May 12 2008
Bible Study Week 11 - Hearing And Listening To The Holy Spirit
Purpose of This Bible Study Lesson
Today we will study why it is important for Christians to develop their spiritual ears and learn to listen to the Holy Spirit for guidance and direction.
Lesson Objective
This lesson will guide the participants to:
- Discover ways to listen to the Holy Spirit and gain spiritual understanding
- Discover the importance of distinguishing the voice of God today
- Discover five ways of hearing God’s voice amidst other voices
Introduction
There is no shortcut to spiritual understanding. You have to learn to walk with God and to know His voice; otherwise, you will mistake your own voice for His. You may even be fooled by the voice of Satan, or you may hear the clamoring voice of the world. It is so easy to get these voices mixed up. Usually, God speaks to us in a still, small, quiet voice (see 1 Kings 19:11-131 Kings 19:11-13
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before Jehovah. And, behold, Jehovah passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before Jehovah; but Jehovah was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but Jehovah was not in the earthquake:
12 and after the earthquake a fire; but Jehovah was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entrance of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?
). It takes time, prayer, and waiting on God to hear His voice. Nor does God scatter His pearls around recklessly.
He said, “You will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29Deuteronomy 4:29
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
29 But from thence ye shall seek Jehovah thy God, and thou shalt find him, when thou searchest after him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
). God does not reveal Himself to every casual onlooker who would take sacred things and play with them like toys. Pat Robinson writing on this subject says “I have known some adults who treated the gifts of God as if they were just little ornaments to play with. To please God and to receive counsel from Him, people must be both determined and serious”, and not so casual with Him.
Today’s Lesson:
Begin today’s lesson by reading, Luke 2:22-40Luke 2:22-40
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord
23 ,
24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26 And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do concerning him after the custom of the law,
28 then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord, According to thy word, in peace;
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples;
32 A light for revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which were spoken concerning him;
34 and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against;
35 yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,
37 and she had been a widow even unto fourscore and four years), who departed not from the temple, worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day.
38 And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 And when they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
, John 10:22-30John 10:22-30
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
22 And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem:
23 it was winter; and Jesus was walking in the temple in Solomon's porch.
24 The Jews therefore came round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou hold us in suspense? If thou art the Christ, tell us plainly.
25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believe not: the works that I do in my Father's name, these bear witness of me.
26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.
29 My Father, who hath given [them] unto me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father's hand.
30 I and the Father are one.
and Acts 13:1-3Acts 13:1-3
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
13
1 Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was [there], prophets and teachers, Barnabas, and Symeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Just A Closer Walk With Thee
There are many Christians today who are suffering from spiritual deafness. Jesus teaching on the subject said to his disciples that “Having eyes, see ye not? And having ears, hear ye not? And do ye not remember? “(Mark 8:18Mark 8:18
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
18 Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?
). Jesus did not mean to say that his disciples did not have ears, but that their spiritual ears were dull. When Jesus asked Peter “Who do men say that I am?” God through His Holy Sprit revealed to Peter who Jesus was and Jesus replied Peter and said “Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven”. (Mat 16:17Mat 16:17
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven.
). God wants to reveal many things to us today, if only we will listen to Him when He speaks, but the underlining condition is that we must have a close relationship with Christ, and then we will hear the voice of God when He speaks to us as Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice. . . ” (John 10:27John 10:27
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
)
How do we succeed in hearing God’s voice? It is by spending time with God. The ultimate goal is not merely to get direction from God; the ultimate goal is to know God. God can make it difficult for us to get into His presence because He wants to see if we will truly expend the spiritual energy and exercise necessary to do so. Will we stop sinning knowingly? Will we get rid of things that hinder us? Will we truly seek Him with all of our hearts? The greatest commandment means that we give God all our affection, all our attention and avail all our abilities to Him.
Some people only want a quick fix - and they are heard saying “God, tell me how to make money on this business deal, please. See You next time!” And then that is the end of it. But God wants to be treated with reverence and deference that His nature warrants. He wants to change us, not merely give us quick answers to difficult problems. We will never be changed unless we come into His presence, spend time with Him, and allow Him to purify us from our sinful nature.
