9.Listening To The Voice Of God - Zac Poonen
Kakinada Meetings - 2011: A Bridal Relationship With Christ
Summary
The central message is the profound privilege of hearing God's voice through the Holy Spirit today, which is superior to the methods used in the Old Testament. The speaker emphasizes that while creation obeys God perfectly, humans often resist His will, making obedience difficult. True discipleship requires immediate and willing submission to what God speaks, resisting the devil's temptation to delay or overthink divine guidance.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The privilege of hearing God speakOne of the most important things in the Christian life is to hear God speaking to us, portrayed prophetically in the Song of Solomon.
The indwelling Holy SpiritAfter the day of Pentecost, God sent His Holy Spirit to live within us, meaning we do not need to travel to find a prophet to know God's will.
Genesis chapter 1 as a picture of our lifeThe creation account shows how God takes a dark, shapeless earth and makes it beautiful through His word and Spirit, just as He works in our lives.
Resisting God versus creation's obedienceWhile inanimate creation and nature obey God perfectly, humans have free will and a conscience, which often leads us to resist God's voice.
Becoming dull of hearingHebrews points out that it is hard to explain spiritual truths when believers become dull of hearing God's word.Hebrews 5:10–11
Treating God's word like physical food and medical adviceWe readily submit to physical food three times a day or medical surgeries prescribed by a doctor, yet we hesitate and delay when God speaks to us.
The example of Jesus waking to listenMorning by morning, the Father awakened Jesus's ear to listen as a disciple, capturing what to say and how to respond to situations.
Martha and MaryMary chose the better part by sitting at Jesus's feet and listening to His word, while Martha was distracted by serving and complaining.Luke 10:38–42
Hearing the voice like a trumpetJohn heard God's voice like a trumpet when he was in the spirit on the Lord's day, calling him to write what he saw.
Personal testimony of obedienceThe speaker shares how delaying baptism hindered his ability to hear God's voice, but immediate obedience restored regular communication with God.
Prioritizing fellowship over workGod is more interested in us listening to His voice and talking with Him than in our busy religious work and service.
Stopping to listen nowWhenever you feel the Lord saying to stop what you are doing, you must drop your tasks and listen to Him to maintain a bridal relationship with Jesus.
