to us through called ministers
C. God speaks to us through assuring means
D. God speaks to us through His Holy Spirit
II. God Speaks With His People
“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3)
A. God speaks as we exercise fellowship with Him
B. God speaks to us as a friend
1. He stays close by our side
2. He sticks closer than a brother to us
C. God speaks to us as a companion
1. He never leaves us
2. He never forsakes us
III. God Speaks Through His People
“For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.” (Matthew 10:20)
A. God speaks through ministers and teachers
1. They should always seek God’s direction
2. They should always believe and allow God to speak through them when they preach and teach
B. Christians should follow God’s guidance
1. They should allow God to speak through them
2. They should be led by God when visiting and witnessing
Illustration:
Belief that divine guidance is real rests upon two foundation-facts: first, the reality of God’s plan for us; second, the ability of God to communicate with us. On both these facts the Bible has much to say.—J. I. Packer
C. Miracles begin to happen when we allow God to speak through us
Conclusion:
Is God speaking to you and are you listening to what He has to say?
