📖 Key Verse: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27
Pastor Craig Groeschel teaches how believers can hear and recognize God’s voice in their daily lives. He explains that while God is always speaking, many people struggle to discern His voice due to distractions, doubts, or spiritual distance.
Main Points from the Sermon:
1️⃣ God is Always Speaking, but We Must Learn to Listen
- Many people assume that God only speaks in dramatic ways, but He often speaks in stillness and through His Word.
- Hearing from God is not just for pastors or prophets—every believer can hear His voice.
📖 1 Kings 19:12 – “After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”
💬 Key Thought: “God’s voice is not always loud; sometimes it’s a whisper, waiting for us to be still and listen.”
2️⃣ How to Recognize God’s Voice
Pastor Craig shares three main ways God speaks to His people:
✔ Through His Word (The Bible)
- The Bible is God’s primary way of speaking.
- If you want to hear God, start by reading Scripture regularly.
📖 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.”
✔ Through the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit guides us through conviction, peace, and wisdom.
- If something contradicts the Bible, it is not from God.
📖 John 16:13 – “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.”
✔ Through Circumstances and Wise Counsel
- God can open and close doors to guide us.
- Seeking advice from mature believers helps confirm God’s direction.
📖 Proverbs 11:14 – “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
💬 Key Thought: “The closer you are to God, the clearer His voice will be.”
3️⃣ Barriers to Hearing God’s Voice
Pastor Craig explains common obstacles that prevent us from hearing God:
❌ Too Much Noise & Distraction
- Many people spend more time on social media than in prayer.
- God speaks, but we must create space to listen.
📖 Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”
❌ Doubt & Fear
- Sometimes we question if God is really speaking.
- Faith requires trusting that God desires to lead us.
📖 Hebrews 11:6 – “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
💬 Key Thought: “God is speaking, but are we paying attention?”
4️⃣ How to Apply This in Daily Life
✅ Spend Time in Prayer & Silence – Don’t just talk to God; listen to Him too.
✅ Read the Bible Daily – The more you read, the more you recognize God’s voice.
✅ Seek Godly Counsel – Surround yourself with wise, faith-filled people.
✅ Be Willing to Obey – God often speaks to those who are willing to follow His direction.
📖 Isaiah 30:21 – “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”
💬 Key Thought: “If you want to hear from God, you must be willing to respond when He speaks.”
Conclusion: Learning to Hear God’s Voice is a Journey
- Hearing God is not a one-time event but a lifelong process.
- The more time you spend in His presence, the more familiar His voice becomes.
📖 John 10:27 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
💬 Final Quote: “God doesn’t have a speaking problem. We have a listening problem. Are we making space to hear Him?”
Mendengarkan dan menaati suara Tuhan adalah tema yang sering ditekankan dalam Alkitab. Berikut beberapa ayat yang menyoroti pentingnya sikap dengar-dengaran kepada Tuhan:
- Ulangan 28:1: “Jika engkau baik-baik mendengarkan suara TUHAN, Allahmu, dan melakukan dengan setia segala perintah-Nya yang kusampaikan kepadamu pada hari ini, maka TUHAN, Allahmu, akan mengangkat engkau di atas segala bangsa di bumi.”
Penjelasan: Ayat ini menegaskan bahwa berkat Tuhan akan tercurah bagi mereka yang mendengarkan dan menaati perintah-Nya dengan setia. - Keluaran 15:26: “Firman-Nya: ‘Jika kamu sungguh-sungguh mendengarkan suara TUHAN, Allahmu, dan melakukan apa yang benar di mata-Nya, dan memasang telingamu kepada perintah-perintah-Nya dan tetap mengikuti segala ketetapan-Nya, maka Aku tidak akan menimpakan kepadamu penyakit mana pun, yang telah Kutimpakan kepada orang Mesir; sebab Aku TUHANlah yang menyembuhkan engkau.'”
Penjelasan: Tuhan menjanjikan perlindungan dan kesembuhan bagi mereka yang mendengarkan dan menaati perintah-Nya. - Yakobus 1:22: “Tetapi hendaklah kamu menjadi pelaku firman dan bukan hanya pendengar saja; sebab jika tidak demikian kamu menipu diri sendiri.”
