Bible Study Recap: How to Recognize God’s Voice (Pt. 2)
This week’s Bible study, led by our pastor, continued our exploration of how God speaks to His people. Building on last session’s discussion, we examined the different ways He communicates with us and how we can sharpen our spiritual sensitivity to recognize His leading.
How God Speaks to Us
The Inner Witness of the Holy Spirit
God primarily speaks to us through an inner witness—a deep knowing in our spirit rather than an audible voice. Romans 8:16 reminds us, “For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.”
In Acts 16:6-10, Paul and his companions planned to preach in Asia, but the Holy Spirit forbade them. Instead, Paul received a vision directing him to Macedonia. This shows us that not every good opportunity is God’s plan—sometimes, He redirects us for a greater purpose.
Intuition: A Sense of Knowing
At times, God speaks through an internal awareness that doesn’t rely on outward signs. This is a divine prompting that directs our hearts.
In Luke 2:25-27, Simeon recognized Jesus as the Messiah without any prior knowledge—just a deep conviction from the Holy Spirit.
Promptings: Divine Nudges
Sometimes, God places an urge in our hearts to act—whether it’s to pray for someone, send a message, or take a step of faith.
Philip experienced this in Acts 8:26-29 when he was led to approach the Ethiopian eunuch. That divine nudge led to a powerful moment of salvation.
A Check in Your Spirit: God’s Warning
Not all opportunities are right for us. When something isn’t aligned with God’s will, we often feel a sense of unease or hesitation.
David experienced this in 1 Samuel 24:5-6 when he felt guilty after cutting off a piece of Saul’s robe. His spirit was unsettled, signaling that his actions were not in alignment with God’s will.
Abiding Peace: God’s Confirmation
While God can give warnings, He also reassures us through peace. Colossians 3:15 tells us to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” When we are in alignment with His will, we experience a deep sense of calm, even in uncertain situations.
Circumstances: God’s Divine Redirections
God sometimes guides us through open and closed doors. What seems like an obstacle may actually be divine protection or redirection.
Paul experienced this when his plans to preach in Asia were blocked, leading him instead to Macedonia—opening the door for the Gospel to spread in Europe (Acts 16:9-10). This reminds us that closed doors are not failures, but often God’s way of guiding us to something better.
Final Reflection
God is always speaking, but are we truly listening? His voice is often gentle, requiring stillness and sensitivity.
Take time this week to reflect:
Next Steps
Slides: How to Recognize God’s Voice Pt. 2
Recording: Listen to the Session
Let’s step into this new season with open hearts, sharpened spiritual ears, and complete trust in His guidance!
This week’s Bible study, led by our pastor, continued our exploration of how God speaks to His people. Building on last session’s discussion, we examined the different ways He communicates with us and how we can sharpen our spiritual sensitivity to recognize His leading.
How God Speaks to Us
The Inner Witness of the Holy Spirit
God primarily speaks to us through an inner witness—a deep knowing in our spirit rather than an audible voice. Romans 8:16 reminds us, “For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.”
In Acts 16:6-10, Paul and his companions planned to preach in Asia, but the Holy Spirit forbade them. Instead, Paul received a vision directing him to Macedonia. This shows us that not every good opportunity is God’s plan—sometimes, He redirects us for a greater purpose.
Intuition: A Sense of Knowing
At times, God speaks through an internal awareness that doesn’t rely on outward signs. This is a divine prompting that directs our hearts.
In Luke 2:25-27, Simeon recognized Jesus as the Messiah without any prior knowledge—just a deep conviction from the Holy Spirit.
Promptings: Divine Nudges
Sometimes, God places an urge in our hearts to act—whether it’s to pray for someone, send a message, or take a step of faith.
Philip experienced this in Acts 8:26-29 when he was led to approach the Ethiopian eunuch. That divine nudge led to a powerful moment of salvation.
A Check in Your Spirit: God’s Warning
Not all opportunities are right for us. When something isn’t aligned with God’s will, we often feel a sense of unease or hesitation.
David experienced this in 1 Samuel 24:5-6 when he felt guilty after cutting off a piece of Saul’s robe. His spirit was unsettled, signaling that his actions were not in alignment with God’s will.
Abiding Peace: God’s Confirmation
While God can give warnings, He also reassures us through peace. Colossians 3:15 tells us to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” When we are in alignment with His will, we experience a deep sense of calm, even in uncertain situations.
Circumstances: God’s Divine Redirections
God sometimes guides us through open and closed doors. What seems like an obstacle may actually be divine protection or redirection.
Paul experienced this when his plans to preach in Asia were blocked, leading him instead to Macedonia—opening the door for the Gospel to spread in Europe (Acts 16:9-10). This reminds us that closed doors are not failures, but often God’s way of guiding us to something better.
Final Reflection
God is always speaking, but are we truly listening? His voice is often gentle, requiring stillness and sensitivity.
Take time this week to reflect:
- Have you experienced any of these ways God speaks?
- Have you ever faced a closed door that led to something better?
- How can you be more intentional in listening for His voice?
Next Steps
Slides: How to Recognize God’s Voice Pt. 2
Recording: Listen to the Session
Let’s step into this new season with open hearts, sharpened spiritual ears, and complete trust in His guidance!
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