In what ways can we "hear the voice of the Son of God" daily? Setting the Scene “Truly, truly, I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.” (John 5:25) Jesus speaks of a present reality—anyone who hears Him receives life. That promise invites us to keep on listening day by day. What It Means to Hear • In Scripture, “hear” is never passive; it carries the idea of receiving, trusting, and obeying (cf. Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 7:24). • Jesus says, “My sheep hear My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) Hearing and following are inseparable. • Because the Bible is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), every time we encounter His Word we are positioned to hear the Son of God. Practical Pathways to Hear His Voice Every Day • The Written Word – Read broadly and study deeply; the Spirit uses Scripture to speak (Hebrews 4:12). – Keep a steady plan—just a few chapters daily offers space for the Shepherd’s voice to rise above the noise. • Meditation and Memorization – “His delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2) – Turning verses over in the mind allows the Lord to apply them to specific situations. • Prayerful Dialogue – Bring every concern to Him (Philippians 4:6-7). Then sit quietly, letting Scripture already read shape what you sense in your heart. • The Indwelling Holy Spirit – “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:16) – He will never contradict the Bible (John 14:26), so impressions must align with the written Word. • Obedient Living – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) – Every step of obedience positions us to hear more; disobedience dulls spiritual hearing. • Corporate Worship and Sound Teaching – God often speaks through Spirit-filled preaching, teaching, singing, and fellowship (Hebrews 10:25). – Shared insights from other believers can amplify what He is already saying in private. • God’s Hand in Creation and Providence – “The heavens declare the glory of God… day to day they pour forth speech.” (Psalm 19:1-2) – Daily circumstances become nudges toward His will when interpreted through Scripture’s lens (Proverbs 3:5-6). Guardrails for Discernment • The Bible is the final authority; any “voice” that conflicts with it is not the Son of God speaking. • Consistency matters: the Lord’s voice produces peace, clarity, and obedience, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). • Wise counsel from mature believers helps confirm what you think you are hearing (Proverbs 15:22). Encouraging Realities • Jesus wants to be heard more than we want to listen; He initiated the relationship (Revelation 3:20). • Hearing grows with practice—each small response strengthens our spiritual ears. • One day we will hear Him face-to-face, but until then, His living Word, His Spirit, and His people keep the conversation vibrant. |
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