Discerning the Voice of God: An Introduction
Why This Bible Study Topic?
This Bible study will be a series divided into multiple parts. Today’s session serves as an introduction, focusing on the basics of discerning the voice of God. In future sessions, we will dive deeper into this topic.
Many Christians struggle with discerning God’s voice—a vital skill for our Christian journey. Without it, we risk falling into traps, false doctrines, and deception. Understanding how to hear and recognize God’s voice is crucial for knowing His will and walking in alignment with Him.
Before We Get to Scripture: Let’s Define Discernment
Definition: Discernment is the ability to perceive, understand, and judge well—clearly and wisely, often with insight into what is true, right, or best.
In Christian Terms: Discernment is the ability to distinguish between what is from God and what isn’t, making decisions rooted in wisdom, prayer, and faith. We need to be a people who don’t just know right from wrong, but we need to know the difference between right and almost right.
Foundational Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-10
Biblical Background
Samuel was the son of Hannah, a woman who couldn’t conceive but was later blessed with a son after much dedication and prayer. She vowed to give her son back to God, and she followed through on that vow.
As a young boy, Samuel served under Eli, the priest, in the temple of the Lord. He assisted in priestly duties and was learning the ways of priesthood.
Scripture Breakdown
Verse 1: "The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions."
At that time, God's voice was scarce, and people depended on prophets, visions, and signs to hear from Him. Unlike then, today, we have continuous access to the Holy Spirit.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is not an “it” or a thing. He is the third person of the Trinity—God the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. He is the assigned representative of the Trinity and the agent of revelation and illumination for the believer (John 14:16-26).
The Power of the Holy Spirit When we accept Jesus, the Holy Spirit takes residence in us, empowering us with God’s power (Ephesians 1:13).
Breakdown of 1 Samuel 3:4-7
- Samuel heard God’s voice but mistook it for Eli’s.
- He didn’t yet have a relationship with God and thus couldn’t recognize His voice.
- This teaches us that God can reach anyone, even those who do not yet fully know Him, often through the conscience or divine prompting.
Understanding Our Human Design: The Human Tripartite
1. Body – Connects with the physical world through the five senses.
2. Spirit – The core of who we are, designed for connection with God.
3. Soul – Our mind, emotions, will, and conscience.
What Is the Conscience?
The conscience is an internal sense of right and wrong, which God can use to guide us toward His truth. However, it is only trustworthy up to a point, as it is shaped by upbringing and influences.
Note: Your conscience is NOT the voice of God, but the Holy Spirit can use it as a microphone to amplify God’s voice.
Romans 2:14-15 explains that even those who do not know God have a moral compass because His law is written on their hearts.
Being Born Again and Sanctification
Being Born Again When you become a Christian, your spirit is regenerated and made sensitive to God’s voice (Titus 3:5-7).
Sanctification The ongoing process where the Holy Spirit aligns our thoughts and actions with God’s will (Romans 12:2). This allows our conscience to be transformed and better attuned to God’s voice.
Practical Ways to Discern God’s Voice
1. Recognize the Holy Spirit’s Conviction:
- Comes as an inner gut feeling, intuition, or quiet prompting.
- “Red light” (stop), “Yellow light” (wait), “Green light” (go).
2. Test What You Hear:
- Does it align with Scripture? (2 Corinthians 11:14)
- Seek wise counsel and confirmation through prayer.
3. Don’t Ignore the Voice:
- The more you yield to the Holy Spirit, the more familiar His voice becomes.
- If ignored, conviction becomes less clear over time.
Conclusion
- When we accept Jesus, the Holy Spirit takes residence in us, empowering us with God’s power (Ephesians 1:13).
- The same power that’s in God, is the same power that's in the Holy Spirit and it’s the same power we can possess as well when we accept him in our lives.
- How unfortunate will it be if we are believers that never experience the H.S and His power.
Written by Amaria Phillips