Penjelasan: Ayat ini mengingatkan bahwa mendengarkan firman Tuhan harus diikuti dengan tindakan nyata; hanya mendengar tanpa melakukan adalah penipuan diri. - Lukas 11:28: “Yang berbahagia ialah mereka yang mendengarkan firman Allah dan yang memeliharanya.”
Penjelasan: Kebahagiaan sejati datang dari mendengarkan dan mematuhi firman Tuhan. - Matius 7:24: “Setiap orang yang mendengar perkataan-Ku ini dan melakukannya, ia sama dengan orang yang bijaksana, yang mendirikan rumahnya di atas batu.”
Penjelasan: Yesus menggambarkan bahwa mereka yang mendengar dan melakukan firman-Nya adalah seperti orang bijaksana yang membangun fondasi hidup yang kokoh.
Dari ayat-ayat di atas, jelas bahwa mendengarkan dan menaati firman Tuhan adalah kunci untuk menerima berkat, perlindungan, dan kebahagiaan sejati. Ini juga menegaskan pentingnya tidak hanya menjadi pendengar, tetapi juga pelaku firman dalam kehidupan sehari-hari.
Hearing and Listening to the Voice of God
A Training Guide for Spiritual Growth
📖 Key Verse: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27
One of the most important skills in the Christian life is hearing and obeying God’s voice. Many people struggle with knowing if they are truly hearing from God or just their own thoughts. This training material will help understand why it is important, how to develop the ability to hear God, and how to apply it in daily life.
I. Why is it Important to Hear and Listen to the Voice of God?
1️⃣ It Strengthens Our Relationship with God
📖 John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
- Communication is the foundation of any strong relationship.
- If we do not listen to God, we will live according to our own wisdom rather than His divine guidance.
💬 Quote: “God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer.” — Mother Teresa
2️⃣ It Leads to Right Decisions
📖 Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
- Many people make decisions based on emotions, culture, or pressure rather than God’s wisdom.
- Hearing God’s voice ensures we are following His plan, not just our preferences.
💬 Quote: “One word from God can change your life forever.” — Smith Wigglesworth
3️⃣ It Helps Us Avoid Spiritual Deception
📖 John 8:47 – “Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”
- The enemy deceives people by making them ignore or doubt God’s voice.
- When we listen to God, we recognize truth and reject lies.
💬 Quote: “The closer you are to God, the clearer His voice will be.” — Rick Warren
4️⃣ It Brings Peace and Direction in Difficult Times
📖 Isaiah 30:21 – “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”
- Life is full of challenges and uncertainties, but hearing God gives us peace and clarity.
- God’s voice brings comfort in trials and confidence in our journey.
💬 Quote: “If you want to hear God’s voice clearly and you are uncertain, immerse yourself in the Word of God.” — Charles Stanley
II. How to Hear and Listen to the Voice of God
1️⃣ Through the Bible (God’s Written Word)
📖 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
- The Bible is the primary way God speaks.
- If a voice contradicts the Bible, it is not from God.
✅ Application: Read the Bible daily with a listening heart, asking, “Lord, what are You saying to me?”
2️⃣ Through Prayer and Stillness
📖 Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”
- Many people pray, but few take time to listen.
- Prayer is a two-way conversation; God wants to respond.
✅ Application: Spend time in silent prayer, listening for God’s guidance after reading Scripture.
3️⃣ Through the Holy Spirit
📖 John 16:13 – “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.”
- The Holy Spirit speaks in our hearts with conviction, wisdom, and peace.
- His voice aligns with Scripture and brings clarity, not confusion.
✅ Application: Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and pay attention to His gentle promptings.
4️⃣ Through Godly Counsel
📖 Proverbs 11:14 – “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
- God often speaks through mature believers and mentors.
- Wise counsel from spiritually strong Christians helps confirm God’s direction.
✅ Application: Seek guidance from pastors, mentors, and Christian friends when unsure.
5️⃣ Through Circumstances and Divine Appointments
📖 Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”
- God orchestrates events to lead us in His plan.
- Open and closed doors can indicate God’s direction.
