February 1, 2015

“#5 Source to Knowing God’s Will: Still Small Voice” Sermon Notes

Part 5, “Knowing God’s Will” Message Series

  1. God Is Speaking

“Jesus answered, ‘I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.’” (John 10:25–28)

  1. God Speaks in a Whisper

“The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper[KJV=still small voice]…”

(1 Kings 19:11–12)

  1. How Can We Hear God’s Whisper?

“‘Be still, and know that I am God…’” (Psalm 46:10)

1.Be Still– slow down

2.Be Silent– stop talking

3.Be in Solitude– remove distractions

4.Be Soft– respond to God’s voice

“See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. As has just been said: ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.’” (Hebrews 3:12–15)

Discussion Questions

Ice Breaker: When lost on a trip, do you: Stop & ask for directions? Check the map? Wander around until you find the way? Explain.

  1. Read John 10:25–28.
  • When you have a conversation with another person, who does most of the talking? Or is it a balanced conversation? Explain.
  • In your conversations with God, are you more likely to say, “Listen to me!” or “Speak to me!”?
  • What might be some ways to distinguish between God’s voice, our own voice & the world’s voice?

2. Read 1 Kings 19:11–12.

  • Are you more likely to expect God’s voice to come in big manifestations or small ways? Share a personal experience.
  • Since God can give such great displays of power, why do you think He chooses to speak in a whisper?

3. Read Psalm 46:10.

  • What might be some current-day distractions that can keep us from hearing God when He speaks?
  • Which of the four ways to fine-tune our hearts to hear God’s voice (be still, silent, in solitude, soft-hearted) is the easiest for you? The most challenging? Why?
  • What things do you need to change, so you can more readily hear God’s voice?

4. Read Hebrews 3:12–15.

  • Describe one of the most rebellious times of your life. Who or what helped you turn to God?
  • What role do you think small groups play in helping one another maintain a soft & obedient heart toward God?

When have you experienced this?

  • What decisions you are facing right now where you want to hear God’s still small voice?

How can we pray for you?