What does "hear my voice" reveal about our relationship with God? The Shepherd’s Call in John 10:27 “ ‘My sheep hear My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.’ ” Why “hear My voice” matters - Hearing implies an active, ongoing reception, not a one-time event. - Jesus speaks personally; “My sheep” indicates ownership and care. - Relationship precedes obedience: He knows us first, then we follow. Four truths the phrase reveals about our relationship with God • Intimacy – Hearing someone’s voice assumes closeness. Psalm 25:14: “The LORD confides in those who fear Him.” – God does not delegate communication; He speaks directly. • Identity – “My sheep” defines who we are. 2 Timothy 2:19: “The Lord knows those who are His.” – Our ability to hear proves we belong. • Guidance – Voice directs the flock. Isaiah 30:21: “Your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way…’ ” – Following is the natural outcome of hearing. • Security – The Shepherd’s voice calms and protects. Psalm 23:4 highlights His comforting presence. – Because we hear, we are never abandoned (Hebrews 13:5). How hearing happens 1. Through Scripture “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word” (Matthew 4:4). Regular reading tunes the ear. 2. By the Holy Spirit John 16:13: “He will guide you into all truth.” The Spirit internalizes the Shepherd’s words. 3. In obedient response James 1:22: “Be doers of the word.” Obedience sharpens spiritual hearing. Barriers to hearing – Unconfessed sin (Isaiah 59:2) – Competing voices of culture (1 John 2:15-17) – Hardened hearts (Hebrews 3:7-8) Practical steps to stay attuned • Set daily, unrushed time in the Word. • Memorize key promises; recall them aloud. • Quiet external noise—phones, media—during study. • Act promptly on what you know; obedience invites more revelation. The promise we rest in John 10:28: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand.” Hearing His voice today is the guarantee of His hold forever. |
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