✅ Application: Stay sensitive to opportunities and obstacles that align with God’s calling.
III. Biblical Examples of Hearing God’s Voice
1️⃣ Moses (Exodus 3:1-12)
- God spoke through a burning bush.
- Lesson: God’s call often requires us to step out in faith.
2️⃣ Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-10)
- God spoke to Samuel as a child in the temple.
- Lesson: We must learn to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
3️⃣ Elijah (1 Kings 19:11-13)
- God’s voice was not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper.
- Lesson: God often speaks in stillness, not in noise.
4️⃣ Paul (Acts 9:1-19)
- God spoke to Paul through a vision on the road to Damascus.
- Lesson: God’s voice can completely transform our lives.
IV. What Christian Leaders Say About Hearing God’s Voice
💬 Charles Spurgeon:
“When the Lord speaks, take time to listen. His voice is far more precious than human wisdom.”
💬 A.W. Tozer:
“The man who does not expect to hear God will discount every thought that He speaks.”
💬 Dallas Willard:
“Hearing God is not a passive act; it is the foundation of a living relationship with Him.”
V. Applications in Our Lives
| Situation | How to Listen to God |
| Making a major decision | Pray and seek Scripture for confirmation. |
| Feeling spiritually dry | Spend quiet time listening in prayer. |
| Facing temptation | Ask the Holy Spirit for strength and wisdom. |
| Unsure about God’s will | Seek godly counsel and observe circumstances. |
| Needing comfort in trials | Meditate on God’s promises in Scripture. |
✅ Final Challenge:
- Spend 5 minutes each day in silence, asking God to speak.
- Keep a journal of what God is teaching you.
- Act in obedience when God gives direction.
Final Thought
📖 John 10:27 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
💬 Quote:
“The most powerful voice in your life should not be the world’s, but God’s.”
🙌 Are you actively listening for God’s voice today? Make it a priority, and He will lead you in His perfect way!
Biblical Examples of Hearing God’s Voice
1️⃣ Moses: God Spoke Through a Burning Bush
📖 Exodus 3:1-12
How God Spoke:
Moses encountered a burning bush that was not consumed by fire, and from it, God called his name. He was instructed to go to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery.
Key Observations:
✔ God called Moses by name (Exodus 3:4).
✔ Moses responded with hesitation (Exodus 3:11).
✔ God reassured Moses of His presence and power (Exodus 3:12).
Lesson:
God’s call often requires us to step out in faith.
- Moses was afraid and insecure, but God equipped him for the task.
- Many times, God speaks and calls us to something bigger than ourselves.
- Obedience to God’s voice leads to purpose and miracles.
✅ Application:
- When God calls, trust that He will equip you.
- Do not let fear stop you from obeying God’s instructions.
- Pay attention to unusual signs and divine encounters—they may be God speaking.
💬 Key Takeaway:
“God’s call may seem impossible, but His presence makes it possible.”
2️⃣ Samuel: God Spoke to Him in the Night
📖 1 Samuel 3:1-10
How God Spoke:
Samuel, a young boy serving in the temple, heard his name being called three times at night. Thinking it was Eli, he kept running to him. Finally, Eli realized it was God calling Samuel and told him how to respond.
Key Observations:
✔ God called Samuel repeatedly (1 Samuel 3:4, 6, 8).
✔ Samuel initially did not recognize God’s voice (1 Samuel 3:7).
✔ Eli guided Samuel to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:9).
Lesson:
We must learn to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
- Sometimes, we do not immediately recognize God’s voice.
- Spiritual mentors (like Eli) help us learn to hear God.
- God desires to speak, but we must posture ourselves to listen.
✅ Application:
- Take time to listen in silence rather than just praying and speaking.
- If unsure, seek wise counsel from mature believers.
- Respond with obedience when God speaks.
💬 Key Takeaway:
“God calls us by name, but we must learn to recognize His voice.”
3️⃣ Elijah: God Spoke in a Gentle Whisper
📖 1 Kings 19:11-13
How God Spoke:
Elijah, exhausted and discouraged, hid in a cave after fleeing Jezebel. God instructed him to stand outside because He was about to pass by. Then came:
❌ A powerful wind—but God was not in the wind.