So how can we know whether we’re hearing the voice of God? The Bible gives us ways through which every possible leading should be judged. We are to carefully examine the thoughts and intentions of our hearts, and the words of godly people who may have influence on us by their words and actions through the use of these ways. God does not contradict Himself. Always rely on written scripture if in doubt.
If it is the voice of God that you hear, then listen i.e. be attentive to note everything you hear and act on it.
Some Ways in Which The Holy Spirit Communicates to Us
- Scripture: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-172 Timothy 3:16-17
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
16 Every scripture inspired of God [is] also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. 17 That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work. ). God spoke and inspired His servants to write the Holy Scripture that we may know His will. We should not read the Bible as a novel or story book. As we read the Scripture and meditate on it, the Holy Spirit is able to speak to us and give us greater understanding of God’s will. Sometimes He may teach us something we did not know or shed new light to something we thought we knew. - The Holy Spirit speaking to our hearts: “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach everyone his fellow citizen, and everyone his brother, saying, ‘know the Lord,’ for all will know Me, from the least to the greatest of them” (Hebrews 8:10-11Hebrews 8:10-11
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel After those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, And on their heart also will I write them: And I will be to them a God, And they shall be to me a people: 11 And they shall not teach every man his fellow-citizen, And every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: For all shall know me, From the least to the greatest of them. ). The Holy Spirit can interrupt our thinking and speak to our consciences. He spoke in a still small voice to Elijah (1 Kings 19:12-131 Kings 19:12-13
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
12 and after the earthquake a fire; but Jehovah was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entrance of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? ). - His gifts through Godly people: The Holy Spirit has equipped some people with ‘prophetic gifts’ (word of knowledge, word of wisdom, personal prophecy). We should not quench the Holy Spirit. Also we should not despise prophetic utterances but we are to examine them carefully and hold fast to that which is good (1 Thess 5:19-211 Thess 5:19-21
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
19 Quench not the Spirit; 20 despise not prophesyings; 21 prove all things; hold fast that which is good; ). Other gifted Christians may be given a special revelation of your circumstances and give you a word of knowledge necessary for you to make a specific decision in your life. - Godly counsel: “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14Proverbs 11:14
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
14 Where no wise guidance is, the people falleth; But in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. ). Do not receive spiritual counselling from people who are not born again. You should know their track record in the faith. Evaluate their counsel using God’s written word. Some people use scriptures selectively to justify their actions or in advising others on what to do. You should be careful. You can ask those giving advice of supporting scritpures (not just one). If possible, consult a few. If you get the same advice from three true God-fearing Christians, especially if they have not consulted with one another, you may rely on it. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed” (Matthew 18:16Matthew 18:16
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
16 But if he hear [thee] not, take with thee one or two more, that at the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may be established. ). - Circumstances and Timing: The Holy Spirit can speak to us through circumstances. It may not always be pleasant to us. God allowed persecution in the early church to ‘force’ the Christians to disperse so as to spread the Gospel. God sees both the big and small pictures. Most often we see only the small picture. Even in the small picture, God can reveal Himself and give us confidence that we are in His will. One time I (Paul) needed assistance in our local church in some duties. I asked God to guide me in choosing the right person for the job. As I looked up I focused on one person in the congregation and asked her if she was willing to assist in this area. She agreed. Some months later, the lady was giving her testimony on how God led her to this church. To cut a long story short, she said that she had asked God to confirm truly whether this was the place she was to serve Him. So the following Sunday when she got to the church she decided to ‘hide’ at the back of the church so that she could not be easily spotted. She told the congregation she did not know how and why I chose her in the crowd, but she then knew God wanted her to serve there. She has been excellent and very dedicated in the work she was assigned. God controls both space and time. His timing is best. Here are some examples why you should allow God to take control of your circumstances (you will be able to see His hand in them) and why you should not “force” His hand in your circumstances or else you will get a negative result.”After these things he (Paul) left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them, and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working; for by trade they were tent-makers” (Acts 18:1-3Acts 18:1-3
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
