Hearing God’s Voice

Hearing God’s Voice

Scripture References

Primary text

• John 10
• 1 Samuel 3:8

Other references

• Jeremiah 33:3
• Isaiah 30:21
• Psalm 46:10
• 1 Kings 19:12
• Revelation 3:20

Overview

Jesus promises that He is the Good Shepherd and His sheep can recognize His voice. Pastor Craig unpacks how we move from wishing we could hear God to confidently discerning His direction. The message flows through three simple but demanding actions—ask, listen, and obey—illustrated by Samuel’s prayer, Elijah’s whisper, and everyday stories that show God still speaks in ordinary moments.

Main Points

Ask God to Speak

• Hearing begins with invitation. Pray Samuel’s prayer:

  “Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening.”

• Warning: it’s a dangerous prayer—God may say something you’d rather not hear (Samuel had to deliver judgment to Eli).
• Don’t request guidance if you’re unwilling to receive inconvenient instruction.

Listen to His Voice

• God answers those who call (Jeremiah 33:3).
• The most reliable channel is Scripture; God never contradicts His written word.
• Other avenues: Holy Spirit promptings, wise friends, sermons, songs, circumstances, peace or lack of peace, dreams, visions.
• Story: Pastor Craig’s flight training—learning to pick out his tail number amid radio chatter; the more you listen, the quicker you recognize your name.
• Practice stillness: intentionally quiet the world’s noise—scrolling, clicking, constant motion—to notice God’s whisper (Psalm 46:10).
• Exercise he uses: sit outside until he can identify 20 distinct sounds; the sounds were always there—focus made them audible.

Do What He Says

• Blessing follows obedience (Luke reference paraphrased but no chapter cited in transcript).
• Many believers are “educated beyond their level of obedience.”
• If God seems silent, revisit the last clear instruction—have you followed it?
• Obedience often requires faith and risk.
• Illustration: pilot earpiece—another voice giving quiet direction while a public conversation continues; God guides right/left (Isaiah 30:21) the same way.

God Speaks in the Ordinary

• Elijah expected God in wind, earthquake, and fire, yet the Lord came in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12).

• Illustration: Counting cricket chirps, rustling leaves, distant cars—God whispers draw us close.

Invitation to Relationship

• Jesus stands at the door and knocks (Revelation 3:20).
• No need to “clean the house” first; open the door and He enters, forgives, and begins speaking.

Key Truths

• The Good Shepherd still speaks; His sheep can learn to know His voice.
• A ritual with God is not the same as a relationship with God.
• God’s guidance never conflicts with God’s Word.
• Silence may signal unfinished obedience to a previous instruction.
• God often chooses the whisper so we will lean in closer to Him.

Response

• Invite God’s direction daily: ask, “Speak Lord, Your servant is listening.”
• Schedule deliberate quiet to read Scripture and silence competing noise.
• Act immediately on the next clear prompting, however small.
• Revisit the last directive you ignored; obey it this week.
• Share one confirmed word from God with a trusted friend to reinforce accountability.

Closing

Pastor Craig reminded the church that hearing God is not reserved for a few special Christians; it is the promise of Jesus to everyone who belongs to Him. The pathway is simple but life-altering—ask, listen, obey—and it begins by opening the door of your heart to the Savior who is knocking.

“Speak Lord, Your servant is listening.”

Prayer

The congregation prayed, thanking God for speaking, asking for clearer hearing, and surrendering to do whatever He directs—ending with a collective, “Speak Lord, Your servant is listening.”