In our second series at KC, we discussed hearing from God. At the start of the sermon, we found that most people find it difficult hearing from God. This is due to several reasons; which we explored in this series.
I hope that even in this short summary, the word of God moves in your life, Amen.
Checkpoint 1
God does not speak in vain. When God speaks, it is for a purpose. It is an invitation for us to draw closer and commune with him as stated in 1 Peter 2 vs 9. The people of the Old Testament were not privy to such luxury because they were subject to the law and had to commune with God through priests. However, we are no longer subject to the law due to the blood of our Lord Jesus, we can now come boldly to the throne of grace and develop an intimate relationship with the Father.
Checkpoint 2
If you turn to Exodus 20 vs 18-21, the scripture describes the scene of God ascending the mountain to meet with Moses. The experience is sensory with thunder and lightning, smoke, fire and this caused the Israelites to fear God. Instead of drawing nearer, they let fear dictate their actions and thoughts. Thus, they stood afar and did not come close.
The behaviours of the Israelites may seem amiss, however having a sensory knowledge of God can produce fear and not the fear of God which is a fruit of the spirit and causes us to draw near. Rather! a fear in the flesh that drives us away from him.
How often do we cling to the secondary revelations of others instead of communing with God ourselves?
I urge you to be partakers in your relationship with God. This does not diminish the roles that friends, mentors and pastors have in our walk however we ought to confront the fear. The revelation of God is more compelling than the darkness and uncertainty facing us. And in the midst of the fear; the voice of God guides and sustains.
Checkpoint 3
God has already made his way known to all of us. From checkpoint 1, we know that the voice of God is an invitation to draw near. But his voice also helps us to recognise that it is indeed God speaking. This will help us to discern his voice above every other noise in our lives.
The voice of God will never be contrary to his word and if you want to hear from God? Get into his word. His word will help us to test everything that is being spoken to us to ensure that we are not being led astray by our own desires. When you hear a voice, ask, does it glorify God? Does it align with the flesh or the spirit?
The voice of God also informs us about thoughts towards us, his desires, his promises, his intentions and his emotions…Psalm 139 vs 17-18 tells us that his thoughts about us outnumber the grains of sand! I hope this gives you hope that you are always in heart.
Checkpoint 4
Hebrew 3 vs 7-9 reminds not to harden our hearts when we hear the voice of God. The Israelites hardened their hearts against God, they followed their desires and even created idols in his place. Let us learn from their lesson. When we hear from God, whether it be through his voice, his word or those around us; let us respond.
The voice of God should steer our hearts, it should cause us to submit and surrender to him at once. Also, savour his voice. In those times of doubt, I encourage you to remember the times you have so clearly heard him and rejoice that you are not alone but instead, there is a God that knows you and is calling you to himself.
-A.
