How to Recognize God's Voice Pt. 3
This week’s Bible study built on our previous sessions by exploring the many ways God speaks to His people. Job 33:14-15 reminds us that God is always speaking—sometimes through unexpected means—but we often fail to recognize His voice. Understanding these different ways of communication helps us become more sensitive to His guidance.
1. God Speaks Through Dreams and Visions
Throughout Scripture, God has used dreams to reveal His plans, provide warnings, and give encouragement. Joseph’s dreams (Genesis 37) shaped his destiny, while Pharaoh’s dreams (Genesis 41) set the stage for Joseph’s rise to power. Even non-believers have received divine messages in their dreams, showing that God can use this method to reach anyone.
However, not all dreams are from God. Ecclesiastes 5:3 reminds us that some dreams simply come from our thoughts and daily concerns. This is why discernment and prayer are essential when interpreting dreams.
Visions, on the other hand, happen while awake. Ezekiel saw dry bones come to life (Ezekiel 37), and Peter received a vision that changed his understanding of the gospel (Acts 10). Like dreams, visions require spiritual insight and confirmation to be properly understood.
2. God Speaks Through Prophecy
Prophecy is another way God communicates, offering divine insight, encouragement, and direction. In Acts 21, Philip’s daughters prophesied, demonstrating that this gift is available to all believers (Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17).
While some are specifically called to be prophets, every believer can hear from God and share His truth (1 Corinthians 14:3). Prophecy always aligns with Scripture and should be tested against God’s Word.
3. God Speaks Through Wise Counsel
God often speaks through the wisdom of others. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us that "in the multitude of counselors, there is safety." Seeking guidance from mature, Spirit-filled believers helps confirm what we sense God is saying.
In Acts 15, the apostles gathered collectively to discern God’s will, showing that seeking godly counsel is a biblical principle. When we are uncertain about God’s direction, surrounding ourselves with wise believers provides clarity and reassurance.
Practical Application: How to Confirm God’s Voice
If you believe God is speaking, take these steps to confirm His guidance:
✔ Test the message against Scripture – God never contradicts His Word (1 John 4:1-6).
✔ Seek confirmation through prayer – Ask for clarity and wisdom.
✔ Consult wise, godly counsel – Spiritual mentors can help discern the truth.
✔ Look for peace or warning in your spirit – The Holy Spirit provides inner confirmation (Colossians 3:15).
Next Steps
Review the slides from How to Recognize God's Voice Pt3
Listen to the session recording
Spend time in prayer, asking God to sharpen your spiritual discernment
Final Thoughts
God’s voice is personal and purposeful. Whether through dreams, visions, prophecy, or wise counsel, He desires to guide us into His perfect will. Stay sensitive, seek Him daily, and surround yourself with godly voices that can help you discern His leading.
Let’s continue growing in our ability to hear and respond to God's voice together!
Scripture References:
Job 33:14-15, Genesis 37, Acts 10, Proverbs 11:14, 1 John 4:1-6
This week’s Bible study built on our previous sessions by exploring the many ways God speaks to His people. Job 33:14-15 reminds us that God is always speaking—sometimes through unexpected means—but we often fail to recognize His voice. Understanding these different ways of communication helps us become more sensitive to His guidance.
1. God Speaks Through Dreams and Visions
Throughout Scripture, God has used dreams to reveal His plans, provide warnings, and give encouragement. Joseph’s dreams (Genesis 37) shaped his destiny, while Pharaoh’s dreams (Genesis 41) set the stage for Joseph’s rise to power. Even non-believers have received divine messages in their dreams, showing that God can use this method to reach anyone.
However, not all dreams are from God. Ecclesiastes 5:3 reminds us that some dreams simply come from our thoughts and daily concerns. This is why discernment and prayer are essential when interpreting dreams.
Visions, on the other hand, happen while awake. Ezekiel saw dry bones come to life (Ezekiel 37), and Peter received a vision that changed his understanding of the gospel (Acts 10). Like dreams, visions require spiritual insight and confirmation to be properly understood.
2. God Speaks Through Prophecy
Prophecy is another way God communicates, offering divine insight, encouragement, and direction. In Acts 21, Philip’s daughters prophesied, demonstrating that this gift is available to all believers (Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17).
While some are specifically called to be prophets, every believer can hear from God and share His truth (1 Corinthians 14:3). Prophecy always aligns with Scripture and should be tested against God’s Word.
3. God Speaks Through Wise Counsel
God often speaks through the wisdom of others. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us that "in the multitude of counselors, there is safety." Seeking guidance from mature, Spirit-filled believers helps confirm what we sense God is saying.
In Acts 15, the apostles gathered collectively to discern God’s will, showing that seeking godly counsel is a biblical principle. When we are uncertain about God’s direction, surrounding ourselves with wise believers provides clarity and reassurance.
Practical Application: How to Confirm God’s Voice
If you believe God is speaking, take these steps to confirm His guidance:
✔ Test the message against Scripture – God never contradicts His Word (1 John 4:1-6).
✔ Seek confirmation through prayer – Ask for clarity and wisdom.
✔ Consult wise, godly counsel – Spiritual mentors can help discern the truth.
✔ Look for peace or warning in your spirit – The Holy Spirit provides inner confirmation (Colossians 3:15).
Next Steps
Review the slides from How to Recognize God's Voice Pt3
Listen to the session recording
Spend time in prayer, asking God to sharpen your spiritual discernment
Final Thoughts
God’s voice is personal and purposeful. Whether through dreams, visions, prophecy, or wise counsel, He desires to guide us into His perfect will. Stay sensitive, seek Him daily, and surround yourself with godly voices that can help you discern His leading.
Let’s continue growing in our ability to hear and respond to God's voice together!
Scripture References:
Job 33:14-15, Genesis 37, Acts 10, Proverbs 11:14, 1 John 4:1-6
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