January 11, 2015

Preparing to Hear God's Voice

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: Discerning God's Voice in a World Full of Noise Scripture: Luke 8:4–8:15

How Do I Prepare Myself
To Hear God Speak?

1. Cultivate an open heart and mind (5, 12)

The first soil represents a closed mind or a hardened heart

A closed mind and hardened heart can be caused by:

  • Pride
  • Fear
  • Bitterness

2. Prioritize time to listen (6, 13)

The second type of soil represents a superficial mind

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” (John 15:4)

“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31–32)

You can be thrilled without being transformed (13)

3. Beware the barrenness of busyness (7, 14)

The third type of soil represents a distracted mind

Three types of distractions:

  • Worries
  • Riches
  • Pleasures

Weeds are a sign of neglect

4. Decide in advance to obey whatever God tells you to do when He tells you to do it (8, 15)

The fourth type of soil represents a willing heart and mind

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 4:7)

When God speaks it is not to give us an Opinion to be considered, but an Order to be obeyed!

“Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” (John 8:47)

For Personal Application:

  • Reflect on some of the times in your life when you have been like each of the four types of soils. What were some of the things that contributed to the condition of your heart and mind during that season of your life?
  • Which of the four types of soil best describe your heart and mind right now? What adjustments do you need to make to have a more receptive heart and mind to hear God speak?
  • What is your current practice of prioritizing time to listen to God speak? What adjustments do you need to make in your schedule to prioritize this time?
  • What are the areas of your life that may lead to hardness or distraction that make it more difficult for you to hear from God? What will you do about them?
  • Is there anything that God has spoken to you about that you haven’t done yet? Why haven’t you obeyed up to this point? What is the next step you need to take on the pathway toward obedience?
  • Talk to God and reaffirm your willingness to do whatever He commands as soon as He commands it.

other sermons in this series

Jan 25

2015

Jan 18

2015