How can we ensure we are hearing God's voice today? The Father Still Speaks John 5 :37 — “And the Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me. You have not heard His voice at any time nor seen His form.” Why This Verse Matters • Jesus exposes a tragedy: people surrounded by Scripture yet missing the living voice behind it. • Our desire is the opposite—hearts alive to every word the Father is speaking. God’s Reliable Channels of Communication • Scripture – 2 Timothy 3 :16-17 — every word “God-breathed,” sufficient to equip us. – Psalm 119 :105 — His word lights the path, ensuring the steps we take are guided by Him. • The Son – Hebrews 1 :1-2 — God’s ultimate self-expression is in Jesus; every Gospel scene lets us “hear” the Father. • The Holy Spirit – John 16 :13 — the Spirit “will guide you into all truth,” echoing the Father’s heart in real time. • God’s Providence – Acts 16 :6-10 — closed doors and open doors can speak just as clearly as words. Practices That Keep Our Spiritual Ears Open 1. Daily Immersion in the Word • Read attentively, expecting the Author to speak. • Memorize key passages; familiarity breeds recognition (John 10 :27). 2. Stillness and Prayerful Listening • Cultivate silence; Elijah heard the “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19 :12). • Ask, then wait—faith trusts God to answer. 3. Obedient Response • Revelation grows with obedience; light obeyed becomes more light (James 1 :22, John 7 :17). 4. Fellowship with Mature Believers • God confirms His voice through the unified witness of the body (Proverbs 11 :14, Acts 13 :2-3). 5. Discernment Tests • Is it consistent with Scripture? • Does it exalt Christ? • Does it produce righteousness and peace? (James 3 :17) • 1 Thessalonians 5 :19-21 — “Test all things; hold fast to what is good.” Common Hindrances to Hearing • Unconfessed sin (Psalm 66 :18). • Distraction and noise (Luke 10 :40-42). • Pre-set agendas that drown out God’s direction (Proverbs 3 :5-6). • Spiritual laziness—hearing requires intentional seeking (Jeremiah 29 :13). Walking Forward with Confidence • Romans 10 :17 — “Faith comes by hearing... through the word about Christ.” Keep the word central. • Expect the Father’s guidance; He delights to lead His children. • Stay humble, stay teachable, stay near the Shepherd. His promise stands: “My sheep hear My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” |
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