❌ An earthquake—but God was not in the earthquake.
❌ A fire—but God was not in the fire.
✅ Finally, a gentle whisper—and that was God speaking.
Key Observations:
✔ Elijah expected God to speak in dramatic ways (1 Kings 19:11-12).
✔ God chose a whisper to reveal His presence (1 Kings 19:12).
✔ Elijah recognized and responded to God’s voice (1 Kings 19:13).
Lesson:
God often speaks in stillness, not in noise.
- Many people expect God to speak in spectacular ways, but often, He speaks in the quiet moments.
- We need to eliminate distractions and create stillness to hear God’s voice.
- God’s voice brings peace, not fear.
✅ Application:
- Set aside quiet, undistracted time to be in God’s presence.
- Stop looking for dramatic signs; learn to hear God’s gentle whispers.
- Pay attention to the inner peace that comes when God is speaking.
💬 Key Takeaway:
“God speaks in whispers because He is close—will you be still enough to hear Him?”
4️⃣ Paul: God Spoke Through a Vision
📖 Acts 9:1-19
How God Spoke:
Paul, then known as Saul, was on his way to persecute Christians when suddenly, a bright light from heaven flashed around him, and he heard Jesus speaking.
Key Observations:
✔ Paul was blinded for three days (Acts 9:9).
✔ God sent Ananias to pray for Paul (Acts 9:10-12).
✔ Paul’s life completely changed—from persecutor to preacher (Acts 9:20).
Lesson:
God’s voice can completely transform our lives.
- Paul was going in the wrong direction, but God’s voice redirected him.
- Encountering God’s voice leads to radical transformation.
- God often uses other believers (like Ananias) to confirm His message.
✅ Application:
- Be open to God redirecting your life’s path.
- When God speaks, respond immediately with obedience.
- Trust that even your past mistakes can be redeemed when you follow God.
💬 Key Takeaway:
“When God speaks, everything can change in an instant—are you ready to obey?”
Summary Table: Biblical Examples of Hearing God’s Voice
| Person | How God Spoke | Lesson Learned |
| Moses (Exodus 3:1-12) | Burning bush | God’s call requires faith and obedience. |
| Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-10) | Audible voice at night | We must train ourselves to listen and respond to God. |
| Elijah (1 Kings 19:11-13) | Gentle whisper | God often speaks in stillness, not in noise. |
| Paul (Acts 9:1-19) | Vision and voice of Jesus | Hearing God’s voice can radically change our lives. |
Final Reflection
📖 John 10:27 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
💬 Final Thought:
“God is always speaking, but are we listening? Will we recognize His voice and obey?”
✅ Challenge:
- Take time this week to listen for God’s voice in stillness.
- Study how biblical figures responded to God and apply those lessons.
- When God speaks, respond with immediate obedience!
A Practical Guide to Training Yourself to Hear God’s Voice
📖 Key Verse: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27
Hearing God’s voice is not reserved for pastors, prophets, or spiritual leaders. Every believer can and should learn to recognize and respond to God’s voice. However, like any skill, it requires intentional practice, patience, and faith. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you develop the ability to hear and discern God’s voice in your daily life.
1️⃣ Prepare Your Heart to Listen
A. Desire to Hear God
📖 Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
If you truly want to hear from God, you must desire it deeply. God does not hide His voice, but He speaks to those who actively seek Him.
✅ Practical Steps:
- Pray: “Lord, I desire to hear Your voice. Help me to recognize when You speak.”
- Develop spiritual hunger—read testimonies of people who have heard God.
💬 Key Thought: “A heart that seeks God will always find His voice.”
B. Remove Barriers That Block God’s Voice
📖 Isaiah 59:2 – “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”
Sometimes, we struggle to hear God because there are obstacles in our hearts:
❌ Unconfessed sin creates spiritual distance.
❌ Distractions (busyness, social media, entertainment) drown out God’s voice.
❌ Doubt and fear make us hesitant to trust what we hear.
✅ Practical Steps:
- Repent of any known sin and ask God to cleanse your heart.
- Declutter your spiritual life by reducing distractions.