18 1 After these things he departed from Athens, and came to Corinth. 2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome: and he came unto them; 3 and because he was of the same trade, he abode with them, and they wrought, for by their trade they were tentmakers. — this relationship between Paul, Aquila and Priscilla — which happened as a result of circumstances — became one of the most important strategic partnerships in the book of Acts).Patience is also one of the virtues that we have to cultivate in order to hear God. Sarah and Saul are not good examples of those who are patient. Sarah insisted on giving Abraham her Egyptian maid Hagar who later gave birth to Ishmael instead of waiting for the child of covenant, Isaac. (Gen 16:33Gen 16:33
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
).Saul also could not wait for the prophet Samuel at Gilgal, and feeling impatient, Saul did something only a priest should do; he offered a sacrifice. He had barely finished when Samuel arrived. God was so displeased with Saul over this matter that Saul’s dynasty was taken from him. (1 Sam 13:7-141 Sam 13:7-14
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
7 Now some of the Hebrews had gone over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead; but as for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. 8 And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel [had appointed]: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. 9 And Saul said, Bring hither the burnt-offering to me, and the peace-offerings. And he offered the burnt-offering. 10 And it came to pass that, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt-offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. 11 And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together at Michmash; 12 therefore said I, Now will the Philistines come down upon me to Gilgal, and I have not entreated the favor of Jehovah: I forced myself therefore, and offered the burnt-offering. 13 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly; thou hast not kept the commandment of Jehovah thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would Jehovah have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. 14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: Jehovah hath sought him a man after his own heart, and Jehovah hath appointed him to be prince over his people, because thou hast not kept that which Jehovah commanded thee. )
Week 11: Bible Study Questions For Discussion
- Can you identify which of the five ways were used by God to confirm to Simeon and Anna the Prophetess in the story in Luke 2:22-40Luke 2:22-40
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord 23 , 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. 25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do concerning him after the custom of the law, 28 then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord, According to thy word, in peace; 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples; 32 A light for revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of thy people Israel. 33 And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which were spoken concerning him; 34 and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against; 35 yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed. 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and she had been a widow even unto fourscore and four years), who departed not from the temple, worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 And when they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40 And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. that Jesus was the promised Messiah? Please explain……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. - Why do you think Simeon said that he was now ready to die in Verse 29, 30e 29, 30
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
Izbrano poglavje ne obstaja!?……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. - How can you describe Simeon and Anna’s characters according to verse 25 and verse 37? What type of people were they? Please explain………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
- Compare the character of the apostles in Acts 13:2Acts 13:2
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
2 And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. and that of Anna the Prophetess in Luke 2:37Luke 2:37
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
37 and she had been a widow even unto fourscore and four years), who departed not from the temple, worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day. and note what is common to both of them? Please explain……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. - How can Simeon, Anna and the Apostles way of life influence us to hear God today? Please explain………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
- Which of the five ways would you say is common to us as Christians to hear God when He speaks to us today? Please explain………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
- Would you agree that the apostles heard when the Holy Spirit spoke to them and gave them instructions in Acts 13:1-3Acts 13:1-3
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
13 1 Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was [there], prophets and teachers, Barnabas, and Symeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. - Do you think the apostles obeyed the Holy Spirit in Acts 13:1-3Acts 13:1-3
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
13 1 Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was [there], prophets and teachers, Barnabas, and Symeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. ? Please use Acts 13:4Acts 13:4
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. for your answer……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. - What would you say is the main reason why many Christians do not hear God today in their lives according to what you have learnt today? Please explain………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
A Reflection: Micah 7: 7Micah 7: 7
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
7 But as for me, I will look unto Jehovah; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.
- Patience Pays!
” Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me”.
May we learn to wait patiently on God as we tune our inner ears to listen and distinguish God’s voice from all other voices so that we do not make the mistakes Sarah and Saul made.
Amen.
Rose and Paul
Tags: Bible lessons, Bible study, Christianity, Holy Spirit
