A. In our previous lessons, we show how God created mankind to have intimate fellowship with his children. Because of Adam’s transgression, this fellowship was broken. We also saw how Jesus brought us back into this dynamic relationship.
B. We also saw how men like Abraham were called friends of God, Moses talked with God face to face and David was called a man after God’s own heart. We also saw how Jesus was knocking on the door of the Church for this fellowship.
C. Let’s look at some other Scripture:
1. Mary and Martha: Luke 10:38-42
Mary chose fellowship with God
over normal daily tasks. Jesus said that she chose “ the good part, which will
not be taken away from her.” (Vs.42)
2. The apostle Paul: Phil 3:8-11
The heart cry of Paul was to know God more fully.
3. The Church
(a) New – Hebrews 12:18-25
“ See that you do not refuse Him who speaks….”
(b) Eternity: Revelation 20:5,6 21:4-6
An eternity in rich fellowship with God.
II.
Learning to hear
Gods Voice.
A. When God usually speaks to us , it is:
1. Speaks through our heart
2. Speaks to us in visions and dreams.
B. Four Keys for Hearing Gods Voice.
Habakkuk 2:1-2
I will
stand on my guard post…
And I will
keep watch and see
what He will speak to me…
The Lord…said
Record the vision
Key One – Understanding what God’s voice is like. We look for some great voice, when like Elijah it is a still, small voice. God’ s voice comes up from our hearts and can seem like spontaneous thoughts… intuitive.
Key Two – To learn to be still before the Lord. Habakkuk said that he will stand on his guard post, He had to quiet himself to be ready when God spoke. We, too, must learn to quiet our own thoughts and emotions so that when God speaks, we can listen.
Key Three – That Habakkuk watched to see. God can also talk to us through vision and dreams. We need to look to God through the eyes of our hearts.
Key Four – To record the vision. We need to write down in a journal what God tells us. It will prove accuracy and can be words of encouragement.
Note: Each of these four keys will be studied in great detail in the upcoming lessons.
C. Safeguards to hear God’s Voice
1. Know basic doctrines of the Word. What God tells you will never contradict the Word of God. Any true revelation is clearly built upon scripture.
2. Bind Satan from hearing or interjecting
anything into your prayer time with God. Satan would love to get
individuals down off into some crazy tangent. The Word clearly tells us that we
can bind him and expect him to stay out of our prayer life.
3. You need to have a mentor or spiritual
counselor when you first start off. You can talk with him or her about what you feel God is telling
you. Remember, this needs to be someone more mature than you are in the Lord
that is solid in Scripture and has a proven track record of hearing the voice
of God.
4. You must maintain a humble and teachable
spirit. We have seen many that are
arrogant and self – righteous that believe God only speaks to them and no one
else. This pride can easily lead to deception and spiritual ruin. We should be
known as the meekest of individuals.
5. God only gives revelation for areas He has
given authority and responsibility. God will not use us to correct everyone in the world. There are
some that have “words” for everyone. God will not move outside of the areas of
authority and responsibility that He has assigned someone.
6. True revelation from God always leads to
greater wholeness, greater liberty and a greater ability to love and share God
more perfectly. If someone begins receiving revelation that is destructive
they should stop at once. There is obviously someplace in their lives that
Satan is getting in and deceiving them. This can be sin, ancestral sins, and
emotional wound. They need ministry and healing. Once these areas are taken
care of, a new freedom and beauty will start in their prayer lives.
God does not bring condemnation but brings revelation, conviction (getting this right with God)
When God speaks it brings
wholeness, Joy, Freedom after repentance.
1. What are the four principles to hearing God’s voice as outlines in Habakkuk 2:1-2?
2. Why is it Important to maintain a humble, teachable spirit?
3. Why is it easy for those that are arrogant and self-righteous to get off spiritually?
4. Why is a mentor or spiritual counselor a good Idea?
5. What benefits do we receive from keeping a prayer journal?
Next Week’s Lesson: Learning
to tune into God’s Spontaneity.
Mark and Patti Virkler have granted permission to draw this information from
their book, “Communion With God Study Guide”.
You can get more information at their website www.cwgministries.org