1. How does God speak? God speaks to us by his Spirit . . . Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit. . . . Revelation 2:7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 1 Corinthians 2:10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed. . . . Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. God speaks to us by his Spirit . . . using the Bible as a primary tool . . .

God speaks to us by his Spirit. using the Bible as a primary tool God speaks to us by his Spirit . . . using the Bible as a primary tool . . . focusing upon Christ! John 16:14 He [the Holy Spirit] will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. Luke 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he [Jesus] explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. John 5:39 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me,

2. How do we hear God’s voice? We hear God’s voice in our spirit! “There is, in the deepest center of the soul, a chamber of peace where God dwells, and where, if we will only enter in and hush every other sound, we can hear His still, small voice.” ~ Albert Simpson John 3:3, 6 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” . . . 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit. . . .

3. What does God normally say to us 3. What does God normally say to us? God tells us repeatedly we are his children – we are accepted, secure, and significant! Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

“God, do you love me?” “God, how much do you love me?”

A Case Study of Hearing God in the Life of Samuel

1. God loves to talk, and his voice is as clear as any other voice. 1 Samuel 3:4 Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.”

2. Hearing God’s voice is a skill to be learned, and requires Holy Spirit revelation. 1 Samuel 3:7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

Seven Tests to Discern the Voice of God 1. Does it align with Scripture? 2. Is it true to God’s character? 3. Does it make me contrite and humble, or hardened and proud (Isaiah 66:2)? 4. Does it exalt Christ or me? 5. Does it reinforce what God has been saying to me through other sources (Bible, prayer, circumstances, others)? 6. Does it generate faith or fear, peace or confusion (2 Timothy 1:7)? 7. Does it advance Christ’s kingdom or my own?

3. God is glad to repeat himself. 1 Samuel 3:6 Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”

4. God wants your undivided attention. 1 Samuel 3:9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’”

5. What God says may be tested. 1 Samuel 3:17 “What was it he said to you?” Eli asked. “Do not hide it from me. May God deal with you, be it ever so severely, if you hide from me anything he told you.”

6. God’s voice initially spoken to you in private (as if you were the only one listening) is normally confirmed publicly. 1 Samuel 3:18 So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. Then Eli said, “He is the LORD; let him do what is good in his eyes.”

7. The more you listen and obey, the more God speaks to you. 1 Samuel 3:19 The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.

The Holy Spirit comes alongside us – speaking to us as our Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Teacher (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7).