- Strengthen your faith—believe that God WANTS to speak to you!
💬 Key Thought: “God’s voice is clear, but sin and distractions create interference.”
2️⃣ Learn to Recognize the Ways God Speaks
📖 Job 33:14 – “For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it.”
God speaks in multiple ways, and we need to be familiar with how He communicates. Below are five primary ways God speaks and how to train yourself to recognize them:
A. God Speaks Through Scripture (The Bible) 📖
📖 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
- The Bible is God’s primary and most reliable way of speaking.
- If you feel confused about whether something is from God, compare it with Scripture—God will never contradict His Word.
✅ Training Exercise:
- Before reading the Bible, pray: “Lord, speak to me through Your Word.”
- Keep a journal of specific verses that stand out—God may be using them to guide you.
💬 Key Thought: “If you want to hear God’s voice, start by reading His book.”
B. God Speaks Through the Holy Spirit 🕊️
📖 John 16:13 – “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.”
- The Holy Spirit lives within every believer and speaks through gentle impressions, conviction, and wisdom.
- His voice will never bring confusion but will always align with Scripture and bring peace and clarity.
✅ Training Exercise:
- Pray: “Holy Spirit, I open my heart to Your leading. Show me what You want me to do.”
- Pay attention to moments when you feel a deep conviction or peace—that may be God speaking.
💬 Key Thought: “The Holy Spirit is our guide—listen when He nudges your heart.”
C. God Speaks Through Prayer and Stillness 🙏
📖 Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”
- Many people talk too much in prayer but rarely listen.
- God often speaks when we quiet our minds and listen expectantly.
✅ Training Exercise:
- After praying, sit in silence for a few minutes and write down anything you sense God saying.
- Ask God specific questions and wait for a response (e.g., “Lord, what do You want me to do today?”).
💬 Key Thought: “God speaks when we stop talking and start listening.”
D. God Speaks Through Circumstances and Open/Closed Doors 🚪
📖 Revelation 3:7 – “What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.”
- Sometimes, God guides us by opening and closing opportunities.
- Unexpected delays or sudden opportunities may be God’s way of directing us.
✅ Training Exercise:
- Pay attention to divine coincidences—God may be leading you in ways you didn’t expect.
- Pray: “Lord, close the doors that are not from You and open the ones that are.”
💬 Key Thought: “God’s direction is often found in the doors He opens and closes.”
E. God Speaks Through People (Wise Counsel) 🗣️
📖 Proverbs 11:14 – “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
- God places mentors, pastors, and godly friends in our lives to guide us.
- If multiple trusted people confirm the same message, pay attention—God may be speaking.
✅ Training Exercise:
- Seek spiritual mentors and ask for their input on important decisions.
- Be open to correction and encouragement from godly counsel.
💬 Key Thought: “God often speaks through others—wise counsel leads to wise decisions.”
3️⃣ How to Apply What You Hear
📖 James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Hearing God’s voice is only the first step—obedience is what makes the difference.
✅ Action Steps:
✔ Write down what God speaks to you.
✔ Test it against Scripture and godly wisdom.
✔ Take action when you receive clear direction.
💬 Key Thought: “God speaks to those who are willing to obey.”
4️⃣ When You’re Unsure If It’s God’s Voice
Ask yourself these four questions to confirm if what you are hearing is truly from God:
1️⃣ Does it align with the Bible? (God will never contradict His Word.)
2️⃣ Does it bring peace or confusion? (God’s voice brings peace, not anxiety.)
3️⃣ Have I sought godly counsel? (Ask wise believers for confirmation.)
4️⃣ Does it require faith? (God often calls us beyond our comfort zone.)
💬 Key Thought: “If God is speaking, He will confirm it through His Word, peace, and wise counsel.”
Final Challenge: Train Yourself to Listen
📖 Isaiah 30:21 – “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”
✅ Daily Practice Plan:
✔ Morning: Read Scripture and ask God to speak.
✔ Throughout the Day: Pay attention to inner promptings from the Holy Spirit.
✔ Night: Reflect and journal what you sensed God speaking.
💬 Final Thought:
“God’s voice is not distant—it is close. But are we making space to listen?”
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