How can we discern the voice of Jesus from "a stranger's voice" today? The Verse in Focus “‘But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will flee from him because they do not recognize the stranger’s voice.’” (John 10:5) Why Discerning Voices Matters • Jesus assumes His true sheep can distinguish Him from impostors. • Following the wrong voice leads to confusion, bondage, and spiritual drift (Galatians 1:6–7). • Hearing rightly safeguards the church and strengthens personal assurance (2 Peter 1:10). Distinct Marks of Jesus’ Voice • Anchored in written Scripture – “Your word is truth” (John 17:17). – Never contradicts even one jot or tittle (Matthew 5:18). • Centered on His character – The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). – Gentle and lowly yet authoritative (Matthew 11:29; Matthew 28:18). • Produces the fruit of the Spirit – “Love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22–23). • Convicts but never condemns the believer – “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). – The Spirit exposes sin while pointing to grace (John 16:8, 14). • Glorifies the Father and exalts the Son – “He will glorify Me” (John 16:14). • Leads toward obedience – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Red Flags of a Stranger’s Voice • Diminishes or twists Scripture (Genesis 3:1; 2 Peter 3:16). • Appeals to pride, greed, or fleshly desires (James 3:14–16; 1 John 2:16). • Promotes half-truths or outright lies (John 8:44). • Produces fear, confusion, or despair rather than peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). • Glorifies anyone or anything above Christ (Colossians 2:18–19). • Encourages disobedience or moral compromise (Jude 4). Practical Ways to Tune Our Ears • Daily Scripture intake – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). • Ongoing prayerful communion with God (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Immediate obedience to light already received (John 7:17). • Fellowship with mature believers for confirmation (Proverbs 11:14). • Regular participation in Christ-centered worship where His Word is proclaimed (Hebrews 10:25). • Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s inward witness (Romans 8:16). Testing Every Impression “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” (1 John 4:1). Checklist: 1. Does it clearly align with the full counsel of Scripture? 2. Does it magnify Jesus and further His mission? 3. Does it foster the Spirit’s fruit in me and others? 4. Can it stand up under godly counsel and accountability? Living in Confident Recognition As we abide in His Word, walk by His Spirit, and practice immediate obedience, the distinction between the Shepherd’s voice and every stranger’s voice grows brighter. His sheep learn not merely to identify false tones but to flee from them, resting secure in the faithful guidance of their ever-present Lord (John 10:27–28). |
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