How do you know what to do in life?

Today we're going to talk about how to be open to being guided by the voice of God.

If God is real, then learning how to hear his voice is the most important thing we will do in life.

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The New Testament makes it clear that we are to be led by the Spirit of God.

John 14:26
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Mark 13:11
Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:29
The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

Acts 16:6
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.

Paul in his letters talks about being led by the Spirit, walking by the Spirit (Galatians 5).

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Approach hearing from God (your relationship with the Holy Spirit) as something you learn to do. That you are discipled into. To be a disciple means to be a learner.

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Anchor 1 - The Bible

2 Tim 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Scot McKnight – "The Spirit created the Scriptures, the Spirit attends every reading of the Scriptures, and the Spirit is involved at every moment of our attention to the Scriptures."

Anchor 1 – The Bible
Because the Spirit spoke and still speaks through it.

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Anchor 1 – The Bible
Because we need to learn what God sounds like.

If you want to know what God sounds like, listen to Jesus.

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Anchor 2 – Listen

Bible

Prayer
- Ask a specific question
- Ask about a decision you need to make
- Ask for God to reveal blind spot areas in your life
- Ask for encouragement - (Romans 5:5)

Dreams
- Ask for God to speak when you dream
- Write them down
- Ponder them for awhile. No rush.

Prophecy
Be open to God speaking to you through other people.

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How do we know it’s God?

Safe Guards
1. Does it contradict the Bible?
2. Does it sound like Jesus?
3. Ask people you trust (Community)
4. Pray. Don't be in a rush. I've found, that when it’s from God it tends to get louder. When it’s not it tends to easily fade away.

But don’t be afraid to learn – which means trying and failing.

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Why isn’t the Holy Spirit clearer and louder?

I would say, I’ve come to hear Him quite clearly, and loudly about some things, but I know what you mean.

God seems content to often be hidden, humble and gentle.
- born in a feeding trough
- walked among us for 30 years before he gave his first speech
- walking on the water - was going to pass by
- John 21 - on the shore - they don't realize it's him
- Luke 24 - Emmaus Road - they were kept from seeing him

God speaks to Elijah in a "still small voice" - could also be translated "the sound of gentle silence.

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What if I miss a message?

No need to be anxious. If we're listening, God will make sure we hear him.

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May you be bothered.
May that drive you to the Bible.
May that make you make time in your schedule to listen.
May we find that we are being led individually and collectively as a church more and more by God the Holy Spirit.