III.
Hearing God
Introduction
Imagine yourself as the captain of an army platoon engaged in war and currently positioned
somewhere in the desert field – far from base. As you lead your group onward, you come unto a cross
road on the trail and wonder what next turn to take. Meanwhile your army General is tracking your
movement and continuously issuing strategic commands to all the platoons. You however have a
radio in your group but it switched off. What will you do?
You switch on the radio and establish communication with base by tuning to the army headquarters
frequency. Once synchronized with the frequency from base, you will clearly hear your commander
and receive instructions on what turn next to take in the strategic battle.
The metaphor above is akin to our spiritual journey. Heaven our army headquarters is continuously
communicating and issuing instructions to all of us. Prayer serves to switch on our radios and as we
tune into the frequency of heaven, we will hear God. In this study we would explore the means and
ways of tuning into the frequency of Heaven and how with the help of the Holy Spirit we can train our
spiritual man to hear (& obey) our Father, the Shepherd of our souls.
1. Hearing Things
There are two essential truths in the bible that are never explained. They are always assumed. The
first is the eternal existence of God; the second is the fact that God speaks (see Genesis 1:2, Hebrews
1:1). There is an unbroken chain of communication between God and His people all through the bible,
it is never discussed or proven, it just is. God speaks to our inner ear, but He is not the only one who
speaks there. There are multiple voices in the world that we hear everyday.
Physically and outwardly we hear a cacophony of voices – from friends, family and other people, from
technological devices – music, television, and other devices, and some from nature - birds, animal etc.
All these words, ideas and emotions from outside echo in our head and flood our minds.
We also hear inwardly our own thought and at times words we have spoken replay themselves within
us. We hear thoughts or words generated from our desires or fears. Sometimes we also hear our
consciences speak to us usually in forms such as “you shouldn’t” or “you ought to”. We also hear the
voice of the enemy (the devil) who places thoughts and suggestions in our mind in order to tempt us to
disobey or do what God does not like or want us to do.
Hearing from God is not the same thing as hearing voices. God speaking to us is more than hearing
from our consciences. It takes discipline to learn to recognize the voice of God.
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2. Discerning God’s Voice
As we saw from the examples above, God speaks to us in different ways, showing us ourselves and
showing us what is right and true.
2.1
Ways Through which God Speaks
There are many ways through which God speaks to His children. Here are some of them;
2.1.1
Through the Bible
The Bible is God's living word. We should not be surprised that when we read a passage there is
something in it which jumps out at us that is particularly relevant to our situation. Particular verses
come into our minds as we pray, and God will use some of them to speak to us.
For the Word of God is liven and active, sharper than any two edged sword…able to judge the
thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
The Bible itself declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word
was God" (John 1:1). 2 Timothy 3:16 says "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…" J. I. Packer says, "God has spoken to man, and
the Bible is His Word, given to us to make us wise unto salvation”.
If we are going to hear God clearly, we must live in a habitation of meditation upon His word. We
must immerse ourselves in the scriptures, basing our thinking upon His word. Let the Living Waters
wash our minds clean of the world’s distortion of reality. Then when through His Word He speaks to
us, we are in the right state of mind to receive what he says

2.1.2
Are there instances from the class where the bible has jumped at you while reading? Discuss
Through Other People
God can use others in unremarkable ways such that they themselves are often unaware that they are
being used. We can recognize significance in their words or actions, or in their timing. God can also
use His servants (pastors, teachers, and other ministers) who can be preaching generally but
specifically apply to specific situations in people’s lives.

2.1.3
Discuss examples within the class where you have heard God speak directly to you through
ministers of God or other ordinary people
To our hearts (The inner witness)
God can speak to us in our heart (or inner man) as we pray, or are still in his presence or even while
going about our everyday business. Like the "still small voice", it could come as "promptings" to our
hearts or minds, which are generally low-risk until we mature. God tells us to call someone late at
night; to give someone the money in our pocket; to offer to pray with someone about something very
specific that we couldn't have known. It can be similar to the "voice" of our conscience and over time
we come to recognize God speaking in our thoughts and placing things onto our minds. This will take
practice, and there will be times when you are unsure whether it is God or your own thoughts.
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2.1.4
Through Pictures (dreams & visions)
God, through the Holy Spirit, can give us certain pictures, visions or dreams (while we sleeping). We
may understand the meaning of these immediately, or they may require sharing with others, so that
someone else can explain them to us, or God may reveal it to us over time.
2.1.5
Through an Audible Voice
God occasionally speaks audibly to His children when He has placed them in situations that require
great faith. The miraculous aspect of a physical voice coming from nowhere allows us to believe in
situations that are beyond us.
Jesus prayed, "Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified
it, and will glorify it again." The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered;
others said an angel had spoken to him. Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not
mine." John 12:28
Jesus went out of His way to point out that the voice was not for His benefit because He heard God all
the time. The disciples needed to hear it, so they could have faith to believe as Jesus was about to be
rejected by the religious establishment, taunted and humiliated, and executed. So God spoke audibly.
2.1.6
Through Circumstances & Situations
God also uses circumstances and situations to speak to us. Though not necessarily the preferred
means, God can raise impediments and obstructions in the path we may be taking is not His will so as
to cause us to change course (see the story of prophet Jonah in the O.T). God could also open doors
and grant access (such as a chance encounter with someone who provides a key solution to your
problem etc) all in a bid to guide you to perceive what He is saying.
While evidence abounds from scripture and history of this means of God speaking to us, there is the
risk of misreading meaning into every circumstance that we come across as guidance from God but
could also be purely natural, consequent on our action or even hindrances from the enemy and as such
is not recommended as a stand-alone means of hearing from God.
A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps. Prov 14:15
2.2
Recognizing the Voice of God
“The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him,
and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has
brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his
voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not
recognize a stranger's voice." John 10:2-5 (NIV)
We know God’s voice because we know Him. We recognize God’s voice because we recognize Him,
the better we get to know God the more clearly we will recognize His voice.
2.2.1
Be Still
To be able to recognize the voice of God and have a functional fellowship with Him, we must develop
the habit of stillness. We cannot hear God when there is a whole lot of noise inside us. He does not
speak to our flesh and our emotions. We must learn to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:1).
2.2.2
Verify with the Written Word
The first test of whether you have really heard God speak to you is to check what was said against the
written Word. The critical test is this: Is what I have heard in line with the written Word of God? Or
does it contradict with what He has already said? If it disagrees with scripture, it is not of God.
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Even if we or an angel from Heaven should speak to you a gospel that is contrary to that which
we have preached, then let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8-9
God’s word is the last Word. There is more out there in the world than the Holy Spirit. Listening to
God never means seeking extra-biblical revelations. If what we hear really is God speaking in our
hearts, it will be encompassed in a principle already written in the Word of God. He will be showing
us a biblical principle to apply to our lives today. Jesus was saturated in the scriptures; He quoted it
continually. In this, as in all things, He is our model.
2.2.3
Be at Peace
God’s love, God’s joy, and the peace of God in your heart is an indication that you are hearing and
obeying the voice of God.
For you will go out with joy, and be led forth with peace; (Isaiah 55:12 NASB)
Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on him because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
When there is a lack of God’s peace in your heart it means that your relationship with Him is lacking.
The Holy Spirit will then try to guide you back into a righteous relationship with God, and if you
follow His leading you will once again experience the peace of God through the Holy Spirit in you.
If you feel that God is speaking a message to you but you are not really sure if it is from God here are
some good questions to ask your self about the message.

Does it line up with the Holy Bible, the written scriptures?

Does it lead you into a closer relationship with God, a greater unity with Him?

Does it lead you into expressing love, which is putting God’s benefit and the benefit of others
before your own benefit?

Does it lead to a dying of yourself and a greater manifestation of Christ life in you?

Does it cause greater humility in you, and a greater dependence upon God?

Does it cause greater love, joy, and peace from God in you?
If we have learned to discern God's voice in small things by acting on God's low-risk promptings and
finding them validated with fruit that lasts, then God may prompt us to "tell that person I am going to
heal them". At this point of maturity, those practiced at knowing God's voice need not pretend or
merely hope. They can speak with authority, conviction, and results (Rom. 12:2). They need not be
double-minded or resort to psychological gymnastics (James 1:5-8). They can pray in real faith (James
5:15).
Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity…your teachers will be hidden no more;
with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears
will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isa 30:20-21
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17).
3. Obeying the Father’s Voice
Often we ask God to speak to us, only to hear back, "if you are so interested in what I think, then why
didn't you do the last thing I told you?" Obedience is the response that keeps the dialog going. If we
refuse to do what God tells us in the little things, we risk deafening our spiritual ear. If we refuse to do
what God speaks in the big things, we risk his active rebuke.
..."Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings ...as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To
obey is better than sacrifice..." (1 Sam 15:22)
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Imagine your own son coming to you in great earnestness and saying, "Father, please speak to me.
What would you have me do?" You respond, "I would like you to clean your room." Thrilled at the
sound of your voice, the child goes off elated, but does not clean the room. Later, he approaches again,
"Father, please disclose your will to your humble child." You tell him again, "Go clean your room."
Pleased, he withdraws himself again, but does not do what you asked. Yet again, your son comes to
you, "Oh great father, I long to do your bidding! Grant me the favor of your wisdom and direction."
What would you do at this point? Perhaps a stare would suffice... What does God do when we play
this game with Him?
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22
Application
As you set in your heart to seek God and hear Him, here are 4 practical keys (shared by Mark Virkler)
that can assist you in opening the door to two way prayer and bring tremendous intimacy to your
Christian experience and way of living. They are all found in Habakkuk 2:1-2.
Key #1:- The Lord answered me and said… (Hab 2:2). God’s voice in our hearts sounds like a flow
of spontaneous thoughts. Therefore when I tune to God, I tune to spontaneity - .
Habakkuk knew the sound of God. For most of us, most of the time, God’s inner voice comes to us as
spontaneous thoughts visions, feelings or impressions. When you listen for God’s voice, listen for a
flow of spontaneous thoughts. When you are poised quietly before God in prayer, you will find, upon
examination that the flow of spontaneous thoughts that comes is from God.
Key #2:- I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart… (Hab 2:1). I must learn to
still my own thoughts and emotions so that I can sense God’s flow of thought and emotions within me.
Habakkuk knew that in order to hear God’s quiet, inner, spontaneous thoughts, he had to first go to a
quiet place and still his own thoughts and emotions. There is a deep inner knowing in our spirit that
each of us can experience when we quiet our flesh and our minds. One of the most effective means of
quieting yourself is through worship songs. Quietly worship God and then become still to listen to
Him.
Key #3:- I will keep watch to see… (Hab 2:1). As I pray, I fix the eyes of my heart upon Jesus, seeing
in the spirit the dreams and visions of Almighty God.
Habakkuk actually was looking for vision as he prayed. Open the eyes of your heart and look for a
vision. The most obvious pre-requisite to seeing is the need to look! Daniel seeing a vision said
“I was looking… I kept looking…I kept looking” (Dan 7:1, 9, 13).
I will pour out my spirit on all flesh…and your young men will see visions… Joel 2:28
Jesus (our perfect example) said He did nothing of His own initiative, but only that which He saw the
Father doing. As you pray look for Jesus and watch for what He is saying, you’d see a spontaneous
inner vision, similar to receiving spontaneous inner thoughts. The bigger challenge is the tendency to
reject it thinking that it is just you. However persist in recording these visions, your doubt will soon
be overcome by faith as you recognize, upon examination, that the content of them could only be
birthed in God.
Key #4:- Write down the vision and make it plain on tablets… (Hab 2:2). The writing out of our
prayers and God’s answers provides a great new freedom in hearing God’s voice.
Write out God’s answers to your questions as Habakkuk was commanded by God. The process is
called journaling. It is a fabulous facilitator to clearly discerning God’s inner, spontaneous flow
because as you journal you are able to write in faith for long periods of time simply believing it is
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God. You don’t have to test it as you are receiving it because when the flow is over you can go back
and test and examine it carefully to make sure that it lines up with the scripture. As you turn to God in
praise and worship seeking His face, write out your questions to God and become still, fix your gaze
on Jesus who is present with you, you will receive a very good thought in response to your question.
Don’t doubt it, simply write it down. Later as you read your notes and examine it in the light of
scripture, you too will be amazed to discover it indeed was a dialogue with God.
Note: For these 4 keys to be effective, it is strongly recommended that you first read through the bible
(at least the New Testament) and you must be submitted to solid spiritual leadership. Whatever is
received must be subjected to careful examination and spiritual authority before acting upon them.
Conclusion
It is normal (and expected) for God to speak to His people. When you are in trouble, it is normal for
you to expect God to send His messengers to help you for He it is who sustains you. It is normal for
God to comfort your heart and speak to you so definitely that you can stand in the middle of trial and
tribulation and boldly proclaim what God gives you to say or do what He empowers you to do. God
speaks to and through His people.
However while we long to know what to do, from the perspective of God, He longs for us to know
Him. Guidance can come in a flash but getting to know someone as infinite as the Lord is an
adventure that never ends. Whereas we want a five minute consultation, the Lover of our souls wants
for us a lifetime of ever-increasing intimacy culminating in an eternity with Him.
The story was told of a man who in utter frustration asked his pastor why God had not been giving him
answers. Unable to hear the pastor’s mumbled reply, the man moved closer asking the pastor to repeat
what he had said. Still unable to hear the reply, he moved closer and closer until finally his ear was
almost touching the pastor. Then he heard the faintest voice, “Sometimes God whispers so that we will
move closer to Him”.
Paul cried out” That I may know Him and the Power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His
suffering, being made conformable unto His death so that by any means I may attain to the
resurrection of the dead. (Philippians 3:10)
Jeremiah was told “Arise go down to the Potters house, there I would cause you to hear my word.
(Jeremiah 18:2)
May we all determine this day to turn our eyes from the distraction of this world and submit our selves
to the will of the Potter to be molded by Him into what He wants us to be as we hear his words and are
made more like Him. Amen.
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Student’s Individual Notes
In a moment of reflection at the end of each topic, write down your answers to the following questions

What have I learnt from the studies (what do I know now that I did not know before)?

What must I do differently in my life?

What specific actions do I need to take and how am I going go about doing